Joan Lipson, art patron, philanthropist and adventurer died peacefully on Monday, the 11th of November, 2013 at her residence in Atlanta. Joan dedicated her life to her family and the community both locally and internationally. Born on the 26th of July, 1928 in Benton Harbor, Michigan, Joan graduated from St. Mary’s in Southbend, Indiana, earned her pilot’s license at age 16, and then attended Interlochen and afterward the University of Michigan where she majored in music as a violinist. After college, Joan organized her father, Harry Litowich’s successful campaign for the Michigan State Senate. In 1961, she moved with her husband, Nathan, to Atlanta where she soon became involved in the Atlanta Symphony. Joan served on the boards of The High Museum of Art, The Atlanta Opera, The Atlanta Symphony, The American Jewish Committee and was very involved in the AIDS community. Joan cofounded the Israeli International Music Festival and with her husband Nathan, established the ORT International Exchange program. Along with her husband and children, Joan traveled a large portion of the globe and developed lifelong relationships with people from around the world. She lived an extraordinary life with her true love, Nathan, her children, grandchildren and her dear friend and caregiver, Barbara Tovieku. The family would also like to thank her other caregivers, Margie Spencer and Ruby Brooks as well as Weinstein Hospice. Joan is preceded in death by her husband, Nathan, her beloved son, Michael and her sister, Marjorie Benish. Joan is survived by her children, Dan and Sara and their spouses, Sue and John, her grandchildren, Mimi and Michelle Lipson and Abby and Michael Shlesinger as well as her step-grandchildren, Christopher and Andrew Lowell. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to ORT America, INC, 2200 Century Parkway, Suite 550 Atlanta, GA 30345 or a charity of your choice. Graveside services will be held Wednesday, the 13th of November at two o’clock at Arlington Memorial Park with Rabbi Peter Berg officiating.
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