Bernice Astrin, age 85, passed away on May 31, 2023 in Kissimmee, FL with her family at her side.
Bernice was born in the Bronx, NY to her loving parents, Sol and Gussie Friedman. She graduated from Walton High School with honors and received her Bachelor of Arts degree at age 19 from CCNY, where she majored in languages and Latin American economics. Later, she continued her graduate studies in Spanish literature at the Universidad de Mexico.
From 1958 through 1967, Bernice worked as a manager at the International Department of Braniff Airlines and as a Spanish and Portuguese translator. During these years, she frequently traveled throughout South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. A thirty-year career in social work with the Department of Social Services in New York City followed. In May 1998, Bernice was honored with the Internship Coordinator of the Year Award by the Department of Probation.
In 1975, Bernice and her family bought their first home on Long Island in Stony Brook, NY. Upon retirement, they moved to Solivita, a retirement community in Central Florida. At Solivita, Bernice became a founding member of the Roaring Red Hatters Club, where she enjoyed monthly luncheons with her friends. In addition to several book clubs, Bernice also participated in numerous art clubs where she was able to show off her artistic talent and her love of painting and drawing.
Bernice was one of a kind. She will always be remembered for her unbelievable courage in the face of adversity and her steadfast determination to live the best life possible. She will forever remain the hearts and memories of those who loved and treasured her.
She is survived by her loving family: husband of 53 years, Matthew Astrin; her son Mark; daughter Jennifer; son-in-law Jeffrey; and her granddaughter Phoebe, the light of her life; sister and best friend Rita; brother-in-law Edward; nephews Eric and Andy; brother-in-law Robbie; nephew David and niece Suzanne.