Marlene Judith (Karsh) Bernstein
June 19, 1932 - July 20, 2026

Marlene Judith (Karsh) Bernstein, born June 19, 1932, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2026, at the age of 94.

Marlene was preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband, Joseph "Buddy" Bernstein; her parents, Anna and David Karsh; and her siblings, Florence Klein, Emanuel Karsh, and Joseph Klein.

Following her mother's death in 1934, Marlene was lovingly raised by her sister, Florence, and Florence's husband, Zola Klein. Their bond was made legal when they adopted Marlene at the age of 41, formally making Joseph, Eugene, and Gerald Klein her brothers.

Marlene was the devoted matriarch of a beautiful family she and Joe raised in Squirrel Hill. She is survived by her children, Larry (Karen, of blessed memory) Bernstein, Bob (Ellie) Bernstein, and Hollie (Donald) Machen; her brothers, Eugene (Robin) Karsh, and Sherwin (Helen) Karsh; and her brothers Eugene and Gerald Klein.

She is also survived by her seven grandchildren: David (Kate Barbee) Bernstein, Jaime (Steve Mason) Bernstein, Katie (David Miller) Bernstein, Alex (Teagen O'Malley) Bernstein, Daniel Rudov, Lindsey (Dylan Laventhal) Rudov, and Roxanne Rudov. She was the proud great-grandmother of Merrin O'Malley Bernstein and Nora Laventhal. She is also lovingly remembered by her many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Marlene was a dedicated mother and community leader. Proving that it is never too late to pursue a dream, she graduated from Duquesne University School of Law in 1983 at the age of 51. She practiced alongside her husband, son, and daughter at their family law firm, Bernstein & Bernstein. Of all her accomplishments, however, her most treasured roles were those of mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

As the keeper of the family's history and records, Marlene treasured her extended family and made a point of staying connected with everyone through emails, cards, and her renowned Facebook posts. She loved to travel, read, and knit, and she cherished time spent with the people she loved. She touched many lives and will be deeply missed.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Temple Sinai Memorial Park. Shiva will follow at Imperial House at 5600 Munhall Road, Squirrel Hill.

Memorial contributions may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in memory of Marlene Bernstein at Remembering Marlene Bernstein (https://donate.nationalmssociety.org/campaigns/Remembering-Marlene-Bernstein), or mailed to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, P.O. Box 54879, Los Angeles, CA 90054.

Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. www.schugar.com

Condolences