Joan Gelfand's Obituary
Joan Gelfand, age 78, of Boynton Beach, FL, died peacefully at home on October 5, 2024. She was born on October 30, 1945, in Elizabeth, NJ, to Sarah and Max Stollar.
Joan spent her childhood in and around Hillside, NJ, and later lived in Livingston, NJ, and Bethel Park, PA, before settling in Florida. There, she formed lifelong friendships through her passion for golf, canasta, mahjong, and shoes. Joan was known for her generosity, good-hearted assertiveness, enjoyment of cruising and casinos, and unwavering love for her family and friends.
She is survived by her brothers, William Stollar and his wife, Dorcee, and Charles Stollar and his wife, Karen; her chosen sons, Michael Naparstek Bernal and his husband Tony; her daughter-in-law, Lily; and several beloved nieces, nephews, granddaughters, cousins, and friends.
Joan was predeceased by her cherished children, Barry Gelfand and Danny Gelfand; her husband, Leonard Gelfand; and the love of her life, Bob Naparstek.
A funeral service will be held at Beth Israel Memorial Chapel in Boynton Beach on Tuesday, October 8th, at 10:15am, followed by burial at Eternal Light Memorial Gardens. The family will be sitting shivah at 7394 Lahana Circle, Boynton Beach, on 10/8 from 6:00pm until 8:00pm and 10/9 6:00pm until 8:00pm (weather permitting), where friends and loved ones are welcome to join in remembering Joan.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Experience Camps for grieving children. www.experiencecamps.org/donate
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