Golden Age Member Spotlight: Florence Lipstein - Happy 100th Birthday!

There is an old adage that says, “If you need something done, ask a busy person.”

Florence Lipstein is certainly that person. As she celebrates her 100th birthday on December 19, her talents, skills, and compassion are evident in everything she has so generously undertaken.

A native of New Jersey, Florence grew up in the Summit area and completed her nursing education at Newark Beth Israel Hospital School of Nursing. She remained in Newark after marrying a “local boy,” Martin Lipstein. When the first of their two sons was born, Florence left her position as Head Nurse in the Newborn Nursery.

Her career in organizational work began around this time, when she joined B’nai B’rith Women, Weequahic (Newark) Chapter. She held thirteen different positions before becoming chapter president. When she and her family moved to Woodbridge in 1956, Florence helped charter a new B’nai B’rith chapter there and became a Board member of the Central NJ Council.

Fortunately for us, the Lipstein family moved to Ewing Township in 1969. They joined Adath Israel Congregation immediately, and Flo volunteered to be the synagogue’s official photographer. This was followed by her serving as Treasurer of the Sisterhood for sixteen years; being named Woman of the Year in 1986; Honoree of the Torah Fund Luncheon in 1988; Memorial Booklet Chair for twenty-one years; Treasurer of the Board of Adath Israel; and an enthusiastic participant in adult education classes, which led to her becoming a Bat Mitzvah on her 62nd birthday.

In the greater Ewing area, Flo joined Club D and the PC Club at Hollowbrook; became a Life Member of Women for Greenwood House; a Life Member of Jewish Family Service; and a Life Member of Hadassah. She received a Volunteer Award from JFCS, was appointed to the Board of the JCC, joined the Advisory Board of the Mercer County Legal Services Project for the Elderly, and volunteered computer services for the Tinnitus Self-Help Group.

Living in Ewing also meant joining the JCC and, in 1986, the Golden Age Club. She became Publicity Chair and a Board Member of the Golden Age Club, participated in George’s classes and trips to Europe, taught Bridge on Mondays, led exercise classes, and later served as President of the Golden Age Club from 2007–2012. Although Flo has moved to Meadow Lakes, she remains a steady and involved member of the Golden Age Club and its Executive Board.

Her move to Meadow Lakes has allowed her to resume master gardening; exhibit her award-winning photography; teach computer skills to fellow residents; teach crochet and knitting; serve on the Steering Committee; chair the New Friends Committee; appear in drama productions; and serve as Parliamentarian for The Forum (the Meadow Lakes Residents’ Association).

Thank you, Flo, for all you have done and all you continue to do!