Henrietta (Elkins) Gitlin

Henrietta(Elkins) Gitlin, 96, of West Hartford beloved wife of Joseph A. Gitlin, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 21, 2013. She was born on July 25, 1916 in Hartford to Jacob and Rose (Dubowy) Elkins. Henny graduated from Weaver High School and Central CT State College. She taught public school and Sunday school for many years. In 1939, Henny met Joe, the man of her dreams, married in 1942 and enjoyed 70 years of unparalleled devotion, love and marriage. In addition to being the best wife ever, she was a loving mother, sister, friend, advocate and confidante, content with her life and setting a positive example for all. She lived to help others. Hers was the go to house in the neighborhood. She lived to help others. Henny was a cellist, artist, baker (many remember her holiday cookies), poet, Brownie troop leader you name it. For the last 30 years, she was an active member of the West Hartford Senior Center determined to keep body and mind healthy. She loved to smile and laugh people loved to be with her. She was a role model for people of all ages. In addition to her husband, Joseph, Henrietta is survived by her children Ronna Woodward (Dana) and Karen Gitlin-Weiner (Dr. Richard) and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her sisters Gertrude, Deborah and Vivian Elkins. Henny’s family is exceedingly grateful for the compassionate care provided by so many her VNA caregivers, her physicians and their staffs and the staff at St. Francis Hospital. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, January 29, 2012, at 11 am in the Chapel of the Weinstein Mortuary, 640 Farmington Ave., Hartford, with Rabbi Jeffrey Bennett officiating. The family will be receiving visitors at 50 Old Meadow Rd., West Hartford after the service from 12 - 3 pm and 6 - 9 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice. For more information and directions, please visit www.weinsteinmortuary.com/funerals.cfm.