Rae Epstein

Rae Dimow Epstein (23 March 1917-6 February 2012) died peacefully in her sleep at home, surrounded by many of her loved ones, as was one of her final wishes. Predeceased by Jake Epstein (1998) she was a teacher, mentor and inspirational role model for all who knew her.

From her early dance career, through her years as a Head Start teacher and beyond, she was a devout worker for peace and justice and deeply involved in political action. Born in Indiana to Jewish Immigrant parents, Rae and her family spent their formative years in NYC. Through her Union activities she met Jake, whose one-leggedness did not deter this dancer. When she was 29 they moved to Cleveland, Ohio, becoming part of a warm, intellectual community that would sustain them for nearly 60 years. It was here that her 3 sons were born. Edward, actor/ builder/couples’ therapist; Daniel, musician/story teller/pediatrician; Kenneth, adventurer/wood worker/rheumatologist. Later in her life, now rich with Yoga, Rae discovered she was good with clay. In her 80’s she spent wonderful hours creating beautiful sculpture. She continued working as an artist until her early 90’s. As her strengths lessened, her now spread-out-family convinced her to accept her middle son’s offer to bring her to live with him and his family. On her 92nd birthday she flew, with her only granddaughter, Jennah Buckaroo, from Cleveland to her new home in Cambridge, MA.

In the almost 3 years of living in Cambridge, she made many new friends and joined the Red Sox Nation with gusto. Among those mourning her passing, but cherishing her long and generous life are Ken Epstein and Karen Holder, with Max, Josh and Gabe of AZ; Dan Epstein and Rozann Kraus, with Jennah, Ahli and Connor in Cambridge; Ed Epstein and Polly Young-Eisendrath (VT) and Ed’s son, Noah Epstein and Rachel Brooks Epstein with Izzy and Will, her 2 great grandchildren; Amber Rickert with Clive and Colin and Melissa Rickert. Rae will also be missed by her young brother, Joe Dimow of New Haven, CT and assorted mishpacha Carl Dimow, Jody Meredith, Rena Leib, Gil Leib, Bronwyn Mills, Lou and Sandi Kraus with Rachel. Dear life–long friends Bea Silverberg, Mickey Stern, Betty Root, Phyllis Marzon and Beth Streeter. The amazing new friends from here the Susans, Sues, Suzannes and Nomi who helped her so much in this last chapter and so many other friends and relations who’ve been part of Rae’s excellent legacy.

Causes that were dear to Rae:

the ACLU of MA aclu.org

Americans for Peace Now peacenow.org

TROMP TROMPcambridge.org