Niki Eisenstein, NYARM member, friend and colleague died on November 20, 2000.
Niki taught us about holiday spirit, about giving to those less fortunate, about celebrating the children. Even though she was far from well-heeled, Niki originated NYARM's tradition of bringing toys, goodies and Santa Claus to the children of New York City. The Association for the Benefit of Children, Hale House and AHRC Blue Feather were her babies. And was she talented...a singer, poet, artist and accomplished pianist, Niki graced our lives with her wit and humor. She graced the pages of the NYARM newspaper and Dinner Dance Journal (a publication she initiated and grew from inception) with her art and poetry. And, she spoke seven languages! Niki was one of the first licensed women contractors in New York City. She climbed parapets, walked roofs, crawled in basements checking out the integrity of a building. And when, because of health reasons, Niki could no longer work, NYARM made her our first honorary member. When Niki was going blind, I would talk to her about the loneliness, desperation and fear associated with the process of becoming sightless. She cried as she related how familiar faces and places, beautiful colors and objects were fading as her eyesight failed her. And, as if that weren't enough, her kidneys betrayed her as well and dialysis was prescribed. The "cure" exhausted her physically and mentally. But through it all she never lost her compassion and caring. Never did I speak with her that she didn't ask after my well-being and that of my family. Never did she not ask about mutual friends, NYARM members and industry colleagues. She was a caring, compassionate, talented, wonderful woman who enriched the lives of those that knew her. And now, she's gone.