Mitzi E. Rothstein, 83, of St. Charles, who for 25 years sold antiques and collectibles at a booth at the Kane County Flea Market, died Saturday, Feb. 14, in her home of colon cancer. Born and raised in Chicago, Mrs. Rothstein became an office manager for a dental products company in Chicago after her high school graduation and worked until she married in 1946. She and her husband, Lester, lived briefly in Chicago before they moved to St. Charles and she became a homemaker. For more than 15 years, she was a Girl Scout leader. She eventually became a trainer of future Scout leaders and ran the Aurora council’s day camp for two years. “She liked working with the young women and teaching them the different things … along with the values the Girl Scouts instill in young people,” said her daughter Jamie. Decades ago, Mrs. Rothstein and a friend frequented garages sales and then estate sales. Soon, her daughter said, Mrs. Rothstein ran estate sales in the Fox Valley area. Her hobby became a vocation when she took on a booth at an antique store in St. Charles. The once-a-month flea market routine was just as much about selling her antiques as it was being with people, her daughter said. “There was just something about her. She had a magnetic personality. She was unassuming and wanted to do for others all the time,” her daughter said. Three years ago, she decided to retire from the antique business but she never let up on her gardens, which were spread throughout her 2-acre property. Other survivors include her husband; another daughter, Linda; a son, James; and a granddaughter. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in Norris Funeral Home, 100 S. 3rd St., St. Charles. Mass will be said at 11 a.m. Thursday in St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 408 Cedar St., St. Charles.
