Emma Bakman

Emma Bakman, 102, of Columbus, Ohio, a resilient woman who lived a life as rich and fulfilling as the century she journeyed through, passed away on September 4, 2026. Born Emma Davidson in Minsk, Belarus, on February 23, 1924, she was a testament to determination and ambition. She survived the starvations of the 1930s in Russia, the disruption of World War II, and the Doctor's Plot during Stalin's era. Undeterred by these hardships, Emma graduated from medical school in 1949 and served her community as a doctor in Russia for 46 years. In 1995, she immigrated to Columbus, Ohio, from Kursk, Russia, where she spent the remainder of her life.

Emma was not only a dedicated medical practitioner but also a woman of many talents and interests. She was an excellent cook and baker, an avid walker who enjoyed her daily 3-mile strolls, and a lover of crossword puzzles and reading. She took up knitting, mastered English in her 70s, and even embraced computer technology at the age of 85, showcasing her enduring spirit and appetite for learning. Emma was also a long-time member of Congregation Tifereth Israel.

Above all else, Emma was a loving and supportive mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was the cherished mother of her daughter, Lidiya (Mikhail); adored grandmother to Polina (Joel) and Vadim: great grandmother to Eliana; and sister, Zina Golod. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lev Bakman; parents, David and Polina Davidson; sister, Raisa Davidson; and brother, Benjamin Davidson. Her family was the heart of her world, and she left an indelible mark on their lives.

Emma's graveside service will be held on Sunday, September 6, 2026, at 1:00pm at New Tifereth Israel Cemetery, 2565 Performance Way, Columbus, Ohio, 43207. As we mourn her passing, we also celebrate the remarkable life she lived, the lives she touched, and the legacy she leaves behind.

Shiva will be at 3:00pm, Sunday, September 6, 2026 at Chabad of Columbus, 6220 East Dublin Granville Road, New Albany.

We encourage those who knew Emma to share their memories, stories, and photos on her memorial page. It will serve as a testament to a life well-lived, a woman well-loved, and a spirit that will continue to inspire and uplift us all.