Vita Falk Gellin, born May 26, 1920 in New Brunswick, New Jersey, died on March 22 at home. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 43 years, Charles Gellin. Vita was also predeceased by her sister Edith Krupp and her brother, George Falk. She is survived by her three daughters and their husbands; Sharon and Donald Stoddard of Crofton, MD; Judith and Barry Goldfarb of Higganum; and Terry Gellin and Samuel Schrager of Hartford. She leaves ten grandchildren and one great-granddaughter: Robert Goldfarb and Magda Ramirez; Jess Goldfarb, Matthew Goldfarb, Abigail and Robert Maretsky, Jane Stoddard and Tom Heiser, Joshua Schrager, Allison Schrager and Rachel Claire Maretsky. Shakara Hudson, Debbie Thomas, Jurnee Parker, Sophia Anderson and their extended families were also a loving part of Vita’s family. A very special thanks to Dr. Jack Schmetterling and his nurse Sherry for their devoted care. Much gratitude is extended to the staff of Hoffman Summerwood Community and to the McLean Hospice team.
Vita was a graduate of Weaver High School. After graduating from Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery, she first worked for Dr. Nat Dubin and later was a dental hygienist in the Simsbury Public Schools for over twenty years and finished her career with the Pediatric Dentistry of West Hartford. Committed to charitable work, Vita was a lifetime member of Hadassah. She was the co-editor of the regional newsletter and active with several committees for the organization, including fund raising events. Vita and Charles were founding members of Beth El Temple, West Hartford. An avid reader and lifelong learner, she enjoyed courses at the community colleges, University of Hartford, and was involved with the Friends of Bloomfield Library as well as Elderhostel. She loved to entertain, play bridge, knit, attend classical musical concerts, theater, listen to opera, travel and tour museums wherever she was.
Graveside funeral services will be held at the Beth El Temple Cemetery, Jackson St. Extention, Avon on Sunday, March 25, 2012 at 10:30 am. The family will be sitting Shiva at the home of Terry Gellin and Samuel Schrager immediately following the service and on Monday, March 26th from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and again at 7:00 p.m.
The family suggests donations may be made to the Hadassah Medical Organization, care of Faith Helene, 43 Carlyle Road, West Hartford, CT 06117 or the McLean Hospice, 75 Great Pond Road, Simsbury, CT 06070. Arrangements are entrusted to Weinstein Mortuary, Hartford. For further information, directions, or to sign the guest book for Vita, please visit online at www.weinsteinmortuary.com/funerals.cfm.
