Kathy Joan Stein

Kathy, born March 8, 1941, to Bette and Stanley Lefkoe in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, immediately brought joy and laughter into the world. After graduating from Girls High School in 1958, Kathy attended the University of Pennsylvania, Class of 1962. She had a great love for medicine and wanted to be a doctor, but she put this career path on hold to raise her younger brother, Michael Lefkoe, while also taking care of her invalid mother.

Kathy loved her children deeply, unwavering in her support, guidance, and love for them.  She instilled in her children the importance of being in service to others. She loved helping the ASPCA, as well as donating her time in her children’s schools.

Kathy was blessed with three children who became the center of her universe. Her oldest son became a holistic family practice physician. She lost her middle daughter at the prime of her life in a tragic car accident. At that difficult time, her daughter’s corneas were donated, and Kathy received a beautiful letter from the woman whose sight was restored. Kathy cherished this letter. Her youngest daughter is a well-known entrepreneur, philanthropist, and former professional poker player.

At 40, Kathy put herself through nursing school at the Albert Einstein School of Medicine Class in September of 1982, where one of her instructors introduced her to Dr. Joel Stein, who became the love of her life. They were married for 38 wonderful years. Kathy and her husband worked side by side for many years in his OB-GYN practice. His loss was devastating to her.

Kathy was predeceased by her husband, Joel Stein, parents, Bette and Stanley Lefkoe, stepmother, Rae Lefkoe, and daughter, Lynne Silverberg. She is survived by a heartbroken family who will miss her generous love and joyous presence every day. She set the gold standard and living example for the way she demonstrably and unconditionally loved her children and grandchildren. She is survived by her two surviving children, Beth Silverberg and Dr. Stephen Silver, her four grandchildren, Cary Friedlander, Lindy Schwartz, Austin Schwartz, and Sky-Lynn Silver, along with her grandchildren’s loving partners (Erin Friedlander, Max Moskovitz, and Jennifer Stern).  Kathy also has one great-grandchild, Cameron James Friedlander, and would have been another great-grandmother in August 2024. Her furry grandchildren and her cat Shadow loved her as much as her family.

Kathy was a fiercely dedicated mother and grandmother. Family came first, above all else to Kathy, always putting their needs foremost. She instilled these values in all those around her.  The hole left by her absence will be impossible to fill. She passed peacefully in the loving presence of her children and grandchildren at the home of her daughter Beth and fiancé, Dr. Jonathan Roth.

“Death ends a life not a relationship.” -Mitch Albom

Relatives and friends are invited to Graveside services Tuesday 12:30 P.M. precisely at Montefiore Cemetery, 600 Church Rd., Jenkintown, PA 19046 (Sec. 2).

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to either the Alzheimer’s Association, Delaware Valley Chapter, 399 Market St., Suite 250, Philadelphia, PA 19106, or to the Drexel University Fund, in memory of Lynne Silverberg, 1601 Cherry St., Philadelphia, PA 19102. The Lynne Silverberg fund was established at the time of her daughter’s passing, and this fund gives a partial scholarship to a medical student every year.