This was bad news that I knew was coming but is still hard to accept. Anne was a dear friend of mine dating back to our days in art school at SVA in New York.  We spent a great deal of time over the years commiserating over the challenges of dealing with the art and entertainment industries, busted or frustrating relationships, ruminating on and sharing observations on our personal psychologies and sharing our excitement over movies, music, art, comics, comedy and whatever else came up. If there was one dominant topic, it was relationships and we shared our woes and confusions on this topic, usually in late night phone calls of sometimes astonishing duration. The one thing I often remarked on with her was our contrasting responses to the social world at large- I steadily withdrew while Anne remained engaged, connected, receptive, curious and adventurous. 

After I moved to Philadelphia these conversations continued but the past few years were a distressing and helpless experience of feeling her fading from view. For someone so vital and spirited, funny and alert and curious, this felt so incredibly unfair.  I have missed her for some time and I always will; I feel incredibly lucky to have known her. 

I had the great pleasure and the true honor to manage CIBO Restaurant just up Second Avenue from Anne's apartment. Known as "Anne's Club",  by her friends, colleagues and family, CIBO was truly fortunate to have Anne as such a wonderful patron and neighbor. In a city full of 8 million strangers, Anne was a kind and thoughtful force of nature. 
CIBO was the spot for Anne's entertaining both large and small. Several Acting Company and Transport Group galas were held at CIBO and Anne was the kind conduit  who made it all happen. Broadway and its benefactors really turned out for those events - we were so glad to be a part of it.
Personally, Anne was very dear to me. I was always touched when each August a box of Super Fancy peaches would arrive at CIBO for me and my hubby. I know the theater world mourns her loss. CIBO shuttered many years ago, but Anne's Club remains as a truly magical chapter in my NYC life.

I first met Ann at an Acting Company gala many years back and thru her met Rick McKay, creator-producer of "Broadway The Golden Age" on which I  became an Associate Producer of that original film - a memorable time. Ann was very dedicated to the arts and to helping theater. Our time together always produced insightful conversations on so many levels. Sincere condolences to her family! She will be missed by many.

I remember  meeting Anne shortly after I married  Elihu in 1965. Belle and Sam Rose's home was around the corner in Scarsdale and we spent our first few summers on Olmstead Road. It was such a happy and lively home with Sidney and Anita, Elaine, Anne and Paul. 

Years later I felt so blessed to be included from time to time in Anne's interests with theatrical production. And of course she lived in the Marlborough-a residence familiar to all the Roses. Anne really had a presence in the theater community for which I admired her. And, she was just such a sweet person. My love to the family at this saddest time. Suzy Rose

OBITUARY

Anne L Bernstein

November 2, 1948 – February 3, 2021

Riverside Memorial Chapel

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