Beverly Hayden

Beverly Hayden, a woman of valor, passed away on Monday, April 13, 2026, one day shy of her 95th birthday. She was a proud Reconstructionist Jew, a mother and wife, a feminist, a philanthropist, and a lifelong champion for the disadvantaged in Philadelphia and beyond. Beverly was a deeply engaged and beloved member of the Penn Center House community and a founding member of Congregation Leyv Ha‑Ir.

Beverly loved her people fiercely, especially her late sons, Gregory Treistman and Peter (Pinchas) Treistman, and her devoted late husband, Jim Taylor (a.k.a. Mr. Sandman).

Born on April 14, 1931, in Brooklyn, New York, Beverly grew up in Bensonhurst and attended New Utrecht High School. At just 16 years old, she began her higher education, earning her bachelor’s degree from Hunter College in 1952. She later earned a master’s degree from Temple University in 1985.

Beverly devoted her professional life to higher education financial aid, working at St. Joseph’s University, the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science (now the University of the Sciences), and other institutions. Through this work, she helped countless students access the financial support that made college both possible and more equitable.

Seeking a spiritually meaningful and intellectually vibrant Jewish community for adult worship, learning, and friendship, Beverly helped found Congregation Leyv Ha‑Ir and served as President. A deep commitment to mutual care and tikkun olam (“heal the world”) remained at the heart of her life and of the congregation she helped build. In a powerful expression of lifelong learning and devotion, she proudly became a Bat Mitzvah in 1992, at the age of 61.

Volunteering in her community was a defining thread in Beverly’s life. One of her most meaningful commitments was visiting patients at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia with Center City Kehillah, where she brought homemade challah to help Jewish patients welcome the Sabbath. She also volunteered at the National Museum of American Jewish History, an institution that reflected stories and traditions she cared deeply about.

Beverly was predeceased by her parents Ray and Louis; her siblings Florence Stillman and Paul Hayden; her sons Gregory and Peter (Pinchas) Treistman; her husband Jim Taylor; her niece Diane Brill; and many other cherished family members and friends.

She is survived by her granddaughter Nicole Mintz Goldstein and her husband Benjamin, and their children Zachary and Maya; daughter-in-law Leah Treistman; stepson Jason Taylor and his wife, Desiree, and their daughter, Sophia; niece Carol Hayden; nephew Jefferey Stillman; grandnephew Sean Ford and his wife, Rebecca Goodstein; grandnephew Aron Ford and his husband, Thomas; grandnephews Storm and Chance Stillman; grandniece Amy Petri; and grandnephews Mark and Jason Brill. She also leaves behind Miri, her beloved cat, and a wide circle of friends and synagogue and community members.

Donations in Beverly’s honor may be made to Congregation Leyv Ha‑Ir or to any organization meaningful to you that is helping to heal the world. You could also celebrate her memory by reading a good book, registering to vote, performing a helpful deed in your community, or enjoying a glass of Riesling on ice.

On Friday, April 24, Leyv Ha‑Ir will host a shiva circle with her loving community in Center City, Philadelphia. For details and to RSVP, click here: www.leyvhair.org.

On Sunday, April 26, at 11:15 a.m., a graveside service honoring Beverly’s life will be held at Knollwood Cemetery in Queens, New York, followed by a luncheon.

Arr. by Joseph Levine & Sons www.levinefuneral.com