Gina Silverstein, Age 70

Gina Silverstein began her teaching career at PS 153 in Maspeth, Queens, at the age of 19. She taught there for over 40 years before retiring but she continued to teach summer school, tutor privately and keep in touch with to the school community. She was also a chapter leader for over 25 years and was active in union activities throughout her entire career. A native Polish speaker born in a displaced persons' camp in Germany before coming to the United States, Gina was always eager to help English language learners. She was an active volunteer and engaged in politics, traveling to register voters in the South and working the polls during elections. Gina is survived by her son, Jeremy Lauber and his spouse Jennifer Johnston, her daughter Danielle Lauber, and her daughter Ashley Lauber, and her spouse, Molly Zimmerman.