Adelyn Lorraine Wippman Bernstein, died peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday night, 4/27/2011. In true Adelyn style, she kissed her devoted daughter Joanie goodnight with a tender "I Love you", and an hour later she joined Gary, her beloved husband of 62 years, who departed last year on 6/27/10. Her great passions in life were family and friends, righting social injustices and appreciating nature in all its aspects, especially flowers. She was generous, gracious and fiercely loyal. She will always be remembered for her engaging presence, smile and her gift for listening in a way that made everyone feel heard and special. Adelyn had been active in Temple Emanu El for decades.
Adelyn was preceded in death by her husband Gary, daughter Marla, granddaughter Lisa, twin brothers Arthur and Harold. She is survived by her daughter Joanie and husband Jerry Goldman, her son Dr. Richard Bernstein and his wife Mariabruna and their daughter Gaia; by cousin Lori Oginsky and sisters in law Edie and Gert Wippman and their families.
Upon arriving in Houston in 1948, Adelyn and Gary were immediately adopted by Kay Schwartz Felt and her extended family. The family wishes to acknowledge her dear friends Ruth Schnitzer, Judy Meyers, Phyllis Harris, Shelley Cyprus and Bernardine Franklin for their continued love and support .
University Place Retirement Community residents and staff provided a new extended family who made Adelyn feel home through their kindness. Lilian Flores-Perez, NP and her caregivers, Betty and Etta, offered not only their professional services, but loving devotion to both Adelyn and Gary as well.
Adelyn was part of the social change and women's movement of the late 60's and 70's. She was known throughout the city for her tireless efforts on behalf of women and the less privileged. She spearheaded programs to meet the need for dignified affordable housing and jobs; she helped create emergency women shelters and health care programs. She fought for the establishment of the Credit Equal Opportunity Act for Women and for the beautification of her beloved Houston. Throughout her life she was awarded recognition for her dedication and successes. Among others she was the recipient of the Savvy Award for Social Action, the Hannah G. Solomon Award from the National Council of Jewish Women; and the Leadership Award for 20 years of service from the Houston Area Women's Center.
Among the many organizations she helped establish were WIRES (the Women Information and Referral Exchange Service) , the Houston Rape Crisis Coalition , the Coalition of Abused Women and the Center for Alcohol Rehabilitation, and the Houston Area Women Center, and SEARCH Homeless Services. Adelyn had the gift of bringing diverse groups, individuals and faith-based organizations together and inspiring them to collaborate in the support of just causes.
A funeral service will be held on Sunday May 1st, 2011 at 11am in the Kagan-Rudy Chapel of Emanu El Memorial Park, 8341 Bissonnett.
Donations can be made in Adelyn's honor to SEARCH Homeless Services (www.searchhomeless.org) and Keep Houston Beautiful (www.keephoustonbeautiful.org)