Audrey Eisenstadt Leaves Estate Gift to Jewish Foundation
Neil Fiertel describes his sister Audrey as both dynamic and brilliant. He also remembers her as being very guarded and private about her final arrangements. So, although the siblings were close, even he was stunned to learn she had left the majority of her estate to charity, the Jewish Foundation among the recipients. “What didn’t surprise me, however, was the organizations Audrey selected as beneficiaries. Given her research background I’m sure she did her homework and made her selections based on causes that would use the money wisely.” Neil explained.
The background Neil refers to is quite impressive. Audrey attended Brandeis University and Albert Einstein Medical School, eventually working at the forefront of the genetic revolution at Yale University when she married Yale professor Jerry Eisenstadt. Neil Fiertel commented. “Jerry was one of the true trailblazers and pioneers in genetic research. My sister was with him every step of the way. Knowing her personality, I am sure she was very involved and influential.”
It was also research that brought the Eisenstadts to Israel, where Audrey spent a year immersed in the culture. Her experience there resulted in a newfound appreciation of her heritage and influenced some of her philanthropic choices. The Jewish Foundation became one of her causes when she spoke with friends in the New Haven area and was assured the money would be used responsibly and “make a difference.”
In addition to cultural concerns, protecting the environment was a passion for Audrey long before it was front page news. As a result, a number of non-profit ecological causes have benefited from her generosity over the years. Remembered by many as opinionated on a host of topics and the center of conversation, she was also very active politically and socially in the progressive movement. As evidence, her brother points to the volumes of scrapbooks filled with articles she saved which chronicle subjects she cared about.
After retiring from Lab work, Audrey enjoyed arts, crafts and jewelry making and was an avid collector. Her unconquerable vitality was best demonstrated however during her four-year illness. Refusing to let anything stop her or alter her upbeat attitude, she remained socially active and politically outspoken to the end.
Audrey Eisenstadt is a true example of a life well lived. Audrey’s estate gift to the Jewish Foundation was for unrestricted purposes. The Jewish Foundation of Greater New Haven admires her and is thankful and proud to be one of her designated beneficiaries.