Louise Galfand Pasternack

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Louise studied library science and education at Millersville State University and later received her master’s in library science at Villanova University.

Louise dedicated her life to the pursuit of knowledge as a librarian, serving communities in Maryland and the San Francisco Bay Area, as well as globally as an on-line professor. At an age when many would choose retirement, she embarked on a five-month journey as the Librarian for Semester at Sea. Her lifelong love for music led her to play the viola with community theater groups, the Palo Alto Philharmonic, and the Redwood Symphony.

Louise was known for her boundless generosity, offering her home and her heart to those in need. Her ability to strike up a conversation with anyone was legendary. She was a trivia buff, Scrabble guru, Tetris master, and poker champion. In 2022, she fulfilled a lifelong dream, appearing on a televised game show.

Louise is survived by her three children - Joanne Pasternack (Robert Bardin), Laura Pasternack, and Dan Pasternack (Leslie Pasternack) - and her four beloved grandchildren - Kira, Reid, Kaileia, and Tiberius as well as her sister, Phyllis Galfand Jaffee, niece Ariel Jaffee, bonus son William Frazier, bonus daughter Jennifer Orrin, her partner of three years Dr. Daniel Berman, her many first cousins and their families; and, of course, her cherished cats – Jasmine, Ginger, and Velcrois.

Louise was predeceased by her loves, Bruce Pasternack and Tom Murrel, and her dearest friend, Bill Shrewsbury, along with her parents, Rose Nemerov Galfand and Sidney Galfand.

We are eternally grateful for the loving care she received from the incredible team at Nathan Adelson Hospice and Rene at Martha's House in Las Vegas. Their job is a thankless one, but we can’t imagine this journey without their support.

In lieu of flowers, her family kindly asks that you consider donating to The Redwood Symphony to support the endowment of the Principal Viola Chair in her memory or to your favorite classical music or cat rescue organization. In keeping with her wishes, there will not be a memorial service in the days that follow. Instead, a celebration of her life will be hosted following a Redwood Symphony concert in the Bay Area in Spring 2024.

To join her family in endowing the Principal Viola Chair at Redwood Symphony, please visit https://web.cauze.com/event/9935

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kingdavidlv.com for the Pasternack family.