Rollie Hostein

Rollie Hostein (nee Katz), a devoted mother, grandmother, daughter, cousin and friend, died July 14 at the age of 94, surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by her children, Ellen and Jay Auster; Lisa Hostein and Joel Oshtry; grandchildren Zachary, Leah and Jeremy Auster, and Ezra and Sam Oshtry; and great-grandchildren, Harley and Layla Auster.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., where she attended Erasmus High School and Brooklyn College, she always considered herself a New Yorker, even though she lived a good life in Barrington, R.I., for 37 years.

After graduating from college, she became a schoolteacher in the NYC public school system, where she worked for several years before meeting and marrying her beloved husband, Clifford Hostein, in 1956. They had two daughters and in 1961, when the girls were small, the family moved to Rhode Island when Clifford got a job at the Fall River-based Anderson Little Company.

While in “exile” in Rhode Island, she devoted herself to her family, friends and community. She was mostly a stay-at-home mom to Ellen and Lisa. She applied her intelligence and vast array of skills to her family, her home and many volunteer activities.

Rollie and Clifford were among the founders of the Barrington Jewish Center, believing it was important to establish a Jewish presence in the small suburban Providence town. From 1974 to 1976, Rollie served as president of the congregation, which by then was called Temple Habonim. It was so unusual for a woman to serve as a temple president that a local newspaper reported the news with the headline: “A Lady is in Charge.”

Rollie began working outside the home when her youngest daughter was in high school. She first was employed as the director of the Barrington Community School, an adult education program. She also worked at Common Cause, the non-partisan, pro-democracy organization and later worked in development and public relations at Bradley Hospital, a psychiatric hospital for children in Providence.

Throughout her life, she was the most giving, selfless person, always there for anyone in need, whether a family member, friend or stranger. She was a true Renaissance woman, whose passions ranged from lifelong learning to architecture and design, theater and baseball.

Funeral services will take place Thursday, July 16, at 11 a.m. at Riverside-Nassau North Chapels, 55 North Station Plaza (opposite LIRR) in Great Neck, N.Y. Interment to follow at Beth David Cemetery, Elmont, NY.

Donations can be made to Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, or the charity of your choice.