Epstein, Mary (Colangelo)

Mary Epstein, 94 of West Hartford, widow of Arthur ‘Bushy' Epstein, died on Wednesday May 10, 2023. She was a beloved mother, Nana, and great grandmother. She was a remarkable woman that spent her life focused on selfless acts of kindness and giving to others. She was born in Hartford CT on December 12, 1928, and was the daughter of the late Joseph Colangelo and Fannie Schwalbendorf Colangelo. Mary spent her youth in Hartford, graduated from Hartford Public High School and shortly thereafter married the love of her life Arthur Epstein. Mary and Arthur eventually moved to West Hartford where they spent the remainder of their lives together. Mary worked tirelessly raising her three sons and earned a PhD in motherhood. Mary mastered the art of international cuisine and was famous for her Fried Italian Peppers, Giambotta, Spanish Rice, Chicken Fricassee & Meatballs, Italian delicacies, and many other ethnic dishes. Her High Holiday cooking was phenomenal and would have brought tears to Ina Garten's eyes. Mary was physically active until 93, had a sharp wit and enjoyed her daily newspaper and many news programs. She stayed on top of world events & politics and loved to debate presidential candidates with her sons. Mary was a diehard New York Yankees fan and considered to be one of QVC's top five shoppers according to UPS. Mary lived independently in her home until the end of her life and as the Frank Sinatra (her favorite singer) song goes, she always “did it her way.” Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren meant everything to her. Mary leaves her sons: Mark Epstein and his wife Linda of West Hartford, Gary Epstein and Pamela Moran of New Hartford and Seth Epstein and his wife Rebecca of West Hartford. She also leaves her grandchildren: Joelle Epstein and her husband Matthew Nobbs, Rachel Epstein Kaplan and her husband Jonathan Kaplan, Jenna & Samuel Epstein and great-grandchildren Alanna & Sylvie Kaplan. Mary also leaves behind her sister-in-law Joyce Epstein, brother-in-law Albert Reichin and many nieces, nephews and cousins that were near and dear to her heart. Mary and her family would like to thank EldersChoice of CT, and Harriet Owusu Mantey for the care they provided to Mary. The family would also like extend a special shout out to Theresa (Akos) Boateng who cared for Mary around the clock for several months. Theresa, you will always be a part of our family and we love you dearly. A graveside funeral service will be held at Beth El Cemetery, 51 Jackson Street, Avon, CT 06001 on Monday May 15th at 11:00am. In Lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Mary's memory to Beth El Temple, 2626 Albany Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06117.