Dr. Samuel Caplin

1917–2009

We mourn the passing of our beloved father and grandfather, Samuel Caplin, who died peacefully at age 91 on July 4th in San Francisco.

Originally from Akron, Ohio, he received his doctorate in botany and plant physiology from the University of Chicago in 1946. His research in plant tissue culture led to new techniques in the field. He was professor of botany at Cal State University L.A. until he retired in 1980.

He and his wife Beverly lived in Los Angeles, and were active in Jewish education and summer camps. They helped found the L.A. Museum of the Holocaust. They moved to Berkeley in 1984. After Beverly’s death in 1995, he developed a loving relationship with Sylvia Graff of San Francisco, who died in 2006.

Sam is remembered by his family and friends as an extremely gentle and kind man. He maintained a lifelong interest in Jewish history and culture, Yiddish folksong, nutritional science and alternative energy.

He is survived by his sister Hannah Moss, his children Donna Caplin, David Caplin and Dr. Abigail Caplin, his stepsons Dr. Marc Francis and Dr. Jonathan Francis and their families. His leaves four grandchildren, seven step-grandchildren and ten step-great-grandchildren, all who remember him as “Grandpa Sam.”

Services were held in Colma, CA.  Donations in his memory may be made to the Bay Area Jewish Healing Center, 3330 Geary Blvd., San Francisco c/o Pamela Brown.

Anita June Bell Kahn

On July 14th , Rossmoor resident and former Detroiter, Anita June Bell Kahn, died peacefully after a long and valiant struggle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP).

Lovingly known as the “Flower Lady” by her family, friends and neighbors as a result of her love of flowers and beautiful gardens, Anita was a smiling ray of sunshine to all those who knew her.

Anita is survived by beloved companion of 14 years Donald Wacks, beloved sister Gloria and brother-in-law Larry Coville (Sun City Center, Fla.), children Karen (Barry) Siegel (West Bloomfield, Mich.), Robert (Bonny) Kahn (Los Gatos), Beth (Terry) Miller (Los Gatos); daughter-in-law Mary Lou Kahn (San Jose); grandchildren Lisa (Michael) Zeldes (West Bloomfield), Jonathan (Danielle) Siegel (Mobile, Alabama); great-grandchildren Zachary, Ben and Noah Siegel; and adored caregivers Alicia Querijero and Alma Guiang. Anita was the daughter of Isadore and Matilda Bell and mother of Martin Kahn of blessed memory.

As her children became self-reliant, Anita attended college, graduated with honors, and conferred with a master’s degree in clinical social work.

In 1993, Anita moved to Rossmoor and there met Don. Together they participated in and contributed to numerous cultural activities offered at Rossmoor and in the Bay Area. Anita and Don traveled extensively throughout the United States and the world as they shared their love and lives together.

Anita was involved with many charitable organizations including Women’s Brandeis, Hadassah and ORT. She fed the hungry and donated to more than 40 charities that supported veterans, the less fortunate, the ill, the disabled and various nature organizations.

Anita Kahn, the beautiful “Flower Lady,” will be missed and lovingly remembered by all those fortunate enough to have been touched by her life.

Contributions in memory of Anita and to support research for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy can be made to: The Seeley Laboratory — Memory and Aging Center, Attn: Tami Scott, UCSF Neurology Department, Box 1207, 350 Parnasis Ave., Ste. 905, San Francisco, 94143.

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

Rose Laurie Spindel

September 3, 1918–July 3, 2009

Rose Laurie Spindel was born in St. Paul, Minn. to Maurice and Jennie Laurie. She passed away peacefully at Rhoda Goldman Plaza, two months short of her 91st birthday, with her three daughters and son in laws by her side on Friday, July 3.

She was the cherished wife for 46 years of the late Nathan S. Spindel, and the loving companion of Arthur Becker for the past 22 years. Rosie was the devoted mother of Sherry Berenstein (Burt), Judith Levine Coren (Harry) and Bobbie Burger (Denny). She was the beloved grandmother of Pam Barasch (Adam), Adam Berenstein (Laurie), Jeffrey Burger, Brian Burger and Amy Seff (Jon). She was Nana Ro Ro to six great grandchildren, Jenna and Sam Barasch, Nathan and Isabella Berenstein, and Olivia and Kyle Seff. She was the devoted sister-in-law of Rita Brown, sister of the late Charles M. Laurie and loving aunt to her many nieces and nephews.

Rosie lived her whole life in San Francisco from the age of 3, had many friends and was loved by all who knew her. She will be especially missed by her friends at Rhoda Goldman Plaza, where she lived for the past 18 months. We will always remember Rosie’s smile and cheerful personality.

The family would like to thank her caregivers of the past six weeks, Marcy, Marina and Brenda.

Funeral services were held with burial at Eternal Home Cemetery, Colma. Contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to S.F. Chapter of Hadassah, 1715 Polk St., San Francisco 94109, or Rabbi Martin Weiner Educational Fund, Congregation Sherith Israel, 2266 California St., San Francisco 94115. Sinai Memorial Chapel.