Diane Abravanel
ABRAVANEL: Diane Abravanel, 95, passed away peacefully in her home in Boca Raton, Florida on April 24, 2017, where she lived for 31 years. Diane is survived by her loving daughters, Lynn Abravanel, of South Dennis, Mass., and Nicki Baker, of New York City. She is preceded in death by her husband, Ben Abravanel, to whom she was married for more than 52 years. The final years of her life were enriched with the loving support of her dedicated caretakers Sory, Anne, Lorna, Mary and Tina. Diane was born on August 26, 1921, in Pittsburgh, to parents Nicholas and Etta Rosenberg. There she raised her two children and began a successful career in public relations in 1957, working as an associate and account executive for the William H. Mazefsky Associates. In 1962 she became the public relations director of Montefiore Hospital, a teaching hospital of the Health Center of the University of Pittsburgh. In 1975, Diane was promoted to the position of assistant administrator of the hospital. She was the first woman in Pittsburgh to be accredited by the Public Relations Society of America, was a past president of the Society’s Pittsburgh Chapter, and was a founder and past president of Western Pennsylvania’s Public Relations Society of Health Care Organizations. In 1977 she was listed in “Who’s Who of American Women” and “Who’s Who in the East.” It was always Diane’s dream to have a college degree. At the age of 51 she began her studies at the University of Pittsburgh where she majored in communications while pursuing a full-time career in hospital administration. Following her retirement in 1986, she resumed her studies at Florida Atlantic University. At the age of 69 she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree after 19 years of part-time study. In 1990 she was inducted into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. Diane will be fondly remembered by her family and friends for writing and producing musical reviews for community clubs, organizations, and milestone birthday celebrations. Her positive attitude was an inspiration to all who knew her. Her sincere kindness to others made them feel loved and important. The Abravanel family asks that you spend time with your children and loved ones and make a toast to enduring friendships. Diane would wish that for you. A Celebration of Life service will be held in Pittsburgh at a future date.
comments