Libby Pinkes

PINKES, Libby (Silverman) Libby (Silverman) Pinkes of West Hartford died Sunday (May 17, 2009). She was born in Norwich on May 16, 1927 to Morris and Anna Silverman. She was predeceased by her husband and the love of her life, Dr. Sam Pinkes, her daughter, Lynn Pinkes, her sister, Kay Silverman, her brothers, Ari and Sidney Silverman and her nephew Bart Gordon. She graduated from the Beth Israel Hospital's Nurse's Training in 1950 and worked at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston where she became head surgical nurse at the age of 23. She met her future husband, Dr. Sam Pinkes, at Beth Israel Hospital. They were married in 1953 and moved to Fort Leonard Wood, MO, in 1954 where Dr. Pinkes served as an army captain. They later relocated to Hartford then West Hartford where Libby lived for over 45 years. She was active in Mount Sinai Hospital's auxiliary and was a member of the Emanuel Synagogue where she served on many committees and was a life member of the Board. A tribute dinner honoring her many years of service to the Emanuel was held in November 2008. She was also a lifelong member of Hadassah and was a Hand of Healing Honoree of that organization. She was a great supporter of the arts and education. She studied sculpture with the late Elbert Wienberg and was for many years was involved in the art of pottery. She was a lifelong learner having studied many subjects both at home and in her travels around the world; she became a Master Gardner and graduated from a two year Beit Midrash program of Jewish study. She has also been a longtime supporter of the Watkinson School, helping many students obtain an education through the Head Scholars program. She was tirelessly devoted both to her immediate family and to her extended family. For over 40 years she enjoyed her summers in the close-knit community of Beach Park in Clinton leaving behind many great friends and wonderful memories. She was an avid sailor with her late husband with whom she enjoyed cruising to destinations from Long Island Sound to Nantucket Sound. She is survived by her son, Andrew of West Hartford, his wife, Suzanne and their children, Samantha, Nathaniel and Ethan who were the light of her life. She is also survived by her brother Melvin Silverman of Fairfield and his wife Beverly and their children; her brother David Silverman of Sun City West, AZ and his wife Iris; her sister Adele Gordon of Rochester, NY, and her husband David and their daughter Meryl Gordon; her niece Dr. Mindy Sotsky of Scarsdale, NY, and her husband Dr. Mark Sotsky and their children; her niece Debbie Greenberg of Bronx, NY, and her husband Marty and their children; her nephew Earle Silverman of Chicopee, MA, and his wife Collette, and her niece Ann Campbell of Oakdale and her husband Kent and their children. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Marge Gassner and her nieces, Lisa Gassner and Lori Warchol and her husband David and their children, all of West Hartford, and many other relatives with whom she enjoyed many of life's celebrations. She leaves behind many loving and devoted friends, including Julie Ross who was a tireless source of support and caring. Funeral services will be held at the Emanuel Synagogue on Wednesday May 20 at 11 a.m., Rabbi Philip Lazowski and Cantor Sanford Cohn officiating. Interment will follow at The Emanuel Synagogue cemetery in Wethersfield. Shiva will be observed at the home of Andrew and Suzanne Pinkes, 29 Fawn Brook in West Hartford through Saturday May 23. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Libby's memory to the Emanuel Synagogue 160 Mohegan Drive, West Hartford, CT, 06117; to the Watkinson School 180 Bloomfield Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105; or to Hadassah c/o Mrs. Faith Helene 43 Carlyle Road, West Hartford, CT 06117. Funeral arrangement provided by Hebrew Funeral Association, Inc.