Regina Stern's life was an inspiration to family and friends, along with civic and community organizations she founded and served, but also to legions of women diagnosed with breast cancer.
Although she was diagnosed with breast cancer 31 years ago, she survived and was able to use her undaunted courage to help other women after she became a founding member of the Women's Auxiliary of the American Cancer Society.
Regina Abravanel Stern, of Shadyside, died Friday, Sept. 24, 2004, at UPMC Shadyside hospital. She was 82.
She was active in World ORT, an international Jewish education and training charity, along with the Ladies Hospital Aid Society at UPMC Montefiore in Oakland and numerous civic and charitable organizations.
"My mother was an elegant woman who was full of life and always there for her family and friends," said her daughter, Lynda Coslov.
Born in West View and raised in Squirrel Hill, Regina Abravanel was one of two children in the family of Joseph and Rose Abravanel. Her father was a furrier with showrooms on Wood Street, Downtown.
After graduating in 1939 from Taylor Allderdice High School in Squirrel Hill, Mrs. Stern attended Northwestern University and received her teaching degree from the University of Pittsburgh. She was a student teacher at the Frick School.
In 1943, she married Ernest A. Stern, a prominent Pittsburgh entrepreneur and business executive and founder of Associated Theaters, the predecessor of Cinemette Corp.
Mrs. Stern had an eye for beauty, relatives said. She put her talents to good use by decorating all of her husband's movie theaters.
Mr. Stern died in 1989, and for the last 12 years of her life, Regina Stern was the devoted companion of Louis Zeiden.
Mrs. Stern was a life-long member of the Rodef Shalom Congregation and its Sisterhood. As an avid gardener, she was involved in the creation of the Rodef Shalom Biblical Garden.
Mrs. Stern's interests included traveling, dining, gardening and decorating. Her children recalled her as a fiercely loyal matriarch who remained active in the lives of her children, grandchildren and great-grandson.
Mrs. Stern is survived by her children, Lynda Coslov, and her husband, Joel, of Squirrel Hill, Judy Parkhurst and her husband, Jonathan, of Boston, and Richard M. Stern, of Fox Chapel; nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and her devoted companion, Louis Zeiden.
She was predeceased by her brother, Ben D. Abravanel.
Visitation is from 1 to 2 p.m. today, followed by services at Rodef Shalom Temple, 4905 Fifth Ave., Oakland.
Arrangements by Ralph Schugar Chapel, Shadyside.
Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.
