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Obituary: Celeste S. Behrend / Liberal political activist in city's 14th Ward

Obituary: Celeste S. Behrend / Liberal political activist in city's 14th Ward

Feb. 12, 1928 - March 28, 2009

Active in politics for several decades, Celeste S. Behrend hosted Milton Shapp for campaign talks and let her home serve as an official address for the "Dump Johnson" letter-writing campaign to oppose President Lyndon B. Johnson's 1968 candidacy.

She also helped to found the 14th Ward Independent Democratic Club -- the oldest, continuously operating organization of its kind in the country.

Ms. Behrend, of Oakland, died Saturday at Forbes Hospice after a short fight with cancer. She was 81.

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"She was very liberal, always an independent thinker," said her son, Bernhard Behrend, of Squirrel Hill.

His mother was against machine politics. And in the mid-1960s, that idea was spreading. The 14th Ward Independent Democratic Club was a way to go outside the norm.

"She never thought bosses in smoke-filled rooms should make those decisions," he said.

Nat Hershey, another founder of the club, said he met Ms. Behrend during a failed bid for ward chairman and committeeman in 1964.

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"She didn't always agree with you, but she always treated everyone with grace and humor and charm," Mr. Hershey said.

Through her lengthy political career, Ms. Behrend often supported the losing candidate, but that never influenced her decision about whom to support.

"It didn't matter if they had a chance of winning," said Mr. Behrend. "Part of her character was, she was always optimistic. [If her candidate lost] she would express disappointment but never frustration."

Ms. Behrend came from a family with a long history of community service. Her aunt was Florence Reizenstein, a well-known community activist in the 1950s and '60s for whom a city middle school was named.

"She learned from them she should be active in the community and pursuing peace," Mr. Behrend said. "Politics was a good way to do those things."

Among the local candidates she supported and campaigned for were former state Sen. Harris Wofford, former U.S. Rep. Bill Coyne, state Sen. Jim Ferlo, D-Highland Park, and city Councilman William Peduto.

"Her passion for fairness in government and life was always a model that I try to follow," Mr. Peduto said. "She was a tireless worker for progressive causes in Pittsburgh and beyond."

Even at age 80, Ms. Behrend, who was a Democratic committeewoman, was taking food to campaign workers at Barack Obama's Oakland headquarters every few days.

"That may be her crowning victory," her son said.

Ms. Behrend was also a member of Americans for Democratic Action and won a lifetime achievement award from the national group. She served as president of its local chapter.

Outside of her political life, Ms. Behrend was a great listener, her son said.

"In politics, she knew exactly what was right and wrong," her son said. But he continued, in life, "She was totally non-judgmental and supportive.

"People were always comfortable around her. It was always a pleasure to be with her."

In addition to her son, Ms. Behrend is survived by her husband of 60 years, William, and by sons Samuel, of Tucson, Ariz., and Charles, of Denver.

Visitation will be held in Ralph Schugar Chapel, 5509 Centre Ave., Shadyside, tomorrow from noon until 1 p.m. services. Interment will be at West View Cemetery of Rodef Shalom Congregation.

Contributions may be made to Hebrew Free Loan Association, 4315 Murray Ave., Pittsburgh 15217.

First Published: March 30, 2009, 4:00 a.m.

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