Roberta Elizabeth Braunstein

Roberta E. Braunstein, a devoted attorney, loving mother, educator, and tireless advocate for children and families, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2025, after a courageous ten-year battle with cancer. Throughout multiple rounds of treatment and several types of cancer, she displayed extraordinary strength, resilience, and grace.

Roberta was born on September 8, 1947, in Brooklyn, New York, to Anna Castellano and Henry Braunstein. She carried their values of compassion, perseverance, and integrity throughout her life and work. Roberta grew up in Monroe, CT and was the oldest of three children and remained a loving and protective sister throughout her life. She is survived by her brothers, Michael Braunstein and his wife Ritu of Stonington, CT, and Richard Braunstein and his wife Jan of Atlanta, GA. Roberta treasured her role as an aunt and held deep affection for her nieces and nephews: Sarah, Ben, Elizabeth, Caroline, Peter, Ruthie, Julie, and Jacob.

Raised in the Catholic faith, Roberta remained a strong Christian throughout her life, guided by a deep sense of purpose, service, and love for others. Through her walk with her faith, Roberta met her friend and later caretaker, Mr. John Feeney, Jr., who accompanied her on her many adventures and appointments throughout her illness.

Roberta earned her Juris Doctorate from Franklin Pierce Law Center (now UNH Franklin Pierce Law Center) in 1981, after completing her BFA and MA in Theater at the University of Connecticut (UCONN) and pursuing teaching certification at Sacred Heart University. She had many hobbies throughout her life, she loved the stage, photography, and various crafts. Over the course of more than four decades, she built a multifaceted career as an attorney, educator, foster parent, and community leader. Her work was always driven by a commitment to justice, compassion, and supporting the vulnerable—particularly children and families.

Roberta practiced law from 1982 onward and worked in several Town Vaults throughout Connecticut as a skilled public records and Title Researcher. She tutored homebound students and, perhaps most meaningfully, served as a foster parent to over a dozen children. Many of those children remained in contact with her long after their time in her home, often still sharing life updates and achievements—testaments to the lasting love and influence she provided. Most notable were the twins she cared for, Eric and Victor. 

She gave deeply to her community, serving as Chair of the Youth and Family Services Board of Griswold and on the Board of Trustees for CARA. She was also an integral part of various churches and their annual Christmas Fair, where she led the crafts section and taught for many years. Roberta’s contributions were recognized by the Jewett City Police Department and her colleagues, including being voted “Best Teacher” at the Whitby School.

Roberta is survived by three children. Her two devoted sons, Matthew Braunstein and his wife, Melissa of Canterbury, CT, their three daughters, Madisen, Makenzie, and Morgan Braunstein. Sean Braunstein of Hooksett, NH and his daughter, Rowyn Braunstein. And her loving daughter, Ashley. Roberta leaves behind the many foster children, whose lives she touched with unwavering love and support.

She was predeceased by her parents, Anna Castellano and Henry Braunstein.

Services


A viewing and service will be held on Tuesday, July 29, from 5–7 PM at Gagne-Piechowski Funeral Home in Griswold, CT.


A final farewell and burial with last rites will follow on Wednesday, July 30, at 10 AM at Pachaug Cemetery, Griswold, CT.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Roberta’s memory may be made to the Rudman Summer Fellows Fund at UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law continuing her legacy of justice, education, and her love for advocacy. Contact: Ellen.Musinsky@law.unh.edu or (603) 513-5164.

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