Avra Pressman

Avra Pressman: A Life Filled with Creativity, Love, and Family

Avra Pressman, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and dear friend, passed away peacefully on November 11th, 2024, at the age of 85.

Avra's life journey began on January 3rd, 1939, in Strawberry Mansion, Philadelphia, as the eldest daughter of Isadore (Lefty) and Shirley Sternberg. She shared her early years with her younger sister, Eileen (Manin). The family later moved to Wynnefield in 1950.

From a young age, Avra's intelligence and creativity shone brightly. In 1956, she graduated third in her class at Overbrook High School and earned a scholarship to Temple University. In 1960, she graduated at the top of her class with a Bachelor's degree in Education. Then, in 1960, she began teaching in the Plymouth Whitemarsh School District, nurturing young minds as a first and fifth-grade teacher.

In 1961, Avra's life took a joyful turn when she met Ronald Bershad. They married in 1962 at Temple Adath Israel Synagogue and soon began to build a beautiful family. Their eldest son, Michael, arrived in 1964, followed by Joseph in 1967. The family lived in Wynnewood, first in the South Ardmore Park neighborhood and later on Oakwynne Drive.

Avra cherished her extended family, finding joy in Sternberg “Family Circle" gatherings, Jewish holiday celebrations, birthdays, and meaningful time with her lifelong friends. 

Her passion for creation flourished again in the late 1970s when she attended the Drexel University Interior Design School and then launched her own successful interior design firm, A.B.I.D.. For over 40 years, she contributed her expertise and artistry to hundreds of beautifully designed homes featured in publications like the Philadelphia Inquirer and Interior Design magazine.

Avra and Ronald divorced in 1985, but they remained friendly. Love found her again in the late 1980s when she met Harry Pressman, a wonderful and humorous person. They married in 1992 and shared a beautiful union full of laughter and wonderful moments until Harry's passing in late 2023.

Avra was a diverse and brilliant woman who always wanted to challenge herself and enjoy some of life's finer things. A high-level amateur photographer, calligrapher, knitter, and potter, she even mastered sewing her own clothes. 

An avid reader, she devoured over 1,000 books on a wide range of topics. Her love for the arts extended to attending countless theater productions and orchestra concerts, most notably going to The Nutcracker with her grandchildren every year.

Avra was also very much into fashion too as she always was dressed to the nines along with beautiful jewelry when she went out. 

Avra also loved spending time with her beloved pets, Ollie, Pumpkin, Boots, and Scrunt.

In 1997, this lifelong learner and designer created and launched Hoo-Loos, a patented innovative first-of-its-kind educational toy featured in stores nationwide, including the Please Touch Museum.

Above all, Avra's heart belonged to her family. She showered her love and wisdom on her children and grandchildren, both hers and Harry's, profoundly impacting their lives. They will forever cherish her memory as their amazing mom and "Granny."

Avra's legacy extends beyond her design work and accomplishments. Those who knew her will remember her kindness, compassion, and genuine interest in others. She was a great listener, focusing on what mattered most - the people around her. 

Her absence leaves a void, but the warmth of her love and spirit will continue to touch the hearts of those she leaves behind.

Avra is survived by her sons, Michael (Heidi) Bershad and Joseph (Jacqueline) Bershad, and grandchildren, Max, Rachel, and David. She is also lovingly remembered by Harry's children, Arlene (Kurt) Pressman, Ellen Pressman, Paul (Bruce Wishnefsky) Pressman, and Bonnie (Thomas) Fabiani, as well as their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Services and interment are Private. In her memory, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, PO Box 96011, Washington DC 20090, www.alz.org.