Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
ARLEEN RIFKIND Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for ARLEEN RIFKIND
Loretta Merlo
June 8, 2021
Dr. Rifkin and I had a special relationship. We knew each other for many years without fully realizing this fact. She would come to the library at Weill Cornell, where I've worked for 40 years, to do her research- long before we had online resources or even computers - so I knew her quite well in that context. One day, however, I received a call from her. She asked me if I was sitting down. My mind immediately went to an adverse scenario – had one of my staff done something to result in a complaint? As I sat down, she told me that her mother was Regina Brenner, the woman who owned the lingerie boutique my grandmother worked in as a seamstress. Suddenly, we were tied together in a way that neither of us ever realized before.
I had been working on a scrapbook about my grandmother. While doing my research, I posted a photo on Ancestry.com, which was, at that time, a blog, more or less. Someone in Dr. Rifkin's family recognized the picture of my grandmother, her mother, Regina Brenner, and the other women who worked in her shop and made the connection for us.
From that day on, Dr. Rifkin and I were BFFs. She always greeted me with a hug whenever we met, asking about my family- as if we were family. I brought the scrapbook about my grandmother to my office one day, and she and I went through it page by page. I cherished the moments we shared.
My grandmother so admired Mrs. Brenner and often spoke of her. And I so admired Dr. Rifkin. I will miss her kindnesses. May her memory be a blessing.
Judy Quinn
April 11, 2021
Arleen and I were best friends in elementary school. We made clothes for out dolls with scrap silk from the Brenners’ exquisitely sewn lingerie business, once told a policeman in Central Park that there were Nazi spies in the playground, and have a photo of Arleen (age 7-8?) lifting her skirt high to prove that although she was shirt, she did have knees. So many memories.
Roberta Cooper
April 7, 2021
My husband and I got to know Arleen through our common love of chamber music. She came to many performances that we played, both in public and even once in her lovely apartment. We offer our deepest condolences to Robert and the rest of the family. Arleen was a wonderful person and we will miss her so much.
Denise Jenkins
April 6, 2021
Rest in Peace, Dr. Rifkind! I am glad I met you when I came to Cornell. I will cherish the memories that I made with you.
Jessica Tyler
April 6, 2021
I am very sorry to hear this news and my thoughts are with Arleen's family. I go to know Arleen through the General Faculty Council (GFC) at Weill Cornell Medicine. She was always a very strong proponent of fair and respectful treatment of our faculty, particularly for our female and diverse faculty, and she was extremely supportive towards me and my efforts on the GFC. She had such energy and fire - and was an inspiration to me and, am sure, to many others in science. She will be missed for sure.
Helene Williams Spierman
April 5, 2021
I did not know her, but I know her sister. Arleen sounds like a powerhouse. The world will be the less for her absence.
STELLA Homicki
April 5, 2021
In loving memory of a wonderful sister.
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
Make a Donation
in ARLEEN RIFKIND's name
Memorial Events
for ARLEEN RIFKIND
How to support ARLEEN's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor ARLEEN RIFKIND's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
