Sonia (Epstein) Dortz

Sonia (Epstein) Dortz, 101, of West Hartford, widow of Reuben J. Dortz, died Tuesday, (August 25, 2009). Born September 3, 1907 in Poland, to the late Benjamin and Hannah (Schulman) Epstein. Moving from a small village in Poland to Hartford after World War I, marked the beginning of many achievements Sonia accomplished during her long, productive life. She graduated from Weaver High School and was active in her mother’s grocery store on Elmer St., which continues as a neighborhood store. Married in 1930, she and Reuben purchased an apartment and commercial building on Park Road in West Hartford, where Sonia was manager and bookkeeper in her husband’s upholstery business. They later moved to their single home in West Hartford which became home to Sonia for the next 54 years - a home she created and cherished. She became adopted grandmother to many neighborhood children. Her 100th birthday was a celebration of and testament to what had been most important and joyful to her: her large warm and loving close-knit family and friends. Sonia had hats, was cook and baker, avid reader, inveterate walker, active member and volunteer with a variety of organizations and interests: office holder in Hadassah, O.R.T., volunteer at Hadassah Thrift Shop, and supporter of Jewish organizations and Israel. She was a very special woman, whose long life reflected the care she gave to herself and others. She leaves her daughters, Judith Ruby Dortz of Cambridge, MA, and Cynthia May Dortz of New York, NY, and many nephews, nieces, and dear friends. Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 28, at 11:30 a.m. in the Chapel of the Weinstein Mortuary, 640 Farmington Ave., Hartford, with Rabbi Jeffrey Bennett officiating. Interment follows in the John Hay Memorial Park, Garden St., Hartford. The family will receive visitors and friends at the home of Martin and Rita Epstein, 175 Mohawk Dr., West Hartford on Friday, following the interment. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made, in Sonia’s name to Hadassah. For further information, directions or to sign Sonia’s guestbook, please visit online at www.weinsteinmortuary.com.