Joan Friedman Rosenblum Obituary (1930 - 2011)

Joan Friedman Rosenblum (Schlonsky), born May 24, 1930, remembered lovingly as a treasured wife, devoted mother and grandmother, cousin, uncommon friend, dedicated community volunteer, patron of the arts and accomplished artist, died on July 20, 2010 at Zusman Hospice House, Columbus, Ohio. Joan lived her entire vibrant life in Columbus. She is survived by her beloved husband Ralph Rosenblum, Sr., DDS, children Ronald (Nancy Miller), Harlan Scott, Mark and Steven (Kimberly) Friedman, Ralph (Gail) Rosenblum, Jr., DDS, nephews Daniel and James Friedman, ten grandchildren, five great grandchildren and many cousins and friends. Joan was preceded in death by her first husband, Gerald Friedman, and her parents, Sarah (Schwartz) and Sam Schlonsky as well as a host of aunts and uncles. Joan was a life-long member of Congregation Agudas Achim, a member of Temple Israel, a third generation Officer and Board Member of Wexner Heritage Village as well as a Volunteer at Wexner Heritage Village and Life Member and Tribute Coordinator of Wexner Heritage Village Auxiliary, a Friend of the Wexner Jewish Student Center and Hillel Foundation at The Ohio State University, Past Divisional Co-Chairwoman of the Columbus Jewish Federation Women’s Division, Columbus Torah Academy Annual Scholarship Dinner Volunteer, a member of the Jewish Community Center of Columbus, a member of the Columbus Jewish Historical Society and of the Columbus Museum of Art. She was a Life Member of the National Council of Jewish Women, Hadassah, B’nai B’rith Women and Brandeis University Women’s Committee. Also, Joan was a long-time member of the Bexley Art League, Sigma Delta Tau at Ohio State, the Eastmoor Civic Association and the Liturgical Art Guild. She welcomed Shabbat each week with residents of Wexner Heritage Village. She graduated from Columbus South High School in 1948, after which she attended The Ohio State University. Joan was an avid fan of OSU Buckeye football and basketball. Joan was known, famously and with affection, for her consummate entertaining at holiday and family celebrations. She was unparalleled in her gracious and generous feasts and in her memorable, delectable brownies shared with legions of appreciative admirers. Joan’s artistic talents and love of the outdoors were reflected in her colorful, magnificent and bountiful garden, enjoyed by many visitors. Her children would like to express their gratitude to Joan’s cousins, friends and neighbors for their constant care, get well wishes, vital communication and concern for Ralph during her illness. The family also wishes to express its sincere gratitude to Dr. John Byrd and the entire medical and nursing staffs at The Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital at The Ohio State University, Dr. Randy Mills and the entire medical and nursing staffs of the Intensive Care Unit at The Ohio State University Hospital East, Zusman Hospice House and Dr. Sanford Melmed. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, July 22 at CONGREGATION AGUDAS ACHIM, 2767 East Broad Street, Bexley, Ohio with internment at the New Agudas Achim Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital at The Ohio State University or Wexner Heritage Village. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Joan’s life during the Shiva period at 336 South Virginia Lee Road, Columbus, Ohio as follows: Saturday, July 23 from 7:00-9:00 pm and Sunday, July 24 through Thursday, July 28 from 2:00-4:00 pm and from 7:00-9:00 pm.