Natasha Ruth Silberstein November 23, 1923 – February 28, 2016

 A celebration of her life will take place at the Old City Hall Restaurant in Gilroy on Saturday, March 26, 2016, from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. Donations in Natasha’s name may be made to Heifer International.
 Our beloved Natasha passed away on February 28, 2016, after a brief illness.
 Born in Czechoslovakia, she came to America with her family as a teenager. Having learned English in addition to her native Czech and Russian, she studied French and Spanish at the University of Wisconsin.
 She met Otmar, who was to become her husband of 68 years, at a friend’s wedding. They married in 1947, lived in Michigan and New York while Otmar finished his studies, and moved to Gilroy in 1963 with sons, David and Robert.
 A gifted teacher, Natasha taught typing, shorthand, Russian and ESL, as well as substitute teaching at all levels in Gilroy schools.
 Natasha loved music, especially singing, and got involved in community theater, performing in musicals, such as Fiddler on the Roof and My Fair Lady.
 Natasha loved people, meeting people and making connections wherever she went. She loved books and read widely, and especially enjoyed reading to children and encouraging them to love books as she did.
 Natasha’s love of nature led her to become a docent at a Nature Center, and in later years she discovered the Unitarian Church, which became an important part of her life.
 Natasha is survived by her husband, Otmar, her son, Robert, her granddaughter, Raina, her sister, Katia, and her brother, Alex.