Joan Lois Silberman

Joan Lois Saperstein Silberman was born on January 26, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan, the beloved daughter of Eddie and Anne Saperstein and sister of Helen. She graduated from Mumford High School and attended the University of Chicago. It was there, on a blind date, that she met the love of her life, Allan David Silberman. After dinner, Joan “accidentally” left her gloves in Allan’s car—a sure sign she wanted to see him again. They married a year later and shared 65 wonderful years together.

Joan embraced life with curiosity, independence and adventure. She loved to travel and experience new places and cultures. After living briefly in Albany and Washington, D.C., Joan and Allan welcomed their daughter, Susan, before moving to London.

After their second daughter, Karen, joined the family, Allan entered the diplomatic service, and Joan embraced life overseas. The family moved to Brazil for Allan’s posting at the U.S. Embassy, where their son, Steven, was born. Their next embassy posting took them to Ecuador, where Joan built lasting friendships, and began an import/export business.

Back in the United States, Joan continued to reinvent herself. She created Mystique, a business helping women prepare to enter the workforce, and later held senior corporate positions at MCI, Harris Publishing, Fred the Furrier, Eden Toys, and Service Financial. Her accomplishments earned her numerous honors, including being named Employee of the Year—with the memorable prize of a brand-new car.

After retiring, Joan and Allan moved to Florida, first to Sanibel Island and later to St. Augustine to be closer to family. Joan quickly made friends and became active in her communities, serving on the board of her synagogue, volunteering and leading current events discussion groups.

Joan loved her family, friends, fine food and good wine—but most of all, she loved Allan. They renewed their wedding vows for their 50th anniversary and recently celebrated 65 years of marriage surrounded by their children. She will be remembered for her positive, thoughtful, independent and generous spirit and extraordinary zest for life.

In addition to Allan, Joan is survived by her children, Susan and her spouse, Cat; Karen and her wife, Jennifer; and Steven and his wife, Sandy; her sister, Helen; her five grandchildren, Nico, Anthony and his partner, Maille, Michael and his partner, Tara, Ben, and Will; and her great-granddaughter, Nora Rose, daughter of Michael and Tara.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the ACLU or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, two causes Joan felt deeply about.

A Memorial Service will be held at Hardage - Giddens Greenlawn Funeral Home, 4300 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207 on August 11, 2026, from 10:00 am.