Evelyn Rothstein (nee Paperny) died peacefully in her sleep on October 1, 2018 in Guelph, Ontario. She was 98. Evelyn was born to Annie and Leo Paperny on July 2, 1920 in Calgary, Alberta. She grew up in a loving household along with her two younger siblings, Juliette and Maurice. At an early age Evelyn started playing piano, which soon became a life-long passion. She met her husband of nearly 75 years, Aser Rothstein, on a blind date at a gathering of Jewish Youth of Western Canada. Their initial catastrophic encounter, including arguments and a flat tire, belied a propitious future. In 1938, Evelyn headed off to Berkeley to major in music at the University of California, while Aser, by happy coincidence, was already studying there. Aser soon asked Evelyn to marry him and move with him to Rochester. Although the youthful Evelyn was at first reluctant to commit, they were married in Bellingham Washington on August 18, 1940. Their happy marriage continued up until Aser’s passing in 2015.
In Rochester, Evelyn received her Masters from the Eastman School of Music and became a renowned classical piano teacher. She also took on an active role in fundraising for the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. The couple raised three children, Sharon, David and Steven, made myriad friends, and travelled the world, a life-long passion.
Evelyn and Aser then moved to Toronto. Convinced that learning music was one of the greatest gifts to bestow to young people, she strove to provide musical opportunities for economically disadvantaged children. Evelyn performed innumerable lecture concerts to raise money for the Regent Park School of Music in Toronto, now a vibrant organization that provides the joy of learning music to children who could not otherwise afford it.
After retiring Evelyn and Aser most relished being with their family, which includes 7 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, as well as other relatives and friends. Even when family members were great distances apart, Evelyn always made sure everyone got together, stories were told, and traditions were carried on. She took any opportunity to be with family, no matter what the distance. She was always an adventurous spirit with great spunk, from her wild bidding at bridge to getting back on ice skates to be with her grandchildren at nearly 80 years old. To the end of her life, Evelyn loved being around people, and easily made friends everywhere she went. Even in her later years, she continued to play tennis, attend concerts and plays, and enjoy dinners out with family and friends.
Evelyn is survived by her brother, Maurice Paperny, his wife Myra, her brother-in-law Jack Shapiro, her three children, Sharon Liptzin, David Rothstein, and Steven Rothstein, their spouses, Ben Liptzin, Marcia Osburne, and Carolyn Rothstein, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren. The family will have a memorial to celebrate Evelyn’s life at a later date. Contributions in lieu of flowers can be given to the Regent Park School of Music, 585 Dundas St. E., Suite 220, Toronto ON M5A2B7 416-364-8900, rpmusic.org.
Arrangements entrusted to GILCHRIST CHAPEL – McIntyre & Wilkie Funeral Home, One Delhi Street, Guelph, (519-824-0031).