Ruth Epstein

Ruth Epstein, 87, of Deal, died Saturday May 26, 2012 at Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, NJ. Epstein had an illustrious career at the Jewish Community Center, Deal Park, NJ, rising to the position of Executive Director, during which she oversaw major membership and building expansion, as well as the Jewish Community Center in Manapalan. Upon her retirement in 1990, Senator Frank Lautenberg lauded her for her inspiring leadership and sound fiscal management, and U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. honored her for her dedication. A tireless advocate and leader, she served as president of the local chapter of the Association of American University Women, as an officer of the AAUW state board, and as chair of the AAUW public lecture series at Monmouth College. She was also active in a wide variety of organizations including Hadassah, Planned Parenthood and Citizens Against Water Pollution. Raised in Greensburg, PA, she earned her BA and MS at the University of Pittsburgh, where she served as president of her sorority Phi Sigma Sigma. Epstein taught high school English, French and elocution in Derry Township, PA, mentoring the first African American student who won the Pennsylvania statewide elocution competition. After moving to Manhattan, she worked for the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, then led the lecture bureau of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. In 1955, upon her marriage to Fort Monmouth physicist Seymour Epstein, she moved to the Shore area. A devoted mother of four, she was an active class parent, Cub Scout den mother and Girl Scout leader.

She is survived by her husband Seymour of 56 years; two daughters, Nadine Epstein (John) of Washington D.C., Marcy Epstein of Ann Arbor, MI two sons, Donald Epstein (Jeanne) of Ocean Township, NJ, Michael Epstein (Molly) of Santa Monica, CA and her grandchildren, Charles (Hali), Raquel (Amir), Ralph, Jeffrey, Noah, Joseph and Max. She was the beloved daughter of Max and Dora Goldberg, who emigrated from Eastern Europe.

Services are 9:30 Tuesday at Bloomfield-Cooper Jewish Chapels, 2130 Hwy. 35 with internment to follow at Brothers of Israel Cemetery, West Long Branch, NJ.

Bloomfield-Cooper Jewish Chapels, Ocean Twp. is in charge of arrangements.