Joan Falkenstein Brenner

Joan Falkenstein Brenner, 73, of Roanoke, Va., passed away on Monday, May 30, 2016, after courageously battling declining health in recent months. Joan was born in Roanoke on August 20, 1942, to the late Sidney and Reba Krinsky Falkenstein of blessed memory, and was a graduate of Jefferson High School. Joan was also preceded in death by her beloved husband of 50 years, Bruce Brenner zl, whom she married on December 24, 1962. Surviving are her dear brother, David Falkenstein (Sandy) of Hampton Roads; 3 beloved sons, Jay Brenner (Danielle) of Virginia Beach, Neal Brenner (Karol) of Roanoke, and Scott Brenner (Stephanie Viviano) of Scottsdale, Ariz.; 6 cherished grandchildren, Arin, Brandon, Chadd, Sydney, Anya, and Cameron; and countless other dear family members and friends. Family came first for Joan, and she was the definition of the woman behind the man, raising 3 sons while actively helping Bruce run the family business, Cycle Systems, Inc. A lifelong member of Beth Israel Synagogue and Temple Emanuel, she will be fondly remembered for her indefatigable commitment to the Roanoke Jewish community and the tenets of Judaism. Whether she was welcoming new members, preparing meals, or serving the Beth Israel Sisterhood, she was happy to lead and help whenever and however necessary. Her strong sense of civic responsibility wasnt limited to her own religious community. She volunteered for Planned Parenthood, the American Heart Association, served on the boards of Carilion Childrens Hospital and the JDRF, and charitably supported Virginia Western, The Taubman Art Museum, and CHIPS of Roanoke, just to name a few. Joan was a multidimensional woman who stayed busy, curious, and sharp-minded with all of her hobbies and interests, indulging her talent as a self-taught gourmet chef, while enjoying her book club, investment club, walks on the Roanoke Greenway, her love of opera and world travel, including trips to Europe, Asia, India, Africa, and the Middle East. It speaks to her love of people and travel that she had rented a place in Paris to spend time with friends when she became ill earlier this year. With a smile, her friends and loved ones will remember her adventurous, generous life force. The funeral will be held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, June 1, 2016, in the Beth Israel Synagogue, 920 Franklin Road, Roanoke, Va. 24016. Interment services will follow at the kever in the Beth Israel Cemetery located at 2900 Orange Avenue NE in Roanoke. Rabbi Chana Leslie Glaser will officiate. Family members and pallbearers are asked to be in attendance at the Shul by 2:30 p.m. Mincha / Minyan will begin promptly at 7:30 p.m. at The Fairfax (Joans residence) at 2123 Yellow Mountain Road, Roanoke, Va. 24014. Second nights Mincha / Minyan will be observed at the residence of Neal and Karol Brenner. Friends may call from 6 p.m. until the Mincha / Minyan begins, promptly, at 7:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Roanoke Jewish Federation, P.O. Box 1074, Roanoke, Va. 24005-1074, the Carilion Childrens Patient Care Fund, or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com. The Brenner Family is being served by the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem. May the ALMIGHTY comfort the family amongst the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.Service Information

Wednesday, June 1st, 2016 3:00pm,

Beth Israel Synagogue

920 Franklin Road Roanoke, Virginia 24016

Interment Location

Beth Israel Cemetery

2900 Orange Avenue, NE Roanoke, Virginia 24012