Anne (Sohcot) Watstein

Anne Watstein’s motto was, “Life is short, eat dessert first!” Her life was not short. She passed away peacefully on January 8, 2016 at the age of 99. Anne was born in New Haven, CT to Esther and Max Sohcot. Her five brothers, as well as her beloved sister, Rose Sohcot Leichtman, pre-deceased her.

Anne married Morton Watstein in 1943, and together, they raised their 2 children in Hamden. Morton died in 1988 and Anne continued to live in Hamden surrounded by life-long friends and her fellow employees at Spector’s jewelry store where she was a bookkeeper for 45 years.

She moved to West Hartford to be closer to her family when she was 90. Her life was not always sweet. While there were many difficult times, her zest for life, her unconditional love, sense of humor, and kindness made her special to so many people, especially her children Maxine and Dr. Richard Kates of Avon, CT, attorney Raymond and Sharon Watstein of Sharon, MA, and a dear niece Merle Leichtman Crystal and her husband Richard of Naples, FL, along with many loved nieces and nephews.

Anne was the matriarch of the family who everyone turned to for advice, and her wisdom and understanding made her more beloved. Her famous chopped liver was copied by many, but never equaled. She knit blankets for all her grandchildren and tried so hard to make them for her great grandchildren. Even when it was difficult, she persevered and was so proud of her work.

She was affectionately called “Mamu” and found such joy with her grandchildren – Robin and Dr. Jeffrey Walden, Stephen and Shana Kates, Julie and Richard Daniels, Rabbi Adam and Angelina Watstein, Matthew and Suzie Watstein, as well as her dear nephew Austin Crystal.

Her great-grandchildren were the frosting on the cake. She adored Matthew, Lauren, and Alexis Walden, Jordan and Madison Kates, Naomi, Roee and Kayla Watstein, and Samantha and Allison Daniels. Her companion and dearest friend, Annperetta Armstrong, was the angel in her life, and she was always there to comfort and boost her spirits. It was a love between 2 special people.

Anne was a resident at the Hebrew Home in West Hartford for almost 6 years. The care and compassion of the nurses and CNA’s on 2N were appreciated, especially the hospice team who made sure her last days were comfortable. The respect that the entire Hebrew Home team gave Anne meant so much to the family.

A graveside service and burial will be held TODAY, Sunday, January 10th at noon at the United Israel Cemetery on Fitch Street, New Haven, with Rabbi Adam Watstein officiating. Shiva will be held at the home of Maxine and Richard Kates in Avon on Sunday night at 7:00 with services at 7:30 and Monday afternoon from 2-4:00 p.m. Contributions may be made to Hebrew Home and Hospital, 1 Abrahms Boulevard, West Hartford, CT 06117. Arrangements are entrusted to Weinstein Mortuary. For further information or to sign the guestbook for Anne, please visit on/line at www.weinsteinmortuary.com/funerals.cfm