Lois M. Jackson of Squirrel Hill
JACKSON: Lois M. Jackson of Squirrel Hill, 82, passed away 2 Tammuz 5777 (June 26, 2017). Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., to the late Philip and Leah Odes Betten, Lois is survived by her daughter, Lauren (Michael) and son, Paul (Amy), her granddaughters, Sarah and Alexandra, brother, Mike Betten (Flossie), niece Paige and nephew Jordan. She is the beloved partner of the late Sidney Pollack with very close ties to Sid’s children, David (Avery), Linda and Aaron (Rosalba), and Sid’s grandchildren, Elsbeth, Molly, Samantha, Alex and Ryan. Lois graduated from Brandeis University with a Bachelor of Science in biology and from Pratt University with a Master of Library Science. Lois worked as a children’s librarian at the Brooklyn Public Library and for many years at the Pleasant Hills Public Library where she ultimately became head librarian. She also worked as head librarian for the Allegheny County Health Department, and when she retired volunteered at the Rodef Shalom library. Lois also tutored young children in reading, and worked briefly as a preschool teacher. Lois was one of the most active people anyone knew and will be missed by so many longtime friends and acquaintances. Lois and her partner Sid were very active in the country-dance community. Lois exercised regularly at the JCC health club. She was the treasurer of the Maxon Neighbors Committee and active in the Maxon Towers community. She was a regular volunteer usher at the Benedum Theater, where she achieved emeritus status, and also a volunteer docent and usher for the Carnegie Museum of Pittsburgh. Lois was an avid reader of mystery novels and always had a stack of books on her nightstand. She took great interest in the hobbies and pursuits of others from Jewish history to car racing. Donations in her memory may be made to the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh or a children’s aid organization of one’s choosing. Family and friends will gather for a Celebration of Life at the JCC in Squirrel Hill on July 7, 2017, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and attend erev Shabbat services at Lois’s synagogue, Rodef Shalom.
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