‘She Was Goodness Personified’ : Family, Friends Pay Tribute To Kathryn Adelstein

Family and friends packed the chapel at Torf Funeral Home in Chelsea Oct. 10 to pay their respects to Kathryn Jamie Adelstein. The large gathering overflowed in to the lobby and out on to Washington Avenue for the funeral services.

Ms. Adelstein died suddenly on Sunday, Oct. 6 from injuries sustained in a car accident.

Rabbi Jon Hausman officiated at the services, delivering touching remarks on behalf of Ms. Adelstein’s family. The spiritual leader of the Ahavath Torah Congregation in Stoughton, Rabbi Hausman led the beautiful tribute to Kathryn, stating that she was “a loving and loyal person, a woman of unique style and personality with an ability to uplift people.”

“She wanted everyone else to be their own individuals just as she was,” said Mr. Hausman.

During the eulogy delivered by Rabbi Hausman, Kathryn’s father, Robert Adelstein, described his beautiful daughter as “artistic, talented and creative.

“We will miss everything about this little angel,” related Hausman in her father’s words. “We have all been blessed to have had Kathryn in our lives. From Day 1, she was a very special girl. I watched Kathryn grow up in to a beautiful, thoughtful, caring woman. I wish we all could have had more time with this sweet girl. Her sweet smile, her sweet voice will be on my mind always.”

The rabbi spoke of the closeness in age between Kathryn and her brother, Jake Adelstein, who warmly noted how “we always grew up together.”

“She was always so happy and interested in what was going on in my life – the nicest girl you could ever meet,” said Jake. “We both loved watching cartoons together growing up and when we were kids, we would have a stuffed dragon that we would always play with together. If you asked anything of her, the answer would always be, yes. She was always trying to make others happy. If you weren’t, she would talk to talk to you until you cheered up. Of all of Kathryn’s good deeds, the way she treated the world, the world will never be the same.”

Her sister, Molly, warmly described Kathryn as being “definitely her own person and her fun and a little outrageous sense of style.”

“She had a huge smile and a way of brightening a room when she walked in,” related Molly. “She always wanted others to be their happiest selves. Her kindness extended beyond close friends and the family.”

Molly said her sister “always had a sacred place in her heart for animals. She always had pets to love and care for, from birds to hamsters, and most recently a cat. Not long ago, she found an injured bird and she stopped what she was doing in order to take it to an animal hospital. That’s the type of person she was.

“The world lost a lot of love when Kathryn left it,” said Molly. “So no we all have to pick up the slack in her memory to fill the void.”

 The service also included an eloquent tribute from her brother-in-law, Ed.

Rabbi Hausman said he returned to Temple Tifereth Israel following the service to spend time with Ms. Adelstein’s family and friends.

“I heard such nice comments about Kathryn – how bright she was – like I said at the service, she was like a candle that flickers out before its time,” related Mr. Hausman. “She was goodness personified. It was my privilege to serve this family.”

Said a classmate in the Winthrop High School Class of 2009, “Kathryn was very nice and kind and a great classmate. “I remember she was very artistic and talented. I pray for her family and friends.”