Veronica “Ronnie” Garcia
Our beloved big sister passed away on Tuesday, January 19, 2010 after a short, fierce battle with cancer. She was 59 years old.
Vera was born in Cecina, Italy on April 26, 1950, the first child of Eugen and Edith Wellisch, both survivors of the Shoah. She arrived in the U.S. with her parents and younger brother just before her fourth birthday.
Vera was a loving, vibrant, active person, who was generous and loyal to a fault. She loved her extended family and her dogs, and enjoyed music, theater, movies, family gatherings, and her fitness classes at the gym, among many other interests.
Vera is survived by her husband, Gary, mother, Edith Wellisch, brother, Nicolas (Rose), sisters Nancy Searcy (Ralph) and Judy Wellisch (Ramon Balagot), six nieces and nephews, two grand nieces and one grand nephew.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, January 26, 2010, in Auburn, CA.
Donations in Vera’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society or the SPCA.
Howard Goldsmith, MD — 5/19/26– 1/29/10
Beloved husband, father and grandfather formerly of San Francisco has died in Israel with his family by his side. Howard cherished his family. He is survived by his wife of over 55 years, Sonia, daughter, Karen, sons Lee (Marsha) and Glen (Melissa) and grandsons Rafi and Max as well as brother Robert (Ann) and many cousins, extended family members and friends. Howard had a great sense of humor and a non-ending quest for adventure. He enjoyed many varied and unique activities. He and Sonia moved to Israel 14 years ago.
Kenneth Passamaneck, MD
In San Francisco on January 25, 2010.
Kenneth was born in 1937 in Richmond, Virginia. He received his medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia in 1966, and completed his residency at Langley Porter in San Francisco. He met and married Elizabeth (née Griffin) in San Francisco over 40 years ago. He is survived by Elizabeth and their son Yale (Nora) Passamaneck, sister Randi (Len Friedman) Passamaneck, and many cousins, including Ron (Sybil Marcus) Berman M.D.
Dr. Passamaneck practiced as a geriatric psychiatrist for nearly 40 years, working in both community programs and private practice. He was especially proud of his service in the U.S. Navy, work with Red Cross Disaster Preparedness, and contribution to his long-running study group. He will be remembered for his commitment to community service, keen sense of humor, and love of fine wine, great food, and stimulating conversation.
Funeral services were held at Home of Peace Cemetery, Colma. Donations in Dr. Passamaneck’s name will be welcomed by the San Francisco Whaleboat Association, 220 Sansome Street #900, San Francisco,
CA 94104, for the SSS Corsair (Ship 22). Sinai Memorial Chapel.
Harriet Miriam Rudolph
born April 17, 1928, passed away on January 31, 2010 in So. San Francisco, CA. She was 81 years old.
Harriet was the 1st generation to be born and raised in San Francisco, CA until 1972 where they located to her loving domain in Millbrae, CA. Harriet was born to the late loving parents of Gertrude and Ernest Raphael and dear sister to late brother Myron Raphael.
She is survived by her true love and prince charming of 65 years, husband Robert Rudolph. Devoted and loving mother of 3 children, the late Mark Rudolph and surviving children, Jerry Rudolph of Sebastopol, CA and Miriam (Mimi) Rudolph of San Mateo, CA. She was the cherished grandmother of late Jamie Rudolph, and surviving grandchildren, Jennifer Robles of Sebastopol, CA and Kristina (Crissy) Rudolph of Santa Rosa, CA and loving Great Grandparent to Zander & Ryder Robles, dear mother-in-law to Millie Rudolph of Sebastopol, CA. She is also survived by loving cousins, sisters-in-law and dear friends. She happily volunteered over 10 years as a “Pink Lady” at the Peninsula Hospital in Burlingame, CA. She will be truly missed by all.
Esther Sorokin was born on March 11, 1933 in Jerusalem, Israel to Yacov and Lisa Lachdav. Her father died prior to her birth and she was raised by her mother, 4 brothers and 2 sisters and her blind grandfather. She lived her childhood mostly in poverty but had some wonderful people perform miracles to make her life better. She was very proud of her country Israel and served courageously in the military.
From a young age everyone knew that she had the gift of song. She had an incredible soprano opera voice that wowed everyone who heard her. She sang both professionally and volunteered her talents towards many causes, including ORT, Hadassah and the State of Israel.
Her other main passion was her children: Dafna Mizrahi, Orna Jane (Deceased), Lisa Bialkin and Sam Sorokin. She devoted her life to them and sacrificed her professional career to give them anything and everything they needed. She was also devoted to her six grandchildren: Jonathan and Aron Mizrahi, Sarah and Rachel Bialkin and Ari and Rona Sorokin. She was always there to make their life special. She cared deeply for her son-in-laws Yosi Mizrahi and Don Bialkin and her daughter-in-law Iris Sorokin as well as the rest of her extended family.
The last decade was extremely difficult while she was battling her failing heart and numerous other health problems. But she showed so much strength while she was struggling with every new health problem. She was an inspiration to us all.
Esther passed away Friday, January 22nd, resting comfortably in her bed surrounded by her children, her rabbi and her caregivers.
She will be missed by her family and all her friends.
Donations are welcome to Hospice By the Bay, (415) 927-2273, and the American Heart Association.
A memorial service will be held on February 21st at 2 p.m. at Rodef Sholom in San Rafael to celebrate Esther’s life.
Lore M. Walker
March 22, 1936–January 18, 2010
Passed away in Burlingame with her beloved husband of 25 years, Fred Walker, at her side. Born in Germany, Lore would have to flee the Nazis to Shanghai before arriving in San Francisco. She was in the first graduating class of Abraham Lincoln High School, then had a 35 year career in banking administration.
Lore is survived by Fred, cousin Ruth Danziger and family; and a loving circle of friends, whose kindness is appreciated beyond words. Lore’s warmth, gentle humor, generosity and vibrant spirit will be greatly missed, especially in the Congregation B’nai Emunah community.
Burial held at Salem Memorial Park, Colma. In lieu of flowers, donations to Cong. B’nai Emunah, 3595 Taraval St., SF, CA 94116 preferred.
in memoriam
Florence Glassman
Jan. 28, 1920-Feb. 8, 2007.
Mom, with loving memories you’re in our hearts always for your unique wit, indomitable spirit, beauty and humor. Missing you, love Andrea and Lynne.