Ellen B. Wisser, 92, Died; Moved to Westport in 1960, ”defeated unbeatable odds”
Ellen B. Wisser, age 92 of Norwalk, CT (formerly of Westport) passed away this Friday, September 16, 2022, at Norwalk Hospital. Mrs. Wisser was born in Brooklyn, NY, the daughter of the late Samuel and Esther Borenstein. She attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts along with classmates and friends Grace Kelly and Vince Edwards. She then attended Brooklyn College where she met her future husband and lifetime love, Allen Wisser, who himself attended Brooklyn College after performing with the Broadway show Showboat’s National Tour, having initially attended Julliard. Upon marrying, Ellen and Allen moved to Indianapolis where Allen served in the Army during the Korean War. After the war they returned to Brooklyn, where Ellen taught at James Madison High School while Allen attended Brooklyn Law, and began his lifetime career in real estate.
Ellen and Allen moved their young family to Westport, CT in 1960. Ellen continued commuting to Brooklyn, then began teaching at Harding High School in Bridgeport, CT, teaching English, Speech and Drama, where she also produced and directed the annual school play, influencing the lives of so many teachers and students, some of whom continued to stay in touch for decades. Ellen was a political activist in the Bridgeport and Connecticut Educational Associations, as well as nationally within the National Education Association, where she ran for the NEA Presidency in 1976. She was an advocate of the Women’s Liberation Movement at both local and national levels. Ellen changed careers in her 50’s, attending Bridgeport Law (now the Quinnipiac School of Law), following which she practiced Family and Worker’s Compensation Law until age 88. Ellen recently survived 3 different types of cancer, forcing her retirement, and defeated unbeatable odds, until now.
Mrs. Wisser was predeceased by her beloved husband, Allen Wisser, who succumbed to melanoma in 2008, and is survived by her devoted children, Dr. Jamie R. Wisser and his wife Natalie, Atty. Kerry M. Wisser and his wife Debbie, R. Ilise Gold and her long-time companion Fritz Heilbron, adored grandchildren, Davin Gold, Alanna Dayton and her husband Greg, Evan Wisser and his wife Jessica, Caitlyn Wisser, Ryan Wisser, Leah Wisser and her husband Manuel Reinert, as well as her cherished great grandchildren, Jack, Sam & Beck Dayton, Claire & Penelope Wisser, her sister-in-law Gladys Floch and her husband Dr. Martin Floch, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Mrs. Wisser was predeceased by her beloved husband Allen Wisser, cherished grandson Tyler Wisser, and dear brother, Marvin Borenstein and his wife Laurie.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 20, 2022 at 1:00 PM at The Abraham L. Green and Son Funeral Home, 88 Beach Road, Fairfield, CT, 06824, with interment following at Temple Israel Cemetery on Richards Avenue in Norwalk. People are asked to begin gathering at the Funeral Home at 12:30 PM.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Connecticut Education Foundation – Children’s Fund, (Connecticut Education Foundation – Connecticut Education Association (cea.org).
“Back to the Playhouse!”: Gala Celebrates the Westport Country Playhouse
Westport Country Playhouse’s 2022 Leadership Award was presented to Barbara K. Streicker, second from left, by, L-R, Mark Lamos, Playhouse artistic director; Michael Barker, managing director; and Anna Czekaj-Farber, board of trustees chair. Photo contributed by Coppola Photography. Press ReleaseMulti-award-winning Broadway star Renée Elise Goldsberry, perhaps best known for her role as Angelica Schuyler in the musical “Hamilton,” headlined Westport Country Playhouse’s 2022 Gala, “Back to the Playhouse!,” on Saturday evening, September 17. The evening featured Goldsberry’s high-energy concert of Broadway, pop, and soul, backed by a seven-piece band, along with a pre-show cocktail party, live auction, and an after-party with a DJ and dancing—all while providing generous philanthropic support to the Playhouse.
Three-time Tony Award-nominated actor Robin de Jesús served as gala host. Barbara K. Streicker, former chair of the Playhouse board of trustees, received the Playhouse’s Leadership Award at the event.
Executive Committee included Tom Coppola, co-chair; Tracey Knight Narang, co-chair; Anna Czekaj-Farber, board chair; Mary Ellen Marpe, development chair; Carin Freidag, auction chair; Judy Phares, gala fundraising chair; Jessica Caldwell; Paige Couture; Marjorie Jacobson; Maggie Lehnerd-Reilly; Ellen Petrino; and Tricia Schwartz. Benefit committee includes Athena and Daniel Adamson; Alisyn Camerota and Tim Lewis; Diane DelVecchio; Terry Nardozzi; Barbara Streicker, honoree; Diana and Scott Metro; Amy and Carl Wistreich; MJ and Terry Hogan; Preetika and Ashok Narang; Jane and Rami Leshem; and Holly McCarthy.
Gala proceeds benefit the non-profit, professional producing theater, now in its 92nd season - its work on stage, with schools, and throughout the community.
For Westport Country Playhouse information, visit westportplayhouse.org. Westport Country Playhouse is located at 25 Powers Court, off Route 1, Westport. Stay connected to the Playhouse on Facebook (Westport Country Playhouse), follow on Twitter (@WCPlayhouse), and on YouTube (WestportPlayhouse).
ABOUT WESTPORT COUNTRY PLAYHOUSE
The mission of Westport Country Playhouse is to enrich, enlighten, and engage the community through the power of professionally produced theater of the highest caliber and the welcoming experience of the Playhouse campus. The not-for-profit Playhouse provides this experience in multiple ways by offering live theater experiences of the highest quality, under the artistic direction of Mark Lamos; educational and community engagement events to further explore the work on stage; the New Works Initiative, a program dedicated to the discovery, development, and production of new live theatrical works; special performances and programs for students and teachers with extensive curriculum support material; Script in Hand play readings to deepen relationships with audiences and artists; the renowned Woodward Internship Program during the summer months for aspiring theater professionals; Family Festivities presentations to delight young and old alike and to promote reading through live theater; and the beautiful and historic Playhouse campus open for enjoyment and community events year-round. Charity Navigator has recently awarded its top 4-star charity rating to the Playhouse in recognition of its strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency.
Westport COVID-19 Cases Up 9 over Weekend; State Positivity Rate Down
The State Department of Public Health reported 9 more COVID-19 cases in Westport over the past day. The State positivity rate was down to 9.33%.
Westport total positive or probable cases: 5,833 cases.
Westport total COVID-19 Deaths: 40 deaths
State Daily Test Positivity: 9.33% [up from 10.25%]
Compo Beach, Westport's Happy Place, Was Even Happier for Lobster Fest 2022
Westport's biggest (probably) and arguably best party of the year returned to Compo Beach on a beautiful, sunny Saturday to the obvious delight of the happy and well-fed attendees. There was something for everyone; great entertainment for kids, the upbeat sounds of Hot Rubber Monkey Band got folks dancing, all the beer, wine and Tito's hand-made vodka anyone could ask for. Then there were the lobsters… for the $75.00 ticket price which goes to benefit all the charities the Westport Rotary supports each year, not to mention Copps Island oysters, clams, corn on the cob, cole slaw, bread, potato salad and even a peppermint patty for desert. There was also an option for a great steak for the non-lobster folks. A $10.00 kids ticket got them either chicken tenders or a hot dog. An early sell-out affair as always and another day of wonderful memories for the families and friends of Westport and the surrounding environs.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery