Karen Bernstein
BERNSTEIN: Karen Bernstein, 83, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2024, surrounded by her immediate family and friends. Born on July 12, 1941, Karen was the daughter of Cylvia and Louis Tanowitz, and the wife of Tommy Bernstein with whom she shared a loving marriage for over 61 years; sister to the late Ian Tanowitz, and loving mother of Michael (Amy), Todd and the late Marci Bernstein. As a proud and devoted grandmother, Karen enjoyed nothing more than hosting her grandchildren at their house on Longboat Key, Florida, where she enjoyed swimming, playing on the beach and sharing favorite recipes with her five grandchildren, Max, Sammy, AJ, Charly and Allegra Bernstein. Cherished aunt to Robin Herbol, Michael Tanowitz, Hollie Shaner-McCrae, Nan Rehfeld and Andrew Bernstein, with whom Karen shared years of laughter, adventure and family memories. Karen lived life on her terms, approaching every challenge with fearlessness and a positive attitude. Karen attended the inaugural class of Hillel Institute in 1948 as the first girl in the class of 17 students. She later attended Roosevelt elementary school and graduated from Taylor Allderdice High School in 1959. After two years at Dean Junior College in Franklin, Massachusetts, Karen returned to Pittsburgh in 1961. Karen and Tommy met shortly thereafter and married on May 26, 1963, at Poale Zedeck synagogue in Squirrel Hill. While tragedy struck the young couple early with the loss of their daughter, Marci, Karen persevered and built a fulfilling life around her love of family, friends, travel, canasta, golf and philanthropy. Always upbeat and never afraid to voice her opinion, Karen was a fierce supporter of her friends and family who have many stories and memories to carry with them. With the establishment of the Marci Lynn Bernstein Foundation in the early 1990s Karen immersed herself in philanthropic work, particularly within the Sarasota, Florida, community that became her home. Karen served on the boards of the Sarasota-Manatee Jewish Federation where she helped co-found the Woman’s Giving Circle; the Israel Tennis & Educational Center, and other community-based initiatives in Sarasota, Florida. Karen remained herself until the very end, making her family laugh with her directness, unique expressions and honest opinions. She was a role model for us all and will be deeply missed. Services at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., 5509 Centre Ave, Shadyside on Wednesday at 11 a.m. Visitation one hour prior to service (10-11 a.m.). Interment Beth Shalom Cemetery. The family will be sitting shiva on Wednesday and Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the residence of Michael and Amy Bernstein. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests friends and loved ones consider a contribution to the Tree of Life – Remember.Rebuild.Renew. Campaign, 107 Woodland Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15232 (thetreeoflife.org/donate). PJC
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