Estelle Olitzky Mann
MANN: Estelle Olitzky Mann, Feb. 4, 1933 – May 26, 2024. Peacefully, on May 26, 2024, Estelle Olitzky Mann, beloved daughter of the late Louis and Tillie Olitzky. Devoted wife for 57 years of the late Melvin Mann. Loving mother of Andrea Mann Lowenstein (Michael) and Leslie Mann (Jennifer). Adoring and adored grandmother of Lauren Bauer (Nick), Rachel Hoekstra (Mark), David Lowenstein (fiancée Nesa), Natalie Mann (fiancé John) and Alexander Mann, and great-grandmother of Samuel Bauer, Emme Hoekstra and Ellen Hoekstra. A lifelong Pittsburgher (except for one year at the University of Michigan before transferring to the University of Pittsburgh), and a proud resident for 55 years of Winterburn Avenue in Greenfield, Estelle lived her life with relentless and irrepressible positivity and enthusiasm. “What did you have good to eat?” Whether it was in her career as a substitute teacher, or with her limitless group of close and lifelong friends, her special Schenley Park Golf Course friends (where the bench on Hole Number 3 is dedicated to Estelle and Melvin), her many cousins in Pittsburgh, Cleveland and beyond, and most of all her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, every day was a good day for Estelle, and every day was a little brighter for anyone who encountered Estelle. For most of her life, this positive approach to life was manifested by laughter, smiles, conversation and more conversation. Estelle was the life of many parties and always a strong contender for the last to leave, often to the bemusement of her loving and patient husband. “C’mon Gracie, it’s time to go.” Even as Parkinson’s robbed Estelle of much of her physical vitality and her ability to speak, it never diminished Estelle’s joy for life. Estelle enjoyed bingo and Pokeno at Riverview and breakout road trips to Big Jim’s for spaghetti Monday or Wendy’s for a Frosty. She remained faithful and devoted to all her Pittsburgh sports teams. “What channel is the Pitt game on?” But nothing made Estelle beam like seeing her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she adored unconditionally and enjoyed immeasurably. Estelle was a lifetime honorary trustee of Temple Sinai, which held a special place in her heart. At Sisterhood activities, Friday night services, the High Holidays, Meals on Wheels, the Jewish Food Festival, and many other congregation functions, Temple Sinai was a central part of Estelle’s life, and Estelle and Mel’s life together. Temple Sinai was just one part of the many ways that Estelle Mann made life better for many people and left the world a better place than she found it. Special thanks to Estelle’s caregivers, especially Mary Sherrill and Iris Marshall, everyone at Riverview Towers, and the many health care and community professionals who have been so helpful to Estelle. Services and interment private. Contributions may be made to Temple Sinai, 5505 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217, or a charity of the donor’s choice. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. schugar.com PJC
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