Joan Berkman Ostrow
December 19, 2023

JOAN BERKMAN OSTROW (JONI): On December 19, 2023, 92, of Pittsburgh. Daughter of the late Lillian and Milton Berkman. True love of 49 years to the late Stanley V. Ostrow. Devoted mother of Debra Bish Klug (Dale) and the late William Seth Ostrow (Tmira) who passed June 30, 2023 in Israel. Loving sister of the late Barbra Lesser (Bill). Grandmother of Christopher Bish, Courtney Hartnett (Bill) and Amanda Klug of Pittsburgh, Sheli Galili (Ben) and Daniella Zinger (Jonathan) of Israel. Adoring great-grandmother of eight loving grandchildren. Companion of 18 years to the late Leonard Stern. Joan started and taught ballroom dancing classes for young adults at Concordia Club of Oakland from 1955 to 1970. After teaching ballroom for many years, she developed and created the fashion merchandising department for Duffs Business school in downtown Pittsburgh from 1969 to 1982. From 1982 until her retirement in 2004 she was the fashion consultant for Kaufmann's Department Store where she received recognition and awards for her contributions to the fashion world. Joan loved to live life to the fullest with traveling, cooking and hosting her famous parties. Her perfect smile would light up a room. To her family and life long friends: You were every part of who she was. She will be missed but always in our hearts and memories. Graveside service and Interment will be held on Friday, December 22, 2023 at 11 AM at West View Cemetery of Rodef Shalom Congregation. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., family owned and operated. www.schugar.com 

Condolences

Ms. Ostrow having taught ball room dancing to youngsters from1955 to 1970 means that I was one of her students. All a long time ago, but I do have clear memories of those lessons. How to be a proper gentleman. I also knew well her companion in later years, Leonard Stern. My deepest condolences to all her family and friends, which were of considerable number. May the memory of her and her life continue to be a blessing to all who knew her.

I had the pleasure of meeting Joanie when my Son and I became a part of her beautiful family, she was so kind and very welcoming, a beautiful lady inside and out. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her loving family, she will be greatly missed!!!

I worked with Joan for a few years at Kaufmann’s and I found her to be a very sweet and kind person. She was so proud of her family especially since I went to school with Bill her son. I am sadden by her death and my condolences to the family .