OBITUARY: Gertrude Stein, 91
The following obituary was submitted to the Trib by Anne Stein and Elizabeth Stein Frame.
Gertrude Stein, formerly of New York City, passed away at 91 on June 18, 2015. She was born August 27, 1923, in Newark, New Jersey to David & Molly Goodkin. Growing up, she played piano and sang mezzo-soprano. At age sixteen, Gertrude graduated from high school and went to Newark Teachers College for her BA. At age 19 she met and fell in love with Philip Stein, a young artist, who had just enlisted to fight in WW2. They shared a passion for jazz, which bonded their relationship. They eloped to Dothan Alabama, near Philip’s army base and were married before he was shipped off to war in Europe. Gertrude, like many women supporting the war effort, worked in an RCA radio factory, for the war’s duration.
.jpg "Gertrude Stein, with husband Philip, often attended political and tenant rallies and protests. Photo: Courtesy of Anne Stein and Elizabeth Stein Frame")
With the return of peace, Gertrude and Philip moved first to Los Angeles and then to Mexico City where they lived for 10 years, became bi-lingual and had two daughters. In Mexico, Gertrude learned ceramics, weaving and worked as an English tutor. Their community was made up of writers and artists including the muralist, Siqueiros with whom they had a life-ling friendship.
In 1957, returning to the States, the family settled in River Vale NJ, where Gertrude, to support the family, became a 2nd grade teacher at Holdrum Elementary School. She earned a Master’s in Counseling from Fairleigh Dickenson University. She loved living in River Vale and was an avid gardener.
1985 upon retiring, Gertrude and Philip moved to Vilassar de Dalt, just north of Barcelona Spain and discovered an abundance of community in this small historical town. Gertrude tutored children in English and the town acted as a springboard for train travel across Europe.
In 1993 Gertrude and Philip moved to 80 North Moore St in Lower Manhattan. Gertrude immediately became active in her building’s tenant organization and participated in bi-weekly peace vigils. Her passions for the environment, nutrition and civil rights kept her fully engaged.
In July 2014, due to failing health, Gertrude moved to the Wynwood, a Brookdale Community (assisted living facility) in Boulder Co, so she could be near her daughter Elizabeth, who cared for Gertrude in her final year
Gertrude Stein is survived by two daughters, Elizabeth Frame of Boulder, CO,
Anne Stein of Los Angeles, CA, a granddaughter, Xiu Ling Stein-Leonard and a brother, Mortimer Goodkin of New Jersey.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to an environmental organization of choice. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Wendy Marr of Visiting Angels and Family Hospice for their loving support in her final days.