Estelle Gilda Rothstein

Estelle G. Rothstein of South Windsor, born December 16, 1932 passed on October 11, 2017. Originally from Baltic, Connecticut she graduated from  Norwich Free Academy before getting her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design in 1954 at Syracuse University.  Estelle then moved to New York City to start her career as a designer for Alexander Smith and Bigelow Carpets, creating original rug and wall hanging patterns. These patterns found audience in prestigious offices and buildings as well as curated art shows. Her most recognizable work followed with a long career at Corning Glass Ware in Corning, New York, where Estelle created iconic dishware patterns that have graced the dinner tables of most American homes. She was a creative force in more than domestic items, as her love for art also translated into a prolific body of elegant drawings, jewelry design, and the collecting and selling of unique antiques. Estelle followed in her mother’s footsteps as an artist and inspired several generations of fellow artists within the family. Her creative eye and intellect never resting, even after retiring she was a lover of crossword puzzles and games that exercised the mind.   

Estelle was predeceased by her parents, Anne and Saul Rothstein of Baltic, CT She is survived by her sisters Phyllis Huggett of North Caldwell, NJ and Roberta Rothstein of Norwich, CT as well as her nieces and nephews: Cynthia Moran, Kathleen Brandon, Katherine Karcz, and Gregory Karcz, along with their families.

Her family would like to thank Patty Albrecht for her gentle hospice care. Estelle will forever be remembered for her intelligence, creativity, confident opinions and willpower. In her absence remains the memory of a profoundly strong, wildly creative and undeniably generous woman.  Care of private arrangements has been entrusted to the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home of Colchester.