Gloria M. Bein, 97, of West Hartford, CT, passed away peacefully at Hartford Hospital on Monday evening, February 19, 2018. She was born in Brooklyn, New York, on November 16, 1920. She was the daughter of Adolph and Fannie Greenberg. Gloria attended public schools in Brooklyn, New York, and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School. At the age of 21, she married her sweetheart, Irving, and moved to Willimantic, CT, where she lovingly raised their three children. For a short time,Gloria and Irving moved to Florence, South Carolina, where there was a small Jewish community. She did everything to make this her home, but the town did not satisfy her religious needs. Due to her passion for Judaism, she and Irving eventually decided to move to West Hartford, CT, because they felt it offered the best religious environment. There, she joined the Emamuel Synagogue, which over time, became her second family. Her knowledge, enthusiasm, leadership, and energy was well known throughout the community as shown by the multitude of awards, memberships, and accolades that she had received. They are proudly displayed on the walls throughout her home. At the Emanuel Synagogue, she had been a dedicated Sisterhood member, and held many programming positions: Jewish Family Living Chairperson, Liaison Officer for 2 synagogues, Chairperson of the Gertrude K. Claire Shabbat Book Reviews, and Archivist for SIsterhood. Gloria received several sisterhood awards: Woman of Achievement, Certificate of Honor from Connecticut Valley Branch, and Commendations from Women’s League for the writing of original scripts. In 1989, a book was published that Gloria wrote, documenting 70 years of Sisterhood. She served on the synagogue Gabbai Committee, was Chairperson of the Minyonnaires, had been the Exhibit Chairperson, and served on the synagogue Caring Committee. She frequently chanted Haftorah portions and delivered over 215 portions. She coordinated Friday Night Lay Services, served as the Archivist and had been the leader of Havurah Tet. She had received the Emanuel’s Certificate of Honor award in 1982. That same year, she organized Bat Mitzvah classes. In 2005, she was awarded a permanent seat with a name plaque in the Emanuel Chapel. She had been involved with programming in Hadassah for over 60 years, became president and received IMA and Hand of Healing Awards. In 1999, she received ORT’s Woman of Valor Award for 30 years of programming. She was a life member of the Jewish Historical Society, serving as Secretary and conducting interviews. Gloria had received an award from the Connecticut Society of Gerontology for years of service as Director of Seniors and newspaper columnist. In 2010, she received the Woman of Distinction Award. In addition to all these activities and awards, she served as an archivist for Tikvoh Chadoshah Congregation. She is survived by three children: Tara Shapiro, Dr. Marshall Bein, and Thania Lampert and their spouses, six grandchildren: Fawn Oldham, Dr. Neil Shapiro, Dr. Sarah Bein, Dr. Zachary Bein, Scott Lampert, and Matthew Lampert; 6 great-grandchildren: Rachel Oldham, Jillian Shapiro, Dylan Lampert, Zachary Lampert, Sari Lampert and Avery Lampert. She also leaves several nieces, nephews and many very devoted friends. Gloria’s family would like to express gratitude to Rabbi David Small for his friendship, emotional support, and spiritual guidance and also a special thanks to the many health care providers for their loyalty and quality care which includes the entire staff of Brightstar Care of West Hartford, the Hartford Hospital staff from the step-down unit, her cardiologist, Dr. John Granquist, her housekeeper, Norma and her hairdresser, Liza.
The funeral will be held at the Emanuel Synagogue, 160 Mohegan Drive in West Hartford, CT on Friday, February 23, 2018 a 11:00 am. Burial will be held at the Temple B’nai Israel Cemetery in Mansfield, CT following the service. Shiva will be held at Gloria’s residence at 4 West Ridge Drive in West Hartford, CT on Sunday, February 25 from 1-4 pm, and 6-9 pm, Monday , February 26, 6-9pm and Tuesday, February 27 from 6-9 pm. Minyon will be held each night of shiva at 7pm. Donations in Gloria’s memory may be made to the Emanuel Synagogue or to a charity of your choice.
