Rebecca Cohen "Bertie" Milstein

MILSTEIN, Rebecca Cohen "Bertie," widow of Morris Milstein, died peacefully Saturday, May 22, 2010 at Westminster Canterbury. Born February 8, 1911 in Brooklyn, N.Y., to Harry and Fannie Cohen. She moved to Richmond 76 years ago with her husband, who was relocating his family's business as hat manufacturers. She was predeceased by her five brothers and sisters, Irving Cohen, Tillie Dubin, Dave Cohen, Sarah Friedes, and Hymie Cohen. She is survived by her four children, Jane Joel Knox and her husband, Joe of Richmond, Barbara Pesin of New York, Carole Weinstein and her husband, Marcus of Richmond, and Richard Milstein and his partner, Dennis Aquino of New York. Survivors also include four grandchildren in Richmond, Andrew Joel and his wife, Shirley, Jan Starnes and her husband, Jim, David Joel and his wife, Mary Ann, Allison Weinstein and her husband, Ivan Jecklin; and one grandson, Matthew Pesin of Maryland. She was known affectionately as "GG" by 11 surviving great-grandchildren in Richmond, Anna, Emma, Jane and Jimmy Starnes, Andrea, Frazier, Kindler and Bradley Joel, and Marcus, Madeline and Zachary Jecklin. Bertie especially enjoyed teaching reading as a volunteer at John B. Cary School. She was a member of 1st Church of Christ Scientist and later of 2nd Church of Christ Scientist. She was a supporter of Virginia League for Planned Parenthood and Equality Virginia. Bertie has expressed appreciation to all the dedicated staff at Westminster Canterbury for the wonderful care she has received there. A memorial service will be in the chapel at Westminster Canterbury on Tuesday, May 25, at 3 p.m. The family suggests that memorial gifts may be made to Westminster Canterbury Foundation, 1600 Westbrook Ave., Richmond, Va. 23227 or to the charity of your choice.


This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.