Widow, mother of gaming executives, Adele Epstein dies

Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2003 | 9:04 a.m.

Adele Epstein, matriarch of a Las Vegas gaming family and a civic leader who raised funds for local charities in the 1960s and '70s, died Saturday. She was 88.

Epstein, a Las Vegas resident of nearly 44 years, was the widow of Stardust casino executive Ike Epstein and the mother of Coast Casinos partner Kenny Epstein.

"Years ago my mother was involved in many charities with other casino executives' wives. ... (But) her family was her life -- she couldn't do enough for us," said Kenny Epstein, who in addition to being a partner with Michael Gaughan in Coast Casinos also is in partnership with Jackie Gaughan in the El Cortez and other Exber Inc. gaming properties.

Adele Epstein also was an amateur horticulturist and painter, and was known in local social circles for her fashion sense.

"My mother never left the house unless she was impeccably dressed and had on the proper accessories," Kenny Epstein recalled. "Even if she was in a jump suit to go to a gym, she was very stylish."

As a horticulturist, Epstein long kept a garden at her Las Vegas home, where she took great pride in raising roses. As a painter, Epstein worked in both oils and water colors, but did not exhibit her works outside her home, her family said.

Epstein was born Oct. 26, 1915, in Milwaukee. She attended St. Mary's College in Milwaukee and worked in sales in department stores in Wisconsin, her family said.

Epstein came to Las Vegas in 1960 and became involved in charities, including the Variety Club, and fund-raising events through the Las Vegas Country Club.

In addition to her son, Epstein is is survived by a daughter, Joan Matin of Bryan, Texas; eight grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Her husband, Ike, preceded her in death in 1976.

Services were Monday at Palm Mortuary, 1325 N. Main St., followed by burial in Palm Memorial Park.

The family said donations can be made in Adele Epstein's memory to the Alzheimer's Association-Southern Nevada Chapter, 5190 S. Valley View Blvd., 89118.