Rebecca (Strouch) Wolinsky

Rebecca (Strouch) Wolinsky, 91, of West Hartford, died Saturday (May 9, 2009) surrounded by her family. She was the widow of Isadore J. Wolinsky and daughter of Frank and Gussie (Lieblich) Strouch. Becky grew up in Hartford and graduated from Weaver High class of 1936B. “Sarge” was awarded the Bronze Star for her World War II service as a WAC. Upon returning to Hartford, she married Isadore with whom she spent 54 wonderful years. In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, Becky was an award-winning photographer and community activist, helping to found the Blue Hills Civic Association, Citizens’ Charter Committee, and Beth Shalom Synagogue. She was also a member of Beth Hillel Synagogue and Temple Sinai. Becky earned a BA in English and education at UConn and an MA in English from CCSC and taught English and drama at Simsbury High School for many years. In retirement Becky pursued new passions, including organic gardening and birdwatching, and continued her community involvement, helping to found Friends of the Granby Library. After Izzy’s death, she moved to Chatfield where she plunged into activities and made many new friends. Rebecca is survived by a sister, Sarah Resnick of Niantic; a son, Nathan, and his wife Diane of Tuxedo, NY; daughters and sons-in-law Esther and Saul Spigel of West Hartford, Robin and Ernest Krieger of Newton, MA, and Toby and Moshe Liebowitz of Riverside, RI; and grandchildren Jessie and Ben Spigel, Carrie and David Krieger, Adam and Gabriel Liebowitz, and Isaac Krauss. She was predeceased by brothers George and Charles. The family wishes to thank Lesa Rowes, whose compassionate care at the end of Becky’s journey was a blessing, and to the staffs of UConn Health Center and Hartford Hospital palliative care unit. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 12 at 1 p.m. at Temple Sinai, 41 West Hartford Road, Newington, Rabbis Jeffrey Bennett and Philip Lazowski officiating. Interment follows at Beth Hillel Cemetary, East Granby. A period of mourning will be observed through Thursday evening at the home of Esther Spigel, 134 Argyle Avenue, West Hartford. Donations in Rebecca’s memory may be made to Temple Sinai or Fidelco Foundation. Arrangements are entrusted to Weinstein Mortuary, Hartford. For further information, directions, or to share memories of Rebecca with her family, please visit online at www.weinsteinmortuary.com.