JOAN (FRIEDMAN) RITTENBERG

Joan Friedman Rittenberg, 87, of Kingston, passed away at home on Sunday morning, March 24, 2019, surrounded by her family, following a prolonged illness.

Joan was born in Nanticoke, the daughter of the late Alfred and Jean Friedman. She attended Wyoming Seminary College Preparatory School and then Beaver and Elmira Colleges. In 1952, she married the love of her life, the late Herbert L. Rittenberg. Together, they raised their 3 children and celebrated 50 years of marriage together in Kingston.

Joan was a devoted wife and mother. She thrived on her occupation as a homemaker. She was an active eternal lite member of Temple Israel and she served 2 terms as president of its Sisterhood. She was a member of the Jewish Community Center and many other community organizations. She loved to travel, visiting Europe, Russia, Turkey, and Israel. She occupied her time reading to the blind and to school children during her winters in Florida. She enjoyed playing bridge and golf and in her later years she began painting. Her creations adorn her home and those of her family.

She was proceeded in death by her husband, Herbert, along with her parents Alfred and Jean Friedman and a younger brother, Marvin.

She is survived by her children, Dr. Michael (Lois) of Shavertown, David (Jodie) of Wynnewood, and Jean (Lewis) of Kingston, along with 9 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Shirle Gray of Montana and brother, Dr. Robert Friedman of Jerusalem, Israel.

The family wishes to express its sincere thanks to Lamara Sterling, Natasha Andrusevich, and Inga Gorjalodze, her devoted companions and caregivers during the 5 years that she was confined to her home due to her chronic illness.

Funeral services will be observed at the Rosenberg Funeral Chapel, 348 S. River St. Wilkes-Barre, on Monday, March 26, 2019 at 2:30 pm, with burial in the family plot to follow at the Temple Israel Cemetery in Swoyersville. Shiva will be observed at the family home, 668 Meadowland Ave. Kingston, 7 to 9 pm on Monday and Tuesday through Thursday, 2 to 4 an d7 to 9.

In lieu of flowers, Donations can be made to the Joan and Herbert Rittenberg Endowment at Temple Israel, Wilkes-Barre.

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