Until the past few years, Bnai Brith was an all-male organization; locally it was proudly known as Bnai Brith Denver Lodge #171. In the old days, the lodge president changed annually and the lodges office moved every few years. One thing, however, was a constant: the dedication and perseverance of the lodges longtime, part-time secretary, Anne Epstein, who passed away this week.
For nearly two decades in the 1980s and 90s, Anne added a needed dose of femininity to a fraternal and community service organization. She was more like a housemother, keeping the Bnai Brith brothers on track administratively.
Some may have thought she was a nudge at times, but as anyone who has worked with a volunteer organization knows, thats often what it takes to get the job done.
Anne Epsteins life was marked by tragedy; she endured the premature deaths of her daughter Elaine and her husband Bernard. After each tragedy, she found a way to move forward. She always conducted herself with dignity and warmth. For this, perhaps she was rewarded with longevity, which afforded her the rare opportunity to walk down the aisle at her great-granddaughters wedding, and to become a great-great-grandmother (!) this past year.
She knew this was special and reveled in it.
Anne Epstein was not a rock star in this community, simply a hardworking, dedicated servant of the Jewish public whose personality added to the fabric and the commitment of Denver Jewry. She will be missed.
Copyright © 2011 by the Intermountain Jewish News
