Jane Herskowitz Milsten was born August 16, 1935 in Oklahoma City. A depression-era baby, she was the only newborn in the maternity ward of St. Anthony’s Hospital. Preceded in death by her parents Lela Jane and Harold A. Herskowitz, she is survived by her husband of 58 years, Robert B. Milsten; son and daughter-in-law Stuart P. and Leslie Milsten and granddaughters Grace and Annie, of Summit, NJ; and daughter and son-in-law Leslie and Thomas Thornton of Alexandria, VA. Always intellectually curious, Jane attended college at the University of Illinois; University of Oklahoma; Vanderbilt University; and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design in 1994 from the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO). While at UCO, she was awarded the Outstanding Interior Design Student Award in 1994 as well as was a member of the President’s Honor Roll 1991-93. She began her professional career as the Assistant Director of the Community Action Program of Oklahoma City from 1974-78. Later in life, her artistic talent was the foundation for her success in interior design. Her clients included Black Entertainment Television in Washington, DC; the VA Hospital in Norman; Stillwater Medical Center; St. Anthony Bone & Joint Hospital, and the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma in Chickasha. A member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), she won first place in ASID’s Oklahoma Excellence in Design Award in both the Contract/Corporate and Design Detail categories in 1996; and again in 1998 in the Health Care category. Jane was a great believer in the importance of community service. She was President of the Jewish Federation of Oklahoma City from 1972-74. She served on the Board of Traveler’s Aid Society from 1984-91; Community Action Program Board Member from 1972-74; and raised funds for the Oklahoma Philharmonic Society, the American Cancer Society, United Appeal, and many other causes throughout her years. Jane was resolute in her beliefs, and it was always clear where she stood on any issue. She was the perennial caretaker not wanting to burden anyone yet always supportive of friends and family. She was an avid oil painter, traveled extensively, and was a student of history and literature. She could spend countless hours in a museum or get lost in any bookstore. Graveside Services will be 1:00pm, Friday, November 7, 2014 at Temple B’nai Israel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, or a charity of your choice.
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