Joan Greenberg, who worked at the University for 26 years, 22 of them in the Department of Biology in Arts & Sciences as an administrative assistant in student affairs, died of cancer Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2005. She was 66.
She was born in Jersey City, N.J., on March 8, 1939.
She grew up in West New York, N.J., graduated from Memorial High School in 1957 and did course work at the University of Wisconsin and Washington University.
In 1959, she married Edward Greenberg, Ph.D., then a graduate student at the University of Wisconsin and now a professor emeritus of economics in Arts & Sciences, teaching part-time and researching.
She began working at WUSTL in 1979 at the School of Business and joined the biology department in 1983.
Greenberg had many duties in the course of her career in the biology department, among them overseeing student records, gathering information for both the college and University College course booklets, scheduling rooms and writing up student accomplishments. As a result of her involvement, she interacted with nearly everyone in the department and with many affiliated with the department.
She was known for her friendliness and helpfulness — especially with students, whom she helped in various aspects of course registration, course requirements and the intricacies of special courses, such as shadowing doctors. Everyone was touched by the warmth of her smile.
A strong biology contingent attended the funeral service at the Berger Memorial in the Central West End Dec. 9.
There, according to Garland E. Allen, Ph.D., professor of biology, the family gave touching recollections and eulogies, a warm and happy tribute to her life and interests.
“Everyone knew Joan, even those who did not work directly with her,” Allen said. “She will be sorely missed. We know all of our lives have been richer for her presence among us.”
Survivors include Edward Greenberg; son, Arthur Greenberg; daughter Lisa Greenberg; grandchildren, Sam Waites, Michaela Waites, Lila Greenberg and Levi Greenberg; father, Barney Siegel; brother, Lewis; and sister-in-law, Ruth Ann Siegel.
Memorial contributions can be made to Ronald McDonald House, 3450 Park Ave., St. Louis, MO 63104; or to B’nai Amoona Congregation, 324 S. Mason Road, St. Louis, MO 63141.