Evelyn Betty Botkin
Evelyn Betty Botkin, 83, died on August 16, 2023 in Dedham, MA. She was the matriarch of the Botkin clan and will be greatly missed.
Born in 1940, Evelyn was raised in the Bronx, NY by her parents, Phil and Ruth Myers. Evelyn graduated from Bronx High School of Science (class of 1957) and Brandeis University (class of 1961). She received a PhD in Clinical Psychology from Yeshiva University and practiced clinical and health psychology in Huntington, NY, for many years.
Evelyn met the love of her life, Eli Botkin, at an evening sculpture class at NYU in 1964. Despite their 15-year age difference, they fell in love and married in 1966. She became the stepmother of Dianne and Brad, then gave birth to Naomi and Josh. In addition to her four children, she had seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Evelyn lost her Eli in 2020 but regularly updated him about the family’s events and accomplishments.
A longtime member of Kehillath Shalom (KS) Synagogue in Cold Spring Harbor, NY, Evelyn was honored by the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation for her contributions to the Jewish community. She served as chair of the Education, Ritual, Long Range Planning, and Social Action committees at KS. She created and led contemplative Shabbat services at KS for several years. She organized interfaith activities with members of the Jewish, Christian, Muslim and other faith communities on Long Island. She was also a board member of the Huntington Coalition for the Homeless and a founding member and chair of the Suffolk County Interagency Coordinating Committee (SCIACC), which worked to implement needed services for mental health clients in the area. As her activities demonstrate, Evelyn was deeply committed to the Jewish concept of tikkun olam, repairing the world.
Evelyn was a prodigious reader, primarily of books related to Judaism and Buddhism. She described herself as, “a Jewish woman who has learned a great deal from Buddhism, practices Buddhist (Vipassana) meditation, and is inspired by both traditions to be engaged in trying to make the world a better place.” She said, “While I am basically Jewish and my values derive from Judaism, the skillful means for training my mind and the wonderful life lessons/philosophy of Buddhist teachings have been life changing gifts for which I am profoundly grateful.”
Evelyn spent the last nine years of her life as a resident of NewBridge on the Charles in Dedham, MA, where she continued her involvement in social action activities. At the time of her death, she was helping to plan another interfaith dinner – the latest in a series she had helped create and lead over the past decade.
By gracefully accepting her declining health and constantly expressing gratitude for her life and those around her, Evelyn served as a role model for her family and friends.
Evelyn is survived by her children (Dianne Lior, Bradley Botkin, Naomi Botkin, Joshua Botkin); her daughters-in-law (Renee Robins, Deborah Meizlish); her son-in-law (Joshua Gordon); her grandchildren (Dotan, Atar, Elijah, Noah, Jonah, Susannah, Benjamin); and her great-grandchildren (Anya, Esme, Ari, Kai). She was predeceased by Eli, her husband of 54 years.
Funeral service will be held Sunday, August 20, 2023 at Congregation Or Atid, 97 Concord Rd., Wayland, MA at 11AM. Burial to follow at Beit Olam East. Those who wish to honor Evelyn may make a donation to her favorite charity, American Jewish World Service, or any organization that promotes social justice.