Joan Allenberg Giraud

Joan Allenberg Giraud passed away peacefully at home on November 18, 2023 with her loving family at her side. She was 93 years of age. Beloved by all who knew her, Joan was the daughter of Beulah Mondshein Allenberg and Lester “Bud” Allenberg, and sister of the late Aubrey Jay Allenberg. She is survived by her devoted children, Bonnie Levine (Jeff Carr), Lori Levine Ziliotto, and Scott Levine (Jane); grandchildren Amy Levine, Rachel Como (Jared) and Jacob Ziliotto (Nallely); and great grandson Leon Ziliotto.

A lifelong resident of New Orleans, Joan heroically held her young family together after her marriage ended. She started out in sales, working for Welcome Wagon and Diaper Service, before working for Hausmann’s, a fine jewelry store in New Orleans. Totally self-taught, she built a successful 28-year career as the buyer and manager of the china, silver, crystal and tabletop department for Hausmann’s stores across the south. She learned about art history, antiques and the decorative arts, later becoming an appraiser, as well as leading antique tours in the French Quarter and art tours through the Brandywine (Pennsylvania) and Hudson (New York) Valleys, and lecturing on the decorative arts.

Joan led a rich, full life. She was an avid painter her whole adult life, participating in art programs locally as well as studying at the Art Students League in New York City. She loved traveling the world, yoga, music, theater, museums, and Mah Jongg. Joan had a large, devoted circle of friends and never met a stranger. She often said how blessed her life had been and how lucky she was to have seen this wonderful world. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

A Memorial Service will be held at Tharp Funeral Home, 1600 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, LA 70001 on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. CST. Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m.

The family requests that anyone wishing to honor Joan’s memory, make a donation to: Jewish Family Service / 3300 W Esplanade Ave, Metairie, LA 70002, URJ Henry S. Jacobs Camp / 3863 Morrison Rd, Utica, MS 39175, Touro Synagogue / 4238 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115, or the charity of your choice.

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