Naomi Jane Crain

Naomi Jane Crain

Age 90, died peacefully at her home in Point Breeze on February 1, 2023. Born in Crucible, PA, she was preceded in death by her parents Wykoff Mason and Naomi Hughes Crain, brothers Frank, Graydon, and Clifford Crain, and is lovingly missed by her sister, Polly Ann Wartun.

She is survived by her five children: Geoffrey Radkoff (Kathleen), Alexandra Frye (Jeffrey), Vivienne Radkoff (Sandi Lifson), Adrienne Radkoff, and Mason Radkoff. She doted with pride on her grandchildren: Christopher Frye (Oliva), Bradley Frye (Emily), Rebecca Radkoff, Alexander Radkoff (Amber), Lillian Radkoff, Evan Radkoff, and Sydney Radkoff, as well as her great-grandchildren: Holden and Chandler Frye, and Olivia Radkoff.

Upon graduating from Allegheny High School, she worked privately with several esteemed teachers in pursuit of an opera career. A lovely soprano, she had some success with secondary roles in the Pittsburgh and Civic Light Operas, as well as individual recitals and local theatre roles. She sang throughout her life at various churches and with groups. After marrying Stephen Radkoff and having her children, opera took a back seat. When she was on her own again, she had a successful career as a real estate broker. Her 90 years were filled with an energetic curiosity about history, especially of her beloved Pittsburgh and the rivers on which her family operated Crain Brothers, a marine construction and towing business founded by her father. Her interests were wide and varied, her home filled with books and art, some discovered on her travels.

She loved walking the city’s parks with an especial fondness for Frick Park near her home. Preservation of the city’s architecture was important to her. After she retired, she discovered a new passion, writing, and wrote many short stories, publishing a memorable memoir in the Post-Gazette about living on a houseboat and surviving the Great Pittsburgh Flood of 1936. In addition to her family and many friends, she leaves behind her beloved writing and book groups, the Tuesday Musical Club, and The Woman’s Alliance of the First Unitarian Church.

There will be no visitation. A celebration of life will be held later in the spring.

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