June Rothstein

June Mehrberg Rothstein, daughter of Rubin and Laura (Bolton) Shapiro, passed away of natural causes on December 20, 2020. She was born in Brooklyn, NY on June 23, 1931, and soon became known as Rusti for her bright red hair. She attended Music and Art High School and Juilliard, and was a first-generation college graduate from Adelphi University. During high school and college, she was a concert violinist and served as concert mistress in three separate orchestras. As a 16-year-old, she performed at Carnegie Hall. After graduating college, Rusti worked as a teacher.

On September 14, 1952, she married Julius Mehrberg in New York City. They had four children, Randy Mehrberg (Michele Schara), Peter Mehrberg (Joyce), Jill Mehrberg, and Pam Siegman (Stuart). She and Julius divorced in 1980, but remained amicable, sharing their children’s and grandchildren’s lives. Once her children were grown, she earned a master’s degree in Counseling from NYU in 1982. In addition to her private practice, she volunteered at the Port Authority’s battered person project. In 1986, Rusti married Alex Rothstein, and was devoted to him and his children, Larry Rothstein (Nina) and Debbie Levine (Steve), and their children.

Rusti was a 60 year resident of Great Neck, NY, and was always eager to welcome her family and friends into her home. She was well known for her generosity, kindness, unconditional love, and devotion to her family and friends. Rusti was passionate about music, art, and theater. She always lived with a flair, acted in Community Theater into her late 80s, made jewelry, painted, and sang until her death. She delighted in painting her nails different colors all at once.

She is survived by her husband Alex, her children and grandchildren Dillon, Sam, Eric, Ari, and Sarah Mehrberg, Sean and Sydney Siegman, Ira Rothstein (Lindy), Adam Rothstein (Samantha), Alyssa Schwartz (Scott), and Corey Levine (Danielle), and several great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her mother and father, and brother Daniel Shapiro.

Funeral services will be held at Nassau Knolls Cemetery in Port Washington, NY on December 22, 2020. In lieu of flowers, donations in Rusti’s memory may be made to Great Neck Social Center, 80 Grace Avenue, Great Neck, NY.