Beth WEINSTEIN Obituary

WEINSTEIN, Beth
Beth Weinstein, 61, of West Hartford, died at Arden Courts of Farmington, on January 29, 2012 of Alzheimer's Disease. Born in Philadelphia, PA, the eldest of four daughters of Ralph and Dorothy Weinstein, she and her family moved to Las Vegas after the death of her father in 1960. She graduated from Las Vegas High School, received a B.S. from Barnard College in 1971, and an MPH from Yale University in 1973. She began her career as an environmental analyst for the Connecticut DEP, then as Director of Health Projects at CCRG, then consultant to the OPM. From 1981 to 2002 she worked for the Connecticut Dept. of Public Health, first as Block Grant coordinator for Preventive Health and Maternal and Child Health. She was Assistant Director and then Director of the Preventable Disease Division, and from 1987 to 2002 Director of the AIDS Division. In 1992 she helped usher in the law that led to the first needle exchange program in the country. She was honored in 1990 for her work by the Connecticut AIDS Action Council. She lectured in Public Health at the Yale School of Medicine. Beth was a frequent visitor to the state capitol and LOB, where she lobbied and testified tirelessly for numerous public health issues. She helped found Kehilat Chaverim and sang with the West Hartford Women's Chorale. She loved Israeli folk dancing and singing Broadway musicals and Hebrew hymns. She traveled to all parts of the globe, but loved Paris best. Beth is survived by her husband, Dr. Richard Epstein of West Hartford; daughter, Rachel Weinstein Podolsky of New York City; step-son Noah Epstein of New York City; mother and step-father Dorothy and Paul Eisenberg of Las Vegas; sisters Joan Weinstein of Los Angeles, Ruth Weinstein of Israel, and Amy Weinstein of Pasadena; and an uncle and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She will be remembered for her commitment, integrity and, finally, courage in the face of her disease. She will be missed by family, friends, colleagues, and the many people whose lives she touched.
A public memorial service will be held at a future date. Donations may be made in her name to the Alzheimer's Research and Prevention Foundation and/or the Alzheimer's Association.

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Published by Hartford Courant on Feb. 3, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Beth WEINSTEIN

9 Entries

Adriana Falcon Trafford

April 9, 2012

Dear Beth
Premature Alzheimer stole Beth from all who loved her. As her friend and neighbor, I will always remember Beth for her bright and incisive mind, her gentle and warm manner, her hospitality and pleasure in hosting delicious and tempting brunches, later prepared by Richard, her husband, and for the pleasure she found in walking and in nature. Beth loved music, especially musicals whose lyrics she still remembered and sang even in the advanced stages of the disease. You will not be forgotten, dear Beth.

Gordon Joachim

February 22, 2012

Beth was truly one of the most remarkable people I have ever known. I was more than fortunate to have Beth as one of my supervisors while I was assigned to the Ct. Dept of Health. Her brilliance, common sense, wonderful sense of humor, and ability to work effectively with divergent groups and individuals was quite amazing. I will always cherish having lunch with her at spots around Hartford, sharing our most recent personal news and chuckling at the absurdity of life's events. My deepest condolences to Richard, Rachel and other family members.

Mo Cacace

February 7, 2012

Beth possessed charisma and charm and the wonderful ability to work with all types of people. Beth always made you feel special when you were in her presence. Her legacy will be her strength and kindness. We could all learn from her example. Mo Cacace, Denver, Colorado

February 7, 2012

I went to high school with Beth at Las Vegas High School, class of 1967. Even though I did not know her very well, she seemed to be a very nice and industrious person who was obviously destined to be successful in whatever endeavor she chose.

In reference to the "dash", the small '-' symbol between one's birth-date and death-date which represents ALL that was their life, deeds and contributions, it seems that Beth's "dash" was indeed profound, significant, and full. My heartfelt sympathies to her family. Syd Rabin

Mary Jane Engle

February 6, 2012

Through my years in local public health Beth was always available to me to provide her invaluable insight and expertise. But what I remember most about Beth is her smile! My deepest sympathy to her family.

Carol (Peterson)Salsbury

February 4, 2012

What an extraordinary person. What an extraordinary life. Beth taught me much at the Dept.of Health. She was a leader with a sharp, incisive mind who used it to help society. She will be missed.

February 3, 2012

Beth was a wonderful person and an important national leader in the struggle to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. I express my most sincere sympathy to her husband, her daughter and the rest of her family. May she rest in peace.
Dr. Ronald O. Valdiserri
Washington, DC

Carol Jones

February 3, 2012

What a loss for the community and her family. Beth was an extraordinary woman and I know her memory will live on through so many of us. My sympathy to her family.

February 3, 2012

I remember Beth very well and her years working at CT State Department of Health. May she rest in peace!

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