It is with great sadness that I inform the congregation of the passing of Joan Behrend, beloved mother of Kerrin Behrend and mother in law of Stephne, who died peacefully in her home in San Diego on Friday, February 23.

The funeral on Sunday and first few night's shiva will be in San Diego.

Then shiva will continue locally in Stamford at Kerrin and Stephne's home at 41 Ralsey Road South on this coming Wednesday and Thursday from 4pm to 8:30pm with a shiva service at 7pm both nights.

Joan's family was her pride and joy, and she is survived by Kerrin and Stephne, Linda (and Fane) Robinson of San Diego, Deborah (and Paul) Shtein of San Diego, and David Behrend of Los Angeles. Also her grandchildren Michelle and Neal Behrend, Garron and Jaydon Robinson, Talia and Joshua Shtein, and Hugh, Bianca and Lunden Behrend. And six great-grandchildren with a couple more on the way.

Joan was born in 1926 in the village of Colenso in South Africa and grew up in the farming town of Kinross, where her father owned the only hotel. She went to university in Johannesburg qualifying as a teacher and librarian. After marrying the love of life Hugo z''l, she pursued a career in high school education. In 1994 they emigrated to the USA moving to San Diego to be closer to family.

In early years she was an avid tennis player. Later her passion was bridge which she played a number of times a week almost until the end. She was also a voracious reader, loved to travel, and was happy to join her children on any adventure. Through her example her family learnt about Jewish community involvement and values.

She enjoyed 97 wonderful years sustained by her spirituality, her interest in everything around her, her ability to connect deeply with people, and her absolute love and caring for her family and lifetime friends.

May her memory be a blessing, and may the mourners be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Rabbi Joshua Hammerman