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BORN
1917
DIED
2015
Louise Greenfield Obituary
Apr. 16, 1917 - May 19, 2015
Louise Stern Greenfield died peacefully at home on May 19, 2015. Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of Berdie and Milton Stern, a successful real estate investor.
Louise studied the flute under world famous William Kincaid, the first flutist with the Philadelphia Orchestra. While still in her teens, she began giving flute and piano lessons to children. At the age of 50, Louise added the cello to her instrumental repertoire. She volunteered at the Byberry Psychiatric Hospital in Philadelphia, where she took the initiative to create an orchestra made up of psychiatric patients.
A true renaissance woman...she was a musician, athlete and wordsmith. She became a proficient tennis player in her youth and continued playing until weeks before her death at the age of 98. She played on the Landings Racquet Club team and served as captain of the A team.
Louise published several books of poetry. She was an outstanding Scrabble and Upwards player regularly beating her friends, children and grandchildren. She played until the end of her life.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 75 years, Robert K. Greenfield, a Philadelphia lawyer and civic leader. Together they were involved in community and philanthropic activity including the establishment of the Greenfield prize through the Hermitage of Sarasota. The prize is awarded annually to an artist whose work has social impact. She served on the board of the Sarasota Orchestra.
Louise will live on in the memory of her four children, Linda Baldwin of Philadelphia, Mary Davenport of Sarasota, William Greenfield of Philadelphia and James Greenfield of Oregon as well as her son-in-law, Sanford Goldman, and daughters-in-law, Joan Greenfield and Rose Greenfield. She will remain in the hearts and minds of her beloved 'baby' sister Susan Rosenberg of Israel, her 14 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren, Heather Eslien, who was her devoted companion for the last two years and her little dog, Aria.
Louise has been described as an 'inspiration' by her friends and most people who knew her.
'Do you double fault in life?'...an original Louise quip.
There will be a 'celebration of life' party for friends and family on Saturday, June 6 from 4-7.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Sarasota Orchestra in her name.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Louise Greenfield
Mary Phillips
May 17, 2025
10 years wow! Time passes but the good memories of great friends stays alive.
Mary Davenport
May 17, 2025
It´s hard to believe it´s been 10 years. You´re still a daily presence in my thoughts.
Mary Phillips
May 17, 2023
It's the music I think of when these memories pop up. She was an amazing musician and her passion for making music transcended her age. I wish I'd known her for longer.
Mary Davenport
May 18, 2022
Seven years later and still find myself thinking of you so often, Mom.
Mary
SuSSusan Rosenberg
May 17, 2019
I'm still missing her, as do each of her wonderful children, grands, and great grands. Louise left her mark on us all . Love , Susan, her 94 year old baby sister.
Mary Phillips
April 13, 2016
Remembering many joy filled hours of making music with Louise's wind quintet at her home. She gave me one of her books and inscribed it for me. I just unpacked it in our new home in Tucson and went looking for her online. I had no idea of her age and had not heard of her passing until I found this posting. She was so filled with a love of life, had so many interesting stories, and embraced me as a fellow musician even though I had no training. I knew I was outclassed but she made me feel right at home with our little group. Sending long distance hugs to Louise's family. I feel blessed to have known this lovely lady during our time living in Sarasota.
Lionel Friedman
June 3, 2015
I played music with Louise several years ago with her good friend Joe Kushner. She was always accommodating and helpful.
Susan Rosenberg
May 25, 2015
Louise! Such an important part of my life. Much of who I am is because of her. I shall miss being in the same world. Her 90 year old "baby sister", Susan`
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