Norfolk—Jane Hope Stern Beskin, 91, a New York City native who made Norfolk her home shortly after the end of World War II, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012.
She was preceded in death by her rock and husband of 46 years, LeRoy N. Beskin of Norfolk.
She is survived by her three sons: Herb Beskin, and his wife Sumner Brown, Roy Beskin, and his wife Lorie, and Richard Beskin; by four grand-children: Courtney Epps, and her husband Matt, Bradley Beskin, Randi Smith, and her husband Colby, and Kelly Beskin; and by two greatgrand- children, Emerson Jane Epps and Everleigh Epps; her sister and best friend for 91 years, Nancy Hirschler; and by countless other wonderful family members.
Jane was born in New York City, the daughter of Herbert and Ceil Stern. As a young woman she was an accomplished equestrian. In college, she was the captain of her college basketball team at Centenary College in an age where women were considered too delicate to play sports. During World War II she worked at ASCAP Publishing and did volunteer work at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York. Later on, Jane taught elementary school. In 1947, while visiting her sister Nancy in Norfolk over the Christmas holidays, she met her future husband and love of her life, LeRoy. They married in 1948 and settled into the Wards Corner area of Norfolk, which would be her home for the remaining sixty-four years of her life.
Jane’s highest priority was always her family. She provided for her clan with passion, protection, and tireless energy. Additionally, she was also involved in her community on numerous levels: she was a longtime member of Ohef Sholom Temple, a stalwart for the Granby Elementary PTA, and a constant volunteer and spectator at her sons’ athletic activities. When her three sons went off to college, Jane threw herself into volunteering as a “Pink Lady” at DePaul Hospital. We were all proud of Jane earning her ‘25 Years of Service’ pin. Another priority for Jane were her dogs… boy, how she loved her poodles. Later in life her greatest joy became the time spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She said they made her feel young again.
A private family service was held at Forest Lawn Cemetery. The family suggests a contribution to the Rita B. Cogan Scholarship Fund at Ohef Sholom Temple 530 Raleigh Ave. Norfolk, Va. 23507. H. D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Norfolk Chapel. Online condolences may be made through www.hdoliver.com.