"I enjoyed the times that I met Joanne and Marc. Joanne always intellectual and fun at times. Marc, please accept my sympathy that your wonderful wife will now be in heaven. The next time I can meet in Houston to have breakfast or lunch with you. Best wishes and sympathy. Al"
In loving memory of
Joanne Epstein
May 20, 1948 - August 5, 2018
Joanne David Epstein passed away suddenly on Sunday, August 5, in Houston, Texas. Joanne was an incredible wife, mom, and grandma. To Joanne, family was always first, while she was also a friend to many. She maintained a close and loving relationship with extended family scattered around the U.S. and around the world. She will be remembered for her innate ability to maintain relationships for a lifetime. She went to every family event she could, but her favorite time was spent with her husband Marc, her daughters, and grandchildren.
Born on May 20, 1948, in Los Angeles, California to Margaret and Eric David, she attended local schools. She spent many summers at Camp Ramah in Ojai and attended Temple Beth Am in Los Angeles. Joanne graduated from San Francisco State University, earning her degree in Political Science. She also earned her masters degree at the University of Texas, Arlington in Urban Affairs. While at San Francisco State, Joanne met Marc, her husband of 49 years. They built an incredible life together living in many places, including Los Angeles, Boston, New York City, France, Canada, and Palo Alto before settling in Houston in 1998. Joanne was an avid traveler (with Marc), exploring Africa, Asia, Antarctica, Europe, as well as many trips to Israel. Joanne loved sports; tennis, biking, and running were amongst her favorites.
Joanne was a member of the Beth Yeshuran Synagogue as well as Temple Beth Shalom in Palm Springs, California. She volunteered often for the Sisterhood of the Beth Yeshurun Synagogue.
Deeply mourned by her husband Marc, daughters Judy (Scott) Zivley and Debbie (Simcha) Firestone, Joanne was also devoted to her five loving grandchildren; Emily Firestone, Noah Firestone, Maya Firestone, Amanda Zivley and Katie Zivley. She also enjoyed a special relationship with her great-nephew Gabe, who considered her a special person in his life. She is also survived by her brother George as well as 6 nieces and nephews Nathan, Rachel, Danielle, Efrem, Shira, and Arielle.
Joanne will be remembered as joyful but serious; fun-loving but sincere; honest, caring, and faithful to friends and family. She was a constant attendee of the Museum Minyan at Beth Yeshurun, attending each week with her Houston granddaughters from the time they were little.
Joanne had an amazing sense of direction, which was a great help when she and Marc explored a multitude of cities. She could be depended on for her honesty and integrity, her word could be trusted in both business and personal relations. She was down to earth in daily life and always full of joy. Her dedication to family, friends, and meaningful causes are what all who know her will remember about her.
Joanne is already sadly missed and will continue to be missed forever.
Graveside service will be at 10am, Tuesday, August 7, 2018 at Beth Yeshurun Post Oak Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Museum Minyan of Congregation Beth Yeshurun, Planned Parenthood, or any charity of your choice.
Tributes
"Oh my gosh we are shocked and saddened. She was so warm and wonderful and had that special way of talking and listening directly to you, even if part of a group. We will miss her terribly. Our hearts and prayer go out to you Marc and your whole family."
"Dear Marc, I am really sorry for your lost. My deepest sympathy. I will remember forever the dinners I had with both of you in Mexico City. Joanne was fantastic: Cultured, intelligent, friendly. She gave me pieces of advice that I will always remember. My thoughts and prayers are with you, with your daughters, and grand kids. I send you a big hug Antonio Casanueva"
"Joanne Epstein is one of the loveliest and most loving persons you could ever meet. It was always a delight sharing the many meals we did with Joanne (and Marc) as Joanne was always interested in your thoughts and how you were doing. She was great fun to play tennis with because she always exhibited great sportsmanship and she was a challenge to play against as she was consistently a good player. We are better people having known Joanne; she always set a good example, was so thoughtful and loving AND she is sorely, sorely missed."
"I am so sorry to hear about Joanne. Although we knew her only briefly, it was obvious that she was a person of remarkable qualities, of quiet wisdom, positive thinking and devout faith. We regret that we will never get to know her better, except through your reminiscences. All our love to you during this time of grieving. We look forward to seeing you."
"Dear Marc, Debbie and and Judy, We just heard and were devastated by the news. Please accept our deepest sympathy. May the memories of happy times spent together sustain you through this difficult period. Love, Steve and Edie Nitzberg"
"Anne and I are heartbroken to learn about Joanne's passing away. We will remember Joanne as amazingly positive, grounded and generous. She seemed to be making her way through life with the sunshine hovering over her head, and she shared this positivity with all around her. She also had the most amazing way of cutting through complexity and suggest productive avenues forward. As sad as we are, we also want to express our gratitude for the times we had with Joanne. On several occasions, she made a real difference in our lives. Marc, I don't know what to say... You and Joanne were the most amazing couple I have met in my life... Life can really feel greatly unfair, sometimes... It certainly does right now."
"May she rest in peace she will always be remembered as a wonderful person. bless her. "
"Although I never met her, I am Simcha? s cousin and have known Debbie for a beautifully long time. Joanne had to be a lovely woman to have such a loving, gracious, warm daughter. Debbie?s children always spoke of their grandmother with love as well. My heart is with you because of this great loss. May the memories of her help you all through this sad time. With love, Cousin Phyllis Elrich. For me and Harry"
"May she Rest In Peace"
"May she rest in peace"
"We loved being in Joanne?s company A lady of wisdom and empathy"
"We benefited from her kindness and wisdom and loved being included in her family Joanne will be greatly missed"
"Dear Marc - we are totally in shock about this news and so sad to hear about Joanne. We send you are deepest sympathy and prayers at this tremendous loss. I know your family will be a big comfort now. Thinking of all of you - God bless - love, Lynn & Eddie"
"Marc, I have never known two individuals who were so great by themselves and also so great together. Marvin and I send our deepest condolences to you and your family. All our love throughout this unbearable time."