JOAN LEAR SHER

Joan Lear Sher of Larchmont, NY passed away July 7, 2004, surrounded by her family. She was 70-years-old.

The fourth daughter of Joseph Lear and Mollie Berkowitz, Joan grew up in New London, CT, her life enriched by grandparents and cousins, nieces and nephews and more the a dozen aunts and uncles, a full family life that she would create for others for years to come.

It was in New London that Joan would excel in school and forge the first of many friendships that would last a lifetime. A graduate of Brandeis University, Joan moved to New York City with college roommates and became a publicity director for Random House, Knopf and Pantheon, writing two children's books and promoting many of the best loved authors of children's literature.

Married in 1960 to Roger Evan Sher, Joan had three children, Jonathan, Elisabeth and Abigail, the happy couple moving to Larchmont in 1968. Joan took a hiatus from full-time work to spend more time with her children but never slowed down. She served as board member of Westchester Friends of Channel Thirteen, chairperson of the Larchmont Interfaith Seminar, voter service chairperson for the League of Women Voters and cultural arts coordinator for Mamaroneck public schools.

Joan served as both Vice President of Larchmont Temple and President of the local chapter of Women of Reform Judaism. As her children grew older, Joan re-entered the workforce, becoming director of community relations for The United Hebrew Geriatric Center and later Westchester Area Director for The American Jewish Committee.

When her husband Roger died prematurely in 1985, Joan found the strength to continue and thrive. A later marriage to David Hurwitz was happy but again ended too soon when he died in 1991.

Joan never stopped learning, exploring, or working, her zest for life taking her to from travels in five continents to the writing of great authors, experiences she always shared with friends. Her commitment to community continued to the end. Joan taught English as a second language and served as partner in the Larchmont Chamber Music Circle.

Her memory is cherished by her children Jonathan, Elisabeth and Abigail, her grandchildren Katherine and Alexander and her caring relatives and loving friends.

Funeral Services will begin at 11 a.m. Friday, July 9 at Larchmont Temple with burial to follow at Mount Hope Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

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