Miriam Lucas died at her home in Sonoma on October 26, 2008. She was born and raised in San Francisco with a large extended family. Miriam was a professional educator and after retiring from being a principal she continued her work by joining the teaching staff at Sonoma State University where she was a master teacher mentoring student teachers. When she retired again, she continued to volunteer in local classrooms, tutor grandchildren, and neighborhood kids. She was truly a “lifetime learner.” She was the daughter of Jimmy and Helen Hirschfeld, the sister to Dick Hirschfeld, Aunt to Judith and Kurt. She was the mother to Steve and Sally, Howard, Joy, grandmother and grandaunt to a multitude of children, and a good friend to so many that they are too numerous to mention. She was a lover of people and gave of herself generously. Those of us who benefited from her kindness and love will miss her. A Shabbat Service of Remembrance for Miriam will be held 11:00 AM on Saturday, Nov. 22nd, at Congregation Shir Shalom, 252 W. Spain St., Sonoma. In lieu of flowers we suggest memorials to Pets LifeLine, P.O. Box 341, Sonoma, CA 95476, www.petslifeline.org or the educational charity of your choice. For further information, or to send a message to the family, contact Mandel Funeral Services of Northern California at 1-866-962-6335 or www.mandelfuneralservices.com.
Augusta (Gizi) Rauchwerger passed away peacefully on October 29, 2008 in Los Angeles at the age of 95. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 61 years, Ernest. Augusta was born in Zilina, Slovakia. In 1939 she and her husband fled the Nazis to Quito, Ecuador. From there they moved to Cali, Colombia. It was 14 years before they could finally immigrate to the US where they settled in San Francisco and then San Mateo. Augusta is survived by her brother Yehuda (Tova) Talmon of Israel, sons George (Diane), Tom (Barbara), and daughter Kathy (Peter) Reynolds; loving grandchildren Lisa (Kaila), Misha (Elisheva); Adina (Brian) Chaikelson, Dani; Amy, Ben, and Judy Reynolds. Augusta was a much admired and adored music librarian at the College of San Mateo. She was a long time member of Congregation Beth Jacob of Redwood City and ORT. Funeral services were held at the Hills of Eternity in Colma.
Julia Rubin, in Walnut Creek on November 7, 2008, at 92 years of age. Wife of the late Louis Rubin and the late Charles Epstein, mother of Stanley (Marilyn) Epstein and the late Joyce Zanoli; grandmother of Craig and Mark Zanoli and Alyssa (Alex Evens) and Lesley Epstein and special aunt to Martin, Sandra, Norm, Janet and Robert. Member of Eastern Star. Private services were held. Donations in her memory may be made to San Francisco or Contra Costa Food Banks.