Jodie Helene (Stein) Milkman, a Dresher native, 1987 graduate of Upper Dublin High School, and executive vice president of the Delaware River Waterfront Corp. (DRWC), passed away from ovarian cancer on Friday, November 1. She was 55.

According to her obituary in The Philadelphia Inquirer, she was born April 4, 1969, in Abington and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in communications and public relations at Boston University in 1991, and worked at several radio stations before landing at what is now the DRWC.

Mrs. Milkman’s career at the DRWC spanned 32 years, the last seven as executive vice president.

From the obituary:

She was an expert in strategic collaboration and community relations, and she partnered with mayors and governors, businesses, foundations, schools, charities, and other nonprofits to lure visitors and spur private development on Philadelphia’s waterfront along the Delaware River.

She was the face of DRWC projects for years and appeared often in The Inquirer and Daily News, on TV and radio, and at special events as a spokesperson. She focused on connecting the public waterfront to city residents and visitors, and lobbied artfully for public and private grants and funding.

Her signature projects include the annual New Year’s Eve fireworks, Spruce Street Harbor Park, Independence Blue Cross RiverRink, Delaware River Trail, and multiuse piers at Cherry and Race Streets. She organized pop-up parks with giant hammocks and free music, food, and art festivals. She promoted free ice-skating lessons for Philadelphia students and ethnic celebrations at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing.

“She was the heart and soul of the Delaware River waterfront for over 30 years,” Joe Forkin, DRWC president, said in a tribute. ”Her dedication to enhancing the lives of millions of residents and visitors in Greater Philadelphia was nothing short of extraordinary.”

Services were held on November 3. Donations in her name may be made to the Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Foundation, 308 E. Lancaster Ave., Suite 225, Wynnewood.

Photos: The family via The Inquirer