Saralee Grotstein, owner of the former Whodunnit Fashions in Shadyside, loved shopping for clothes but loved helping others more. So when she decided to a open a business, a store was the perfect outlet for her to help people look good in the clothes they were wearing.

"She always put everyone else before herself no matter who they were. So it really showed in her store because she loved to dress others and make sure that they looked good," said her daughter, Lisa Schwartz of Atlanta.

Ms. Grotstein, of Squirrel Hill, died Saturday from a heart attack. She was 67.

Her first retail venture was a small bridal shop on Forward Avenue that she and a close friend decided to open while raising children. Ms. Grotstein had the bridal shop for more than 15 years and although she enjoyed helping women find the perfect wedding dress, she was looking for a change.

In 1985, she opened Whodunnit Fashions on Ellsworth Avenue, selling modern women's attire like business suits, cocktail dresses and trendy accessories. The independent shop provided a variety of styles and sizes to accommodate a wide range of women. Now, the street is occupied by several vintage and modern apparel shops and boutiques that specialize in both men's and women's attire.

"It took a lot of guts," said Richard Parsakian, owner of Eons Fashion Antique on Ellsworth. Mr. Parsakian opened his clothing store a few months after Ms. Grotstein and considered Whodunnit Fashions to be an exemplar for other independently owned shops in the neighborhood.

Ms. Grotstein provided more than professional leadership. For Mr. Parsakian, she was a valued friend. "I would always go to her if I had a question and I would always find the truth," he said.

Facing health problems, Ms. Grotstein closed Whodunnit Fashions about two years ago.

Although she was assertive in pursuing her professional goals, her toughness did not overshadow her gentle and kind personality.

Ms. Grotstein had an open-door policy at her home for anyone who needed a place to eat. She enjoyed cooking brisket and matzo ball soup but her most beloved dish was her chicken noodle soup, which had extra noodles for her young nieces and nephews.

When she wasn't cooking, Ms. Grotstein enjoyed dining out and trying new restaurants. She loved breakfast and her favorite restaurant was Ritter's Diner in Bloomfield.

Ms. Grotstein is survived by daughters Ms. Schwartz and Jodi Snyder of Jacksonville, Fla., and three grandchildren. The funeral was Monday.