Denver native Shirley Epstein passed away on September 15, 2025, at the age of 96. A service was held on September 17 at Congregation Rodef Shalom. Feldman Mortuary made the arrangements.
Born in 1929, Mrs. Epstein (née Wein) volunteered at the Jewish Consumptives’ Relief Society as a teenager. She attended DU before meeting her husband, Joseph Epstein, an Army medic during WW II.
The couple began their life together in eastern Washington before returning to Denver, when Mr. Epstein founded Capitol Hill Blueprint, which Mrs. Epstein managed following her husband’s death in 1989.
While raising their three children, Mrs. Epstein completed her bachelor’s degree in English at CU Denver, and earned a master’s in library science at DU.
She worked for many years as a research librarian at the United Bank of Denver.
She was “a woman of conviction as well as intellect,” her family said, “Shirley was known for her progressive views. She was a quiet but consistent advocate for racial equality, immigrants and environmental stewardship.”
Survivors are children Alan (Barbara Mann) Epstein, Mark (Joan) Epstein and Barbara (Steven) Becker; and grandson Joseph Epstein.
Contributions may be made to Rodef Shalom or The Nature Conservancy.
