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Author Ida Frank, who helped bring little-known aspects of local Jewish history to vivid life, died Wednesday of last week at age 82.

She had been ill for some time.

A retired geriatric social worker, Frank wrote "Vera Greenfeld: A Journey from Gadyach to Berkeley," a 1988 biography of the Ukrainian immigrant who founded the California Alliance of Jewish Women. That organization was instrumental in forming Berkeley Hillel.

Two years ago, Frank, a graduate of U.C. Berkeley, penned a spinoff of the Greenfeld book, "Through Their Eyes: Memories of Berkeley Hillel." A first-of-its kind history, it spans 66 years in the life of the institution.

Seymour Fromer, executive director of Berkeley's Judah L. Magnes Museum, which published Frank's two books, recalled her dedication to researching and recording local Jewish history. "She did it as a labor of love," he said.

At the Magnes, Frank created an exhibit in the 1980s that later traveled to other museums around the country. "Lifetimes Remembered" combined seniors' memories with photographs.

Frank was active on many other fronts as well.

She started the library at Berkeley's Congregation Beth El. She helped the first United Synagogue Youth chapter at Oakland's Temple Beth Abraham get on its feet. She fought to establish a bus line from Berkeley to Oakland's Merritt College so that students could reach the school conveniently. She worked with runaways in San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury district.

"She really thought community was very important," said her son William D. Frank. "At the same time, she thought home was very important. She always made a wonderful Shabbos. She lit candles, she said the blessings. She always did a little blessing of her own for the family.

"And of course the food she made for Shabbos was very memorable…something to be looked forward to all week."

Rabbi Stuart Kelman of Berkeley's Congregation Netivot Shalom, where Frank was a member, also recalled her devotion to family. He noted that she left behind for family members an ethical will that chronicles her life, beliefs and values.

Kelman also recalled her generous hospitality.

"Her table was always open to Jews and non-Jews alike," he said. "She would bring people home."

"She had strong hands and a strong character," he added, recalling the tight squeeze that punctuated Frank's handshakes. "That squeeze was a sign of strength and of blessing."

A funeral for Frank was held Thursday of last week.

Frank is survived by husband Walter of Berkeley, son William of Berkeley and his wife, Janet; son Eugene A. Frank and his wife, Leslie Gattman, of Forestville; and grandchildren Rachel, Eric, Maya and Julian Frank.

The family asks that contributions be sent to one's favorite charity.