Joanne Berman Klein's Obituary
Joanne Berman Klein, age 85, of Pepper Pike, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home on the morning of April 11, 2017. Joanne, known fondly as “Joey” by her seven grandchildren, was born November 18, 1931, in Cleveland, the second of two daughters of Lew Berman and Lillian Neshkin, and was also raised by her much-loved stepmother Ella Hirschl Berman. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Civia Margolis, and the love of her life, Stuart Klein. Originally from the Glenville area of Cleveland, she remained lasting friends with her childhood and Glenville High School classmates. Together with her husband, she built a successful business, Compaction Specialists, and the house of their dreams, where she had lived for more than four decades. Joanne spent her free time devouring books of all types and welcoming friends in their home. In recent years, those friends included her caregivers, for whom she developed a close attachment and a feeling of deep gratitude. Joanne was a Thanksgiving hostess extraordinaire, right up through last November, and she enjoyed laughter and a silly joke more than almost anyone, especially when shared with her sons and grandchildren. In keeping with her love of both books and children, Joanne volunteered at her local library as well as a kindergarten classroom later in life. Some of her fondest memories were of the grandchildren “playing rough with Papa” or in the backyard playground Stu built for them. As a lifelong Clevelander, she craved the sun, and it came out in full force for her final days, which she spent looking out at the deer in her woodsy yard in the first blush of spring. She is survived by her two sons, who were the greatest joys of her life, Steven Klein (Karen) of Scottsdale, Arizona, and Jeffrey Klein (Lexie), of Houston, Texas; a niece, Lianne (Wayne) Maxson of Coral Springs, FL; a nephew, Ron (Lisa) Margolis of Highland Heights; and her grandchildren, who brought her indescribable joy: Brett, Tyler, Kyle, Konner, Alex, Kate, and Tim Klein. Arrangements were made by Shapiro Funeral Services of Orange Village, but there will be no services. For those wanting to make donations, memorial contributions to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, 15500 S. Waterloo Road, Cleveland, OH 44110 would be appreciated.
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