Ann S. Bernstein

Ann grew up in South Orange, the daughter of a music teacher in the Newark School System and a Westinghouse engineer. She graduated from Douglas College of Rutgers University and was a substitute teacher in the Livingston school system for many years.

Ann had myriad interests, which she pursued passionately. From gardening, hiking, world travel, cooking and birding, Ann always had an engaging story to tell about her latest adventure, most of which took place by the side of her beloved husband of 64 years, Alan.

Education, particularly Jewish education, was vitally important to Ann. She taught sixth grade for many years at Temple B’Nai Jeshurun in Short Hills and was well known for her lessons on The Holocaust.

A pioneer in the Soviet Jewry movement, Ann counseled scores of travelers on the finer points of meeting with Soviet Jews who had been denied visas to emigrate by a repressive regime. Those travelers brought clothing, religious supplies and most importantly, hope, to people who needed it. Years later, when visas were finally granted, Ann obtained a degree in English as a second language and taught English to new arrivals, eager to make their mark in this land of opportunity.

Her family and friends will miss her greatly.

Ann was predeceased by her beloved husband Alan, and is survived by her son David, her daughter-in-law Sue and her grandson AJ, of Berkeley Heights, whom she loved with all her heart. Services are being handled by Bernheim Apter Funeral Home. Donations in Ann’s memory may be made to The New Jersey Audubon Society or The Highlands Coalition.