Joan Loewenstein's Obituary
Born in South Bend, Indiana to Harold and Esther Nine, Joan was raised on a dairy farm but knew at a young age there was more out there for her.
She attended Stephens College in Columbia, MO and graduated with a degree in Fashion Design. From Columbia she moved to nearby St. Louis, MO to start her career.
Joan had a wonderful job as a Fashion Coordinator at Boyd’s having many memorable moments. She once bought ties for the store, from a young designer out of the trunk of his car. When she asked his name, he told her it was Ralph Lauren. She bought ties out of the trunk of Ralph Lauren’s car, before anyone even knew who he was.
She was also on the team that dressed Sidney Poitier when they were filming the movie In the Heat of the Night across the river in Belleville, IL.
A friend fixed her up with a young man named Julian “Jay” Loewenstein, and Joan figured if nothing else she would get fed. Sure enough, Jay took her to dinner and proceeded to win her over. They married two years later and started their family. First a son named T.O. then a daughter, Elyse.
Joan and Jay moved a few times to further his career. Cincinnati, Minneapolis, Kansas City and finally Columbus, OH. It never mattered to her. Joan made friends easily and as long as she was with Jay she was happy.
The two of them travelled extensively and ended up spending their winters in Costa Rica. They had a lovely condo on the beach spending time there up until Jay passed in 2018.
Most importantly Joan loved her family. She is survived by her son T.O. of San Francisco, CA, daughter Elyse and her husband Chris Remick of Columbus, OH, and their children Nicholas in Miami Beach, FL, Colin in Austin, TX, and Hannah in Charleston, SC. Joan’s grandchildren loved and adored their “Tootsie” and “Bubba”.
Joan is also survived by her brother-in-law, Robert M. Loewenstein of St. Louis, MO as well as many nieces and nephews.
Joan was a good friend, wonderful mother and even better grandmother. Her family and friends were lucky to have her in their lives. She will be missed.
What’s your fondest memory of Joan?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joan?
Share a story where Joan's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joan you’ll never forget.
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