Estelle (Siker) Bernstein

Estelle Siker Bernstein, M.D. Pediatrician, Public Health Physician, mentor, and contributor to the community, died peacefully at age 89 on Sunday (June 29, 2008), surrounded by her family. She received her BA from New York University, and received her MD from the Women’s Medical College of Pennsylvania. She began practice as a pediatrician then joined the Pediatric Section of Montefiore Medical Group in New York. She moved to Connecticut and worked at the Connecticut Department of Health (now the Department of Health Services) as a pediatrician. She received her MPH from Yale Medical School then served as the Chief of the Maternal and Child Health Section. She served until her retirement in 1987 as Director of the Community Health Division. Dr. Siker pioneered and implemented many successful programs that improved the lives of state residents: the WIC program providing supplementary foods for pregnant women and children; day care licensing; school based health clinics; screening programs for genetically heritable diseases such as PKU and sickle cell disease; lead screening; and participation in addition of fluoride to Connecticut’s drinking water. After retiring, Dr. Siker remained active in the public health field. She served as president of the Connecticut Public Health Association, chaired the Child Day Care Committee of the Connecticut Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and was president of the Hartford Adolescent Health Council. She received recognition for her many years of work on behalf of Connecticut children and families. She was proudest of the CEA Winslow award given by the Connecticut Public Health Association. She received citations from two Connecticut Governors and was honored to have an award of the Connecticut Association of School Health named after her. The Estelle Siker, MD MPH Award is special recognition granted to those who personify the ideals of health service and humanitarianism in their professional lives and have made outstanding contributions to Connecticut school health in their work. Dr. Siker was wife of the late Rabbi Henry O. Bernstein. She is survived by her brother E. Siker MD of Pittsburgh, by sons Joel and his wife Sherry, and children Aaron, Alexa, and Adina, of Marlborough, and son Jonathan and his wife Linda and their daughter Rachael, of Silver Spring, MD. The graveside service will take place at the Rodfe Zedek Cemetery, Leesville Road, Moodus, CT Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at 11 a.m. On Sunday afternoon of July 20th, 2008, a Memorial Service will be held at Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek in Chester. In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to: Connecticut School Based Health Centers, Inc., P.O. Box 771, North Haven, Connecticut 06473. Arrangements entrusted to Weinstein Mortuary.com.