Joan L. Schwartzman

SCHWARTZMAN: Joan L. Schwartzman, age 85, of Pittsburgh, on July 17, 2015. Joan was surrounded by her family and died peacefully after a full and satisfying life. Daughter of the late Jean (Hirsohn) and Irving Lipking, Joan was the beloved wife of the late Irving Schwartzman; cherished sister of Lawrence and the late Joanna Lipking of Evanston, Ill.; adored mother of Diane Samuels (David Sufrin), Evelyn Whitehill and Mimi (Steve) Gillis; loving “Gram” to Marc (Naomi) Samuels, Abby Samuels, Rachel Samuels, Madeline Whitehill, Jack Whitehill and Jacob Gillis; and great-grandmother to Sydney Samuels. Joan touched the lives of all she met with her interest in and generosity to others, her optimism and independence, and her lifelong interest in learning and trying new things. She will be greatly missed by her family and her many close friends. Joan was born in New York City (Bronx) and lived in Cleveland as well as Oil City and New Castle, Pa. After completing college in her 50s and participating in a number of national emergency response teams, Joan was appointed Lawrence County (Pa.) Emergency Management Coordinator. She moved to Pittsburgh in 2002 and became involved in a number of volunteer organizations, including as president of the Friends of the Squirrel Hill Library and in various leadership positions with NA’AMAT and Hadassah. She was a regular student of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, a member of Congregation Beth Shalom and an avid theater and symphony attendee. Joan was also a master bread maker and clothing designer and seamstress. Services were held at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. Interment private. Donations may be made to The Friends of the Squirrel Hill Library. schugar.com.

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