Philanthropic icon and Kline Galland champion Rebecca Benaroya leaves a legacy at 103
March 2, 2026 | General, Other News, Uncategorized
Prominent Seattle philanthropist, Rebecca Benaroya, whose remarkable contributions helped shape the fabric of the city, died Wednesday in Palm Springs, California. She was 103.
One of Kline Galland’s most dedicated and generous supporters, Becky, along with her late husband, Jack, left an incredible legacy and an indelible mark on our organization and community.
Ardent in their belief in Kline Galland’s mission – to provide exceptional senior care, rooted in Jewish values, Becky and Jack helped lay the philanthropic foundation on which our organization stands today.
Born Rebecca Benoun in 1923 in Seattle to Turkish and Greek parents, Becky was a proud first-generation member of Seattle’s Sephardic Jewish community. As a child, she was close with her beloved grandfather, who imparted his wisdom and life lessons over cups of Turkish coffee.
“He never thought money was important,” Becky said. “He always felt it’s a gift while you’re on this earth. And the most important thing is a good name, that’s what you leave when you leave this earth.”
Becky also held fond memories of her mother’s years spent at Kline Galland in Seward Park, which left a lasting impression and fostered a deep connection with the organization.
“Years ago, when I would visit my mother at Kline Galland Home, she would tell me in Ladino, ‘Thank G-d there’s a facility like this for us to live our remaining days with dignity.’ It’s important that we don’t take Kline Galland for granted,” she said.
Over the years, Becky served on our board and, along with Jack, provided invaluable leadership and direction to our operations, for which we are profoundly grateful. Their impact has forever changed Kline Galland for the better.
Becky continued to offer her insightful guidance into the last year of her life, during which she became a founding member of Kline Galland’s Fine Art Committee, blending her love for art with her commitment to our mission.
From the early days with Foundation President Emeritus and then CEO, Joshua Gortler, to the creation of Benaroya Services, Kline Galland’s Home Health, Home Care, Hospice, and Palliative Care resources, Becky led by example – seeing the need and acting as a champion for building a stronger organization to serve our community.
Becky’s generosity will also be well-remembered beyond Kline Galland across our region through her other cherished causes including Seattle Symphony’s Benaroya Hall, Virginia Mason’s Benaroya Research Institute, the Pichuck Glass School, College Success Foundation, and Tacoma Art Museum’s Benaroya Collection.
The great scholar and author, Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, taught, “Acts of kindness never die. They linger in the memory, giving life to other acts in return.”
Becky will be remembered for her warm and welcoming nature, witty sense of humor, and genuine and engaging spirit.
May Becky’s memory be a blessing and inspire us all to follow in her footsteps of thoughtful generosity and compassion.
To learn more about Becky’s legacy and the Kline Galland services that bear her name, click here.
