Roni Ostfield
OSTFIELD: On Tuesday, February 26, 2013, Roni Ostfield; Beloved wife of Frank Cymerman. She is survived by two sons, Marc (Michael Savino) Ostfield of Washington, DC and Alan (Jennifer) Ostfield of Sleepy Hollow, NY and their father, Howard Ostfield. Sister of Dena Fox of AZ and Gary Gulak of Philadelphia, PA. Loving grandmother of Benjamin and Hannah Ostfield. Roni is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, friends and her cherished dogs, Oliver and Karma. Roni Ostfield was the founder and artistic director of Pittsburgh Playback Theatre. She served as artistic director of City Theatre Outreach Program for thirteen years where she directed over forty-five productions with diverse communities. Her work documented the experiences of female prisoners, homeless persons, women on welfare, Holocaust survivors, “at risk” teens, gang members, refugees from Darfur, Somalia, Israeli Arabs and Jews, and many other groups. Through her work, she gave voice to their stories, affirmed their humanity and in so doing taught the value of empathy. Ostfield acted, led workshops, taught, wrote, and directed theater in the US and internationally since 1974. Her passion was to love beyond divisions, to create community in the mist of conflict, to recognize the humanity of all people, and to improve the human experience. She touched the lives of many with her heart and fingers and will be greatly missed. Services were held at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. Interment Private. Contributions may be made to Pittsburgh Playback Theatre, c/o 2770 Fernwald Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15217 or a charity of your choice. www.schugar.com
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