Dena Beth Silberstein

October 6, 1967 – May 8, 2026

Dena Beth Silberstein died in Brooklyn, New York, on Friday, May 8, 2026.  She lived an extraordinary and joyful life as an actress, artist, dog lover, real estate manager, and dear friend and family member. 

Dena was born on October 6, 1967, to Dr. Allen Silberstein and Irene Getzell Silberstein in New York City.  Dena grew up in Portland, Connecticut, and attended the Loomis Chaffee School.  She received a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies from Skidmore College in 1990. 

Dena was a lifelong creator and lover of fine art.  After completing college, Dena studied drama in New York City, appearing in several productions—notably, Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler.  At Greenwich House Pottery, she discovered her gift for ceramics and developed her unique interpretation of paper clay and porcelain work. Most recently, she had begun creating jewelry through the Guilford Art Center in Connecticut.

Throughout her adult life, Dena was the proud steward of two dogs: Romeo, a handsome black and brown dachshund, and Muji, a dachshund/beagle mix.  Her boundless love for her dogs will long be remembered by those who knew her.

Dena is survived by her father, Dr. Allen Silberstein, and Corey Silberstein, her brother.  Her mother, Irene Silberstein, died in 2025.  She is also survived by a close, loving family, three godsons, many friends, and by Sam Knox, her longtime partner.

Graveside services will be held in Indian Hill Cemetery, 383 Washington Street, Middletown, Connecticut, on Friday, May 15, at 11:00 a.m.  To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.