BY SCOTT STIFFLER | Remembered as an extraordinary role model and an exemplary human being who brought humor and love as well as fierce determination to a multitude of progressive causes, the relentless and unsinkable Estelle Katz left this world in a manner that, while at odds with her modus operandi, seemed appropriate.
The longtime Penn South resident passed away on November 23 — peacefully and calmly. She was 96 years old.
“Without Estelle’s light,” said City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn, “Chelsea and New York City will be a little darker.” Katz was a leader, said Quinn, “in the true sense of the word. She thought about others before she thought about herself, and was always working to make our community a better place. She was not shy about sharing her thoughts and feelings with me or other elected officials. I couldn’t be where I am, without Estelle’s work and support.”
Quinn was not alone in linking Katz’s altruistic nature to her activism. Citing her decades of work on labor and tenant rights issues, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer recalled how Katz “dedicated her life to the struggles facing the working class,” noting that in recent years, “Estelle was a vocal critic of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan through her Chelsea for Peace group. My thoughts and prayers go out to Estelle’s family, friends and all those who had the good fortune to know her.”
In a series of tributes sent to Chelsea Now by Speaker Quinn’s office, those who knew Katz during her formative years recalled how she “worked her way up from a waitress, becoming a college graduate and eventually teaching science.” A Penn South resident for almost three decades, Estelle served on the Board for eight years, and also spent time as a member of house council and the co-op council.”
Katz was also a persistent, vocal presence at demonstrations against the West Side Stadium and played active roles in the fight for affordable housing during the rezoning of West Chelsea as well as efforts to create Chelsea Waterside Park. During the 2004 Republican National Convention, she played a central role organizing protests down Eighth Avenue.
A proud member of the New York Communist Party and the Chelsea Reform Democratic Club, she was quick to share her copies of the People’s Weekly World with her Chelsea neighbors. Although equally quick to weigh in on contentious matters of the day, Katz’s unique disposition — righteous yet respectful — made the spirited debates she engaged in genuine discussions rather than dissertations. A bi-annual drive to collect eyeglasses and donate them to people in Cuba was typical of how her love for community and politics intersected.
“Estelle Katz worked with the confidence of someone who fervently believed there is a strong current in history towards social justice,” said Assemblymember Richard N. Gottfried. “She once said to me, ‘If you’re a Marxist, you can never be a pessimist.’ It was inspiring to have her among my constituents. I miss her.” That sense of loss was also expressed by District Leader Thomas Schuler — who hailed Katz as a tireless campaigner for progressive candidates. She could always be counted on to gather dozens of signatures for the candidates supported by the Chelsea Reform Democratic Club. Her efforts will certainly be missed.”
In the recollections of New York State Communist Party member Ester Morove, there’s that word again: “Our party will definitely miss her,” said Morove. “She was a lifelong activist for peace and social justice…very active in the Chelsea community, helping support progressives candidates to office.”
“Estelle was inspiration to me,” recalled NY State Senator Tom Duane. “She woke up every day believing the world could be a better place for everyone. I will miss her — and her determination, empathy and great sense of humor — tremendously.”
A caring mother and grandmother, Estelle Katz is survived by her daughters, Ann Katz-Jacobson and Vivian Weinstein, as well as eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren (the youngest is named Estella).
Katz is also survived by the thousands of people whose lives she impacted in a positive way.
