Obituary of Whitney L. Stein

WESTPORT, CONN Whitney Lynn Stein of Westport died on November 19, 2020. She was 50 years old. Born on November 11, 1970, Whitney grew up in Westport, CT amidst a large extended family, attending local schools and graduating from Staples High School in 1988. Whitney earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Washington University in St. Louis, a Masters Degree in elementary education from Vanderbilt University, and did graduate work at the University of Chicago, studying the role of empathy in social psychology. A seeker, a scholar, and a traveler, Whitney studied abroad at Universidad de Salamanca in Spain and with the School for International Training in Nepal. She lived in Tajikistan while working in international development and spent several years as a resident studying Buddhism at the Zen Mountain Monastery in Mount Tremper, New York. Whitney used her considerable intelligence and organizational talents while pursuing various career paths and personal passions. She had a diverse work life at many non-profit organizations including Save the Children, The MacArthur Foundation, the Chicago Public Library, as an elementary school teacher, and with a domestic violence crisis center. All of her career choices allowed her to work toward her goal of helping people. She was also dedicated to helping stray cats and was responsible for rehousing many animals in need. Whitney spent most of the last fourteen years in Chicago, IL. where she created a loving home with her partner and his two sons. She had a profound talent for creating beauty through gardening, design, and photography. She enjoyed the serenity of nature and loved to dance, a passion which brought her joy. A woman with a magical smile, playful spirit and a noble heart, Whitney struggled with depression but also brought a bright and irreplaceable light to the world. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Whitney leaves behind her partner Allen Costell and his two sons of Chicago, her parents, Richard and Karen Stein of Westport, her sister and brother-in-law, Tracy and Ron Hinson of Westport, a niece Thea, and nephews Myles and Zane. Interment will be held privately at Willowbrook Cemetery, Westport. The Harding Funeral Home of Westport is directing the arrangements. Contributions may be made in her memory to The Tree House Humane Society, 1212 W. Carmen, Chicago, IL 60640, www.treehouseanimals.org.