Obituary of Estelle Halpern

January 29, 2023

Estelle Halpern, Age 82

October 12, 1940-January 29, 2023

The youngest of three daughters born in Bronx, NY to Irving and Rose Halpern (née Haber), Estelle (Stella) Halpern, 82, died unexpectedly on January 29. An avid photographer who experimented with computer-aided collage, lifelong student of spirituality and devoted friend, Estelle attended the Bronx High School of Science and Fashion Institute of Technology. She worked for many years as a pattern maker at Federated Department Stores, traveling globally to assure that high standards were met in the manufacturing of finished goods. She also taught as an instructor at Fashion Institute of Technology. She was predeceased by her life partner poet Allen Katzman and 10-year-old daughter Ivy Katzman following a tragic accident in Woodstock, NY in 1985; her subsequent companion John Downey; and sisters Thelma Baer (Leonard) and Deborah Frisch (Emanuel). She is survived by her dearest and most trusted friend Evelyn Walsh; five nieces and nephews: David Baer, Steven Baer, Wendy Frisch, Matthew Frisch and Robin Frisch-Gleason; and great nieces and nephews Rachel Johnson, Dorothy Baer, Aharon Yosef Baer, Eden Stiffman, Lauren Frisch, Maia Gleason-Teener, Leslie Frisch, Ivy Gleason, Lisa Baer and Vincent Baer. She will be remembered for her fiercely independent spirit, keen intelligence, creativity, incredible resilience in the face of tragedy and deep, enduring friendships.