Elaine Corinne Begun of Danville, passed away on Monday, April 27, 2009 at home surrounded by the family that loved her — and that she loved — so much.

Born in Chicago on March 14, 1936, Elaine moved with her parents to San Francisco at a young age. Elaine grew up in San Francisco’s Sunset District, attended Lincoln High School and, at age nineteen, married Jay Begun, a native San Franciscan to whom she was married for almost 54 years.

Raising three children, Elaine and Jay settled in Westlake and then Millbrae, before moving to Alamo in 1978 where Elaine enjoyed the warmer weather (and the proximity to Nordstrom).

Although cut short, Elaine’s life was full. She loved to travel, shop, and design and decorate homes, but her passion, above all else, was spending time with her family and spoiling her seven grandchildren. She could always be counted on to organize and hostess a family get-together, no matter how minor the occasion. Elaine was the consummate friend who always had time to listen and who always understood.

Truly, Elaine was beautiful on the inside and out. She will be missed every day by husband Jay, children Suzi and Rob Goldstein, Ken and Cathy Begun, Darryn and Ann Begun and grandchildren Brett, Shelby, Brooke, Paige, Dean, Ava and Max, sister Judi and Don Caler and, of course, her wonderful friends, many of whom knew Elaine for more than half a century.

Pancreatic cancer waged an unfair war against Elaine who, nevertheless, fought bravely to the end without complaint or self-pity.

Contributions can be sent to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (“PANCAN”) at www.pancan.org or 2141 Rosecrans Ave, Suite 7000, El Segundo, CA 90245.

Services were held under the direction of Sinai Memorial Chapel (925) 962-3636.

Jack Robert Goldstone, in San Francisco on April 21st at age 95. Beloved father of Jack Andrew (Gina) Goldstone, Jerry Goldstone, and Sharon (Casey Swan) Goldstone; adored grandfather of Alexander and Simone Goldstone and Max and Aidan Goldstone Swan.

Jack was born in Germany. He survived the Holocaust and came to America after World War II. He began as an importer and later opened gift shops and women’s clothing stores which he ran for 40 years in San Francisco and Sausalito. Jack was known for his wonderful humor, generosity and good heart. He was a friend to all who knew him. He will be deeply missed by family and friends. May his memory be a blessing.

Funeral services were held at Home of Peace Chapel in Colma. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Jewish Children and Family Services, 2150 Post Street San Francisco, CA 94115 (415) 449-1271 or Brandeis Hillel Day School, 655 Brotherhood Way, San Francisco, CA 94132, (415) 406-1035.

Rose Greene died peacefully April 12 at Bruns House in Alamo, CA. She was 98.

A memorial service and private burial were held.

Rose was born in 1910 in St. Louis, MO. She was the 5th of six children born to Frank and Stella Bortnick. She married Maurice Greene in 1934 and was married for 57 years until his death in 1992. The Greenes moved to California in 1936 and raised 2 daughters. A resident of San Francisco for more than 55 years, Rose hosted and played countless mahj and pan games. She moved to Contra Costa County in 1997. She is survived by her daughter Judi (Don) Caler of Nevada City; her son-in-law Jay Begun of Danville; grandchildren Suzi (Rob) Goldstein, Ken (Cathy) Begun, Darryn (Ann) Begun, Wendy (Brian) Chellew, and Erika (Sachin) Deshmukh; and great-grandchildren Brett & Shelby Goldstein; Ava & Max Begun; Brooke, Paige & Dean Begun; Blake & Connor Chellew; and Rishi Deshmukh; and many loving nieces and nephews. Her daughter Elaine Begun died on April 27, 2009.

Rose was a teller of stories, had a great sense of humor, and cherished her family. She loved the saying, “growing old isn’t for sissies.”

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Foundation of the East Bay, 3470 Buskirk Avenue, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523.

Anna Kovalsky in San Francisco on April 21, 2009 at age 90. Beloved wife of the late Joseph Kovalsky for 22 years; loving mother of Marilyn Zack and Abby Kovalsky and the late Sheldon Kovalsky and Irving Kovalsky (Angie Baum); adoring grandmother of Cheryl (Jeffrey) Morrow, Jennifer Bernstein (Michael), David (Robin) Kovalsky, Stephanie (Bill) Gregory, Emmy Zack and the late Jeffrey Kovalsky; and cherished great grandmother of 14.

Anna loved to ballroom dance, play piano, bake and play Mah Jongg. She was a Girl Scout leader and volunteered for many AIDS organizations. Anna was also a member of the Vaudevillians and became a painter later in her life. She will be deeply missed by family and friends.

Memorial services were held.

Donations to the Jewish Home or the Bay Area Jewish Healing Center, SF, preferred.

Esther Leah Safer passed away on Thursday, April 23, 2009.

She is survived by her mother, Kathleen Safer; siblings Solomon, Davida, Jonathan, and Benjamin Safer; predeceased by her father, William Safer. She is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins in the Bay Area, Wisconsin, and the East Coast.

She was a student at San Francisco State University focusing on her passion — early childhood education. She was an active member of Adath Israel Congregation and Congregation B’nai Emunah.

She was also involved with many Jewish community organizations including the Mission Minyan, Chabad of San Francisco, Hillel of San Francisco, Jewish Study Network and the Jewish Folk Chorus.

Esther was an avid reader, and had a profound love for the study of Torah. Esther had an infectious laugh with a thirst for life, a welcoming smile and a vibrant personality along with a strong affection for animals and children. The strength she found in the communities she was a part of helped to define her life.

Burial took place at Salem Memorial Park. Donations in her memory may be made to Adath Israel Congregation and/or Congregation B’nai Emunah.