Joan Schall Orlovitz, a longtime Greenwich resident whose greatest joy was her family, died on August 9,
2026, at the age of 94.
Joan was born and raised in Tarrytown, New York, the only child of Florence and Louis Schall. In her early years, she lived above the restaurant/deli her parents owned, attended Washington Irving High School and later graduated from Syracuse University in 1953.
While attending a Syracuse alumni gathering, Joan met Arnold Orlovitz. They married in 1958 and shared 45 years together until his death in 2003. They raised their three daughters in the Glenville area where Arnold practiced law.
Joan spent nearly 20 winters in Boynton Beach, Florida, before moving to The Atria in Stamford.
A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Joan’s family was at the heart of everything she did. Holiday gatherings, Labor Day pool parties, and barbecues at Island Beach became treasured family traditions. She was a wonderful cook, and her matzoh ball soup, made from a recipe passed down through the family, was a particular favorite.
Joan was also deeply involved in her community and Jewish life. She served as PTA president of Glenville School and as a Girl Scout troop leader. She was a lifetime member of Hadassah and an active member of Temple Sholom, serving on the boards of both the Sisterhood and the synagogue.
Joan was a devoted grandmother who never missed an opportunity to be involved in the lives of her grandchildren. She babysat them frequently, enjoyed taking her granddaughters shopping, attending their sporting events, and celebrating every milestone. Her family always knew that she would be there, cheering them on.
Joan was an avid Mah Jong player long before the game became fashionable. As empty nesters, she and Arnold traveled the world. Joan particularly enjoyed hosting many island vacations, bringing the family together to celebrate her Dec. 25 birthday.
Joan is survived by her three daughters, Geri Rubenstein (Mike); Lynda Jacobvitz (Harry); and Donna Olson; seven grandchildren, Mitchell Rubenstein (Dori); Hank Rubenstein; Alexis Safrin (Zach); Felicia Lutz (Daniel); Molly Kelleher (Ethan); Elizabeth Olson; and Chloe Olson; and five great-grandchildren, Amelia Kelleher, Jack Kelleher, Ella Lutz, Max Lutz, and Halle Rubenstein.
Joan leaves a legacy of love, family, friendship, and traditions that will continue through the generations.
She will be remembered for her social nature, warmth, generosity, and unwavering devotion to her family.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 12, at 11:00am at Temple Sholom, 300 East Putnam Avenue, Greenwich. Interment will follow at Temple Sholom Cemetery, Memory Lane, Greenwich.
Shiva will be held Wednesday following the interment until 4:00pm; Thursday and Friday from 2:00pm to 4:00pm and Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30–8:30pm, with a prayer service at 7:00pm, at 506 W. Lyon Farm, Greenwich.