Adalyn Pakler Baraff
BARAFF: Adalyn Pakler Baraff, of Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh, passed away peacefully at home at the age of 102 surrounded by her family. Wife of the late Gerald Baraff. Loving mother of Dr. Robert “Bobby” Baraff and Marjorie Baraff, PhD. Beloved grandmother of Nicole “Nikki” Baraff Sherman, Rick Baraff, Jamie Baraff Pond and Jeremy Baraff. Great-grandmother “GG” of Lochlan Sherman. Wonderful sister of Silvia Dillon and the late Ben Pakler, Hyman Pakler, Lena Cooperman, Doris Rosenthal, David Pakler, Esther Weiss and Lawrence “Pete” Pakler. Sister-in-law of the late Ruth Baraff and Patsy Pakler. Aunt of Marcine Baraff, Sharon Baraff, Mitchell (Rae-Gayle) Pakler, Fred (Maureen) Pakler, and numerous other nieces and nephews. Adalyn attended Fifth Avenue High School and Peabody High School. She played basketball for Peabody at a time when girls were only permitted to dribble half court because they were considered too “delicate” to dribble full court. She was an enthusiastic participant in many organizations, including the Irene Kaufmann Settlement, National Council of Jewish Women, Jewish Community Center, Amelia Earhart Club, Babe Didrikson Zaharias Club, ORT and Squirrel Hill AARP. Adalyn was also a den mother for the Brownies and Cub Scouts, and a member of the B’nai Israel Congregation and the Rodef Shalom Congregation. Adalyn enjoyed many activities including mahjong, golf, swimming, contract bridge, duplicate bridge and most of all, shopping. Her impeccable sense of fashion and relatable personality made her an excellent women’s clothing salesperson at Kaufmann’s and Saks Fifth Avenue, where customers would ask for her by name. Adalyn was married to her high school sweetheart, Gerald Baraff, for 50 years. She was an excellent homemaker, a spectacular cook, an expert shopper and a savvy coupon clipper. She regularly brought homemade food to her friends and relatives. She lovingly cared for several relatives who were terminally ill. Adalyn thoroughly enjoyed countless hours of babysitting her grandchildren and attending all their events. As a devoted Pittsburgher, the Pittsburgh City Council officially declared July 4, 2021 (her 100th birthday) as Adalyn Baraff Day. Still driving a car in her 90s and walking without a cane past the age of 100, Adalyn was full of life and truly one of a kind. At 102, Adalyn was still blessed with a wonderful memory, recalling many interesting and funny facts and lifetime stories in vivid detail. She made her home health aides laugh daily with her remarkable wit and sense of humor. The family would like to thank Adalyn’s aides, Ann, Tanika and Lashawn, for their wonderful and dedicated care over the last year. Adalyn’s love for her family and friends was unrivaled. Through her selfless generosity, she touched the lives of so many. Adalyn was adored by everyone who met her for her loving, humble and giving nature. Contributions may be made to Adalyn’s favorite nonprofit, HighView (gohighview.com/donate), or a charity of the donor’s choice. Services were held at Temple Sinai Memorial Park. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. schugar.com PJC
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