Art appraiser Joan Allenberg Giraud passes away at 93; memorial on Tuesday

JOAN ALLENBERG GIRAUD, a former art appraiser and visual artist, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, November 18, 2023, with her family at her side. She was 93. 

JOAN ALLENBERG GIRAUD

A lifelong resident of New Orleans, Giraud heroically held her young family together after her marriage ended.  She started out in sales, working for Welcome Wagon and Diaper Service, before engaging with Hausmann’s, a fine jewelry store in New Orleans.  Totally self-taught, she built a successful 28-year career as the buyer and manager of the china, silver, crystal and tabletop department for Hausmann’s stores across the south. 

She learned about art history, antiques and the decorative arts, later becoming an appraiser, as well as leading antique tours in the French Quarter and art tours through the Brandywine (Pennsylvania) and Hudson (New York) Valleys as well as lecturing on the decorative arts. 

She was an avid painter her whole adult life, participating in art programs locally as well as studying at the Art Students League in New York City. She loved traveling the world, practicing yoga, listening to music, seeing theater, attending museums, and playing Mah Jongg. 

Beloved by all who knew her, she had a large, devoted circle of friends and never met a stranger.  She often said how blessed her life had been and how lucky she was to have seen this wonderful world.  

She is survived by her children, Bonnie Levine (Jeff Carr), Lori Levine Ziliotto, and Scott Levine (Jane); three grandchildren and one great grandson.

A memorial service was held at Tharp-Sontheimer Funeral Home, 1600 N. Causeway Blvd., in Metairie on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. CST. Touro Synagogue Senior Rabbi Katie Bauman officiated. 

Memorial donations are requested to: Jewish Family Service, 3300 W Esplanade Ave, Metairie, LA 70002; Henry S. Jacobs Camp, 3863 Morrison Rd, Utica, MS 39175; Touro Synagogue, 4238 St Charles Ave in New Orleans, LA 70115; or the charity of your choice.