Obituary of Estelle Jussim

"Granby, Dr. Estelle Jussim, 76, of Hubbard Dr, died March 1 at Holyoke Hospital after a long illness. Born in Manhattan, NY, March 18, 1927, she grew up in New York and was a graduate of Queens College. Furthering her education , she received her Doctorate of Library Service from Columbia University. Dr. Jussim began her career as a university professor at Hampshire College where she taught History of Communications from 1967 - 1972. In 1972 she began teaching at Simmons College in Boston where she taught History of Photography, History of Rare Books, graphic arts and communications until her retirement in 1992. Dr. Jussim authored numerous works on visual communications and the history of photography. Among her works, "Slave to Beauty" won her the acclaimed award, New York Historical Society's Prize for Dinstinctive Achievement in the History of Photography. She has also written numerous biographies on notable photographers such as Barbara Crane, Gerry Liebling, Carl Chiarenza and F. Holland Day. Estelle was also a well known lecturer, speaking at Smith College, Amon Carter Museum in Texas, The Museum of Ottawa and the College of Santa Fe. Her great collection of Pre Columbian Sculpture was recently donated to the Mt. Holyoke College Art Museum as well as her collection of original photographs of notable photographers. She also made generous contributions to animal rights organizations. Dr. Jussim is survived by her long time friend and companion Elizabeth Cock with whom she lived, as well as a sister, Matilda Van Witzen, of Hewlett, NY along with nieces and nephews. There will be a service to honor her memory at the Unitarian-Universalist Church of Amherst on Saturday, April 3rd at 2:00 p.m. Donations may be made in her memory to either PAWS of Granby, P.O. Box 472, Granby, MA 01033, WFCR Public Radio, Hampshire House, UMASS, 131 County circle, Amherst, MA 01033-9257 or Dakin Animal Center, 163 Montague Rd, Leverett, MA 01054. Beers & Story South Hadley Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. "