Joan Kandel Worton's Obituary
Joan Kandel Worton, 89, died peacefully on May 5, 2026. She leaves behind a legacy of love and generosity — as a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a “second mom” to friends, neighbors, and anyone lucky enough to find a seat at her table. There was always room for one more, and no one ever left her home without feeling cared for.
Joan was born in 1937 in New York City to Celia and Morris Kandel. She spent her early childhood in the Bronx before moving to Miami Beach, where she attended elementary school through high school. She grew up alongside her sister and best friend, Phyllis Kandel Laszlo, who predeceased her.
The great love of Joan’s life was her husband, Stan, with whom she shared 70 years of marriage. Their story began the summer before Joan’s freshman year at Brandeis University, when she met Stan while visiting a friend. They married just 18 months later and began their life together in Basel, Switzerland, where Stan attended medical school while Joan explored. They traveled during those early years, then returned to the United States, where they built their life and family — first in North Carolina, then New York and Philadelphia, and ultimately back to Miami Beach. There, they raised their four daughters in the same community, schools, and synagogue that had shaped Joan’s own childhood.
Family was always at the center of Joan’s world. She is survived by her husband, Stan; her daughters, Marcelle May (Richard), Debby Teich (Scott), Linda Jackson (Adam, deceased), and Diane Gould (Ari); her grandchildren, Carly Zuehlke (Donald), Elyse Goldman (Jake), Jason Teich (Rocky), Evan Teich (Adri Lawson), Kevin Jackson, Daniel Jackson, Brian Amdur, and Mike Amdur (Sydni Barboa); and her great-grandchildren, Julia, Lauren, and Ryan Zuehlke, and Chloe and Riley Goldman. Other family members include her late brother-in-law, Maurice Laszlo; her sister- and brother-in-law, Florence and Gordon Liebergall; and many beloved nieces and
nephews, all of whom she adored.
Joan’s life was defined by her kindness, selflessness, and generosity. She was a lifelong cheerleader for her family and for so many others who were fortunate enough to know her. Joan believed in gathering people together and finding happiness in simple pleasures. She often said, “eat dessert first”—advice she happily lived by, usually with chocolate ice cream, lively conversation, and a game. Her love of all sweets mirrored her own true sweetness.
Relatives and friends are invited on Friday, May 8, 2026, to Temple Beth Sholom, 4144 Chase Ave., Miami Beach, where funeral services will begin promptly at 11:00 a.m. The service will also be livestreamed via Joan’s memorial page on the following link: https://tbsmb.org/spirituallife/watch/. Burial will follow at Lakeside Memorial Park, 10301 N.W. 25th St., Miami.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Joan’s memory may be made to the Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Alliance (https://tscalliance.org) or to Temple Beth Sholom (https://tbsmb.org). Arrangements by Levitt-Weinstein Blasberg-Rubin-Zilbert Memorial Chapel (305) 932-2700.
What’s your fondest memory of Joan?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joan?
Share a story where Joan's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joan you’ll never forget.
How did Joan make you smile?
