Perhaps most people would prefer to avoid the topic of death, but it is an inevitable
part of life. For some people, having control over death lessens anxiety. The Right to Die
Movement dates back about 50 years. This talk will look at the organizations that are active
and available today, the documents people should have prepared, and steps people
can take so that their wishes are carried out.
Eleanor Aronstein attained both BS and MS degrees in Education, from Russell Sage
College. She went on to attain a BA in History from Marist College, and then a Certificate
of Advanced Graduate Studies in Educational Leadership from Massachusetts College of
Liberal Arts. Her career has included: Coordinator of Education at the Dutchess County Jail, Social Studies
and Spanish teacher in the Hyde Park Central School District, Adjunct in History at Marist College, and Supervisor
of Student Teachers for SUNY New Paltz, Marist and College of St. Rose.
Eleanor’s interest in The Right To Die stems from the very painful death of her mother in 1972 and her
desire to help people avoid a similar end-of-life scenario. She became very active in Final Exit Network in
2013, giving presentations throughout the Hudson Valley and Upstate area, and considers the work to be a
tribute to her mother.