Anna Epstein

Anna Epstein, 83, of Kansas City, MO, passed away Tuesday, December 4, 2012 at Manorcare of Overland Park. Funeral services will be at 12 noon Thursday, December 6, at The Louis Memorial Chapel, 6830 Troost Avenue, Kansas City, MO with burial to follow at Sheffield Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Kehilath Israel Synagogue, 10501 Conser, Overland Park, KS 66212; Kehilath Israel Sisterhood, c/o the Synagogue or the Kansas City Chapter of Hadassah, c/o Marian Kaplan, 3909 W. 101st Terrace, Shawnee Mission, KS 66207. Anna was born in Miami, OK, the daughter of Abe and Bessie Blackman and moved to the Kansas City area when she was 9 months old. Along with her late husband, Abe, she owned and operated Epstein’s Kosher Market for many years. She was a member of Kehilath Israel Synagogue, was a member and past president of its Sisterhood and she wrote, produced, directed and performed in Sisterhood shows. Anna was a past member of the KI Bimah Players and Scholarship Committee, served on the KI Board of Directors for many years and was awarded the KI Ayshe Chayil in 2001. Anna was also a member of Beth Israel Abraham & Voliner Synagogue and was a past member and officer of its Sisterhood. She was life member and past board member and officer of the Kansas City Chapter of Hadassah; life member and board member of the Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy Auxiliary and was honored with their Woman of the Year; life member of Jewish Women International where she was a past chapter president, MO State Association president and District II Board member; member and past board member of Brandeis University Women’s Committee. Anna wrote and performed BBW Kiddi Kapers for 40 years. She was a life member of the MO PTA, past president of the Hartman PTA, Bingham Junior High PTA and Bingham Junior High Tooters Club. She was a Den Mother for the Cub and Boy Scouts; leader of Brownies and Girls Scouts; past chair of BBYO Youth Committee; was an honored volunteer of JFCS and was a member and past board member of the JWVA Auxiliary #605. Anna was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 57 years, Abe Epstein in 2006 and her sisters, Goldie Bresel, Edith Duni and Mary Wachtel. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law: Barry and Debbi Epstein, Louisville, KY; daughter: Joyce Klein, Overland Park, KS; grandchildren: Jessica and Emily Epstein and Seth and Evan Klein.