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September 2003
In Memoriam:
Miriam Gholikely,
Volunteer Extraordinaire
 The Bay Area lost a dedicated transit advocate when Miriam Gholikely
passed away in late July at the age of 91 after a battle with cancer.
At the time of her death, Miriam had the unique distinction of sitting on all three of
MTC’s citizen advisory panels. She was a member of MTC’s Minority Citizens
Advisory Committee for nearly two decades, also chairing the panel in the mid-1990s. She
also was a founding and continuing member of MTC’s Elderly and Disabled Advisory
Committee and represented senior and minority interests on MTC’s Advisory Council,
which consults with the Commission on a broad range of topics.
In addition to her MTC commitments, Gholikely served on the SamTrans Board of Directors
from 1982 to 1990, rising to the position of chair in 1985. Gholikely also served as a
charter member of SamTrans’ Citizens Advisory Committee and as the first chair of the
San Mateo County Paratransit Coordinating Council. Her activism earned her a spot as a
delegate to the 1981 White House Conference on Aging, and involvement with the California
Senior Legislature. She also served as the vice president of human resources for the
American Public Transportation Association (APTA) from 1987 to 1989.
In 1994 Gholikely was inducted into the APTA Transit Hall of Fame. She was further
recognized when MTC presented her with the Grand Award for transit leadership as part of
its 1982 Transportation Awards Program, and with the Doris Kahn Accessible Transportation
Award as part of its year 2000 Transportation Awards Program.
“I have been a persistent advocate for mobility with dignity for everyone, from
children to elders,” she stated several years ago.
Gholikely was honored for her volunteer work by such entities as the United Way of the Bay
Area, KGO-TV and the San Francisco chapter of the Women’s Transportation Seminar.
Born and raised in Atlanta and trained as a chemist, Gholikely came to California more than
50 years ago. She held several public sector positions before retiring in 1982 to a life of
community service. Her Southern charm, ready smile and diminutive stature belied the dynamo
within who was on a first name basis with state legislators and members of Congress, and
who had a knack for opening doors at all levels of government.
Gholikely is survived by her husband Alexander, children Paul and Angela, and five
grandchildren.
— Brenda Kahn
Donations may be made to:
Miriam Gholikely College Fund
c/o Washington Mutual
2800 Junipero Serra Boulevard
Daly City, CA 94015
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