Obituary of Shirley Epstein

Shirley W. Epstein, 96, Lifelong Learner, a devoted mother, grandmother, and librarian whose life spanned nearly a century of change

Librarian, and Community Advocate

Born in Denver in 1929 to Jennie and Harry Wein, Shirley spent her earliest years in Clarksville, Tennessee, where her father was a well-regarded member of the community until his untimely death in 1935 at the age of 39. After returning to Denver with her mother and brother, Melvin, Shirley grew up an excellent student and a talented pianist. As a teenager, she volunteered at the Jewish Consumptives’ Relief Society alongside her close friend Sally Spivak (née Sussman).

She attended the University of Denver before meeting her future husband, Joseph S. Epstein, an Army medic during World War II who later became a mechanical engineer. The couple began their life together in eastern Washington, where Joseph worked for Bonneville Power, before returning to Denver when he founded Capitol Hill Blueprint, a business that would remain central to the family for decades.

While raising their three children, Shirley pursued her own academic and professional goals. She completed her bachelor’s degree in English at the University of Colorado Denver, graduating Phi Beta Kappa, and went on to earn a master’s in library science at the University of Denver. She worked for many years as a research librarian at the United Bank of Denver, before helping to manage the family’s blueprint business near her husband’s retirement. She continued to run it following his death in 1989.

Retirement gave Shirley the chance to indulge her love of travel, which she had shared with her husband, and to spend time with her children and grandchildren at home and abroad. She also embraced a rich social life, enjoyed gathering family for Jewish holidays, participating in hiking groups, book clubs, Mah Jongg circles, and community activities at her senior residences.

A woman of conviction as well as intellect, Shirley was known for her progressive views. She was a quiet but consistent advocate for racial equality, immigrants, and environmental stewardship, even as she remained deeply devoted to her family and her late husband’s extended family.

She is survived by her children, Alan P. Epstein (with Barbara Mann) of Toledo, Ohio; Marc E. Epstein (with Joan F. Epstein) of Sacramento, California; and Barbara Becker (with husband Steven C. Becker) of Colorado Springs; and by her grandson, Joseph N. Epstein of Rio de Janeiro. She was predeceased by her granddaughter, Natasha Haese, as well as her parents, brother, and husband. She also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, each touched by her warmth and generosity.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at Congregation Rodef Shalom beginning at 12:15pm (livestream provided by Rodef Shalom Click HERE) followed by interment at Emanuel Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to Rodef Shalom Fund and/or The Nature Conservancy.