Annette Rae Stein

Annette Rae Stein (nee Berger) passed away at the age of 83, on November 28, 2025, in Tempe, Arizona.

Annette was born in Bronx, New York on April 28, 1942, to Morris Berger and Esther Borenstein.  She graduated from Taft High School in the Bronx.  Later, while living in Arizona, she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in communications from Arizona State University.

Annette began her career with the state of Arizona shortly after moving to Tempe in 1972. Early on, she held several administrative positions in the Arizona Department of Health. While pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees, she rose to positions of greater responsibility and scope, ending her career as the Director of Health and Human Services for Maricopa County.  She played a key role in establishing Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS), now the largest homeless service provider in Arizona.

Following her retirement, Annette began a decade of service as a docent at the Phoenix Art Museum, where her outgoing personality and love of art connected visitors with the museum and its collections.  She also volunteered with the Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival, combining her love of cinema with her desire to expose audiences to important Jewish cinematic artists.

Annette’s husband of 32 years, Robert “Bob” Stein, passed away on December 2, 2025.  She is survived by her daughter Suzanne (Andy), son Brian (Sara), stepdaughter Michelle (Lucas) and grandchildren Claire, Jack, Savannah, and Cameron as well as her brother, Herbie.  She also leaves behind many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss her dearly.  A private Celebration of Life will be held in late February.

In lieu of flowers, we suggest the following organizations for donations in her honor:

• American Cancer Society
• Phoenix Art Museum
• Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.