Leon I. Bloomberg in Oakland on December 23rd at 89 years of age. A native of New York moving to San Francisco in 1940. Owner of “House of Karlson” furniture store in San Francisco for 50 years. An avid bridge player and world traveler.

Loving husband of Miriam Bloomberg for 64 years. Dear father of Judith Bloomberg (Michael Barnett), Marsha (Alexander) Van Broek, Sharon (Edward) Cushman and Paul (Debbie) Bloomberg. Devoted grandfather of Rachel, Nathan, Max, Julia, David, Yael and Alison.

Donations in his honor may be made to the charity of your choice. Private services were held under the direction of Sinai Memorial Chapel.

At the age of 89, Mel Dvorson of San Francisco passed away peacefully at home on December 19, 2008, surrounded by his loving family. He leaves behind Betty, his wife of 60 years, his children Alexa, Mimi and Josh; son-in-law Nir Pearlson, daughter-in-law Gina Spindler, and granddaughters Geffan, Alia and Emily. A graduate of Lowell High School and UC Berkeley, Mel founded Dvorson’s Food Service Equipment. Inc. in 1953 and designed restaurants worldwide. His last project, the new kitchen at Temple Beth Shalom, was completed this year. Contributions to Berkeley Hillel, where Mel and Betty first met, are appreciated.

Suzanne Eleanor Levy Landson in her lifetime home and birthplace, San Francisco, on December 16, 2008 at age 90. Beloved wife for 59 years of the late Herman Landson; sister of the late Betty Levy Weintraub; loving mother of the late Barbara Landson Patience. ‘Mama Susie’ is survived by her devoted daughter Carol Landson Callaway; loving grandchildren Natalie Tove Walsh (Australia) and Daniel Landson Walsh (Sacramento); adoring great-granddaughter Isabelle Rose Goodman. Worked alongside her husband at their Landson Pharmacy for many years. Founding member of Congregation Beth Israel-Judea. Devotee of the S.F. Symphony. She was a warm, wonderful, thoughtful, loving woman, and we shall miss her deeply.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations to Alzheimer’s Association, 251 Lafayette Circle, Suite 250, Lafayette, CA 94549 or to Congregation Beth Israel-Judea, 625 Brotherhood Way, SF, CA 94132 or to the charity of your choice, preferred.

Nadine Ann Leavitt passed away peacefully at home in Indio, California, on December 21, 2008.

Nadine is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Ralph; son David and his wife Elizabeth; son Barry and his wife Susan; grandchildren Ryan, Katie, Neal, and Maia; great-granddaughter Madeline; cousins, nieces, and nephews; and many friends.

Nadine was born to Hyman and Nellie Schwartz in Oakland, California, on July 16, 1929. She graduated from Oakland High School in 1947. Nadine worked in retail sales at Bullocks and Robinsons for many years. She and Ralph retired to the desert near Palm Springs, California, in October 1998. Nadine enjoyed gardening and baking, and was known for her delightful personality and ever-present smile. She was loved and will be missed by all who were fortunate to know her.

Donations may be made to the American Heart Association.

Shirley Levin of Concordia in Monroe Township, NJ, died of natural causes on Monday, December 15, 2008, and was buried Thursday, December 18, 2008, at Beth Israel Cemetery in Woodbridge, NJ. She was 78 years old.

Shirley was born in Beaver Falls, PA, the daughter of the late Yetta and Jacob Faller. She was the youngest and last survivor of six siblings — three sisters and three brothers. Shirley grew up working in the family’s grocery business and went on to graduate from Penn State University with a bachelor’s degree in social work. She worked as a social worker with single mothers, which is how she met her husband, Elliot, a Brooklyn, NY native, who was managing a women’s clothing store in Beaver Falls at the time.

Shirley and Elliot were married in 1953, and enjoyed 50 wonderful years together until Elliot’s death in 2003. She is survived by their four children and their families: son Stephen and his wife, Donna, of Norwalk, CT, and their sons, Jakob and Eli; daughter Barbara of New York, NY, and her daughter, Yona; daughter Joan and her husband, Bart Jefferson, of Fairfax, CA; and son Jeffrey and his wife Nicole, of Philadelphia, PA, and their sons, Noah and Zachary.

Along with being a dedicated homemaker, Shirley worked with her husband in operating Lynn’s Fashions, a retail clothing store in Elizabeth, NJ, for 35 years. She then went on to establish a second career as an executive assistant, first with the American Cancer Society in Union, NJ, and then with Puerto Rico Marine Management Inc. of Elizabeth, NJ.

Before moving to Concordia in 1993, Shirley and Elliot raised their family in Union, NJ. Shirley was a past president of the Union chapter of B’nai B’rith and was an active member of Temple Beth El of Elizabeth and then Temple Beth Shalom of Union. Upon moving to Concordia, she became an active member of Congregation Etz Chayim (the Monroe Township Jewish Center).

While she was always active both with her career and in the community, Shirley’s life was defined, first and foremost, by her love of family. Her profound dedication to her husband, children, and grandchildren enhanced all of their lives, and resulted in her loving spirit living on in these next generations. A born social worker, Shirley’s caring spirit extended beyond her immediate family and truly touched the lives of friends and everyone she encountered, making their lives richer for having known her.

In lieu of flowers, the family is encouraging contributions to be made to Mazon, the Jewish Response to Hunger, in Shirley’s name.

Sadie Stulman in San Francisco on Dec. 26, 2008. Wife of the late Berek Stulman; sister of the late Norman Aronofsky; aunt of Allen and Bernard Aronofsky and a great aunt.

Services were held at Eternal Home Cemetery, Colma under the direction of Sinai Memorial Chapel. Contributions to your favorite charity preferred.

Stephen J. Surtshin MD, 56, beloved husband of Betsy; devoted father of Royce Beaudry and Rachel Surtshin; dear brother of Julia (Richard Sessions) Surtshin and Ann (Joe) Wlad; cherished nephew of Anita Devore. Services were 11:00 AM Wednesday, December 24th, at Congregation Shir Shalom, 252 W. Spain St., Sonoma, with burial in Los Angeles. Donations in his memory may be made to the Solano Community Symphony, P.O. Box 154, Fairfield, CA 94533 or www.Solano Symphony.Org. 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.