Sylvia Rebecca Bernstein, in Hillsborough on Nov. 8, 2010 at age 92. Beloved wife of the late Lionel Bernstein for 42 years; loving mother of Alex Bernstein, Pamela Bernstein and Michael Bernstein; adoring grandmother of Roxy (Sheri) Bernstein, Lindsay (Joe) Pasternak, Fred (Bari) Bernstein, Shayna (John) Dunn and Rachel (Derrick) Hart.

Sylvia Bernstein, born Sylvia Levy, was born in 1918 (she’d kill me if she knew I published this!) and grew up in Passaic, N.J. She graduated with a Spanish language medal from Passaic South High School in 1936. When living in Brooklyn with her mother Bertha, she met Lionel Bernstein and the two were married in 1944. Alex was born in Brooklyn in 1945 and after the family moved to San Francisco in 1945, Pam and Mike followed.

For the next 65 years, Sylvia devoted herself to her husband and her three kids. The family lived in the Richmond District from 1946 to 1960, when the family moved to Hillsborough. Sylvia lost Lionel in 1986. She continued to live in the Hillsborough home, up until her last day, last Monday, which marked over 50 years.

Sylvia was the ultimate loving wife and mother. Devotion to her family was her raison d’être (reason for being). I know. I am lucky enough to be her son.

Services to be held on Friday, Nov. 12, 2010, at 11 a.m. at Hills of Eternity Cemetery Chapel, 1301 El Camino Real, Colma, internment to follow.

Barbara Ruth Chriss of El Cerrito passed away at home on Nov. 6. A devoted educator in the Contra Costa School District. She is survived by her daughter Erica Chriss and her sisters Linda Aarons and Carolyn Chriss Fromson. Please make donations to the Lighthouse for the Blind.

Paula Segelman Falk of San Francisco passed away Sunday, Nov. 7 at age 75. Paula was born in Boston’s Mattapan neighborhood on Aug. 20, 1935. She attended Boston U, first in Nursing, then graduating with a B.S. in Elementary Education. Her natural talent with children enabled her to be a gifted first grade teacher at the same school she’d attended as a child.

Paula was happily married for 22 years to the late Lee Falk Jr. Their gentle relationship was a model of love and integrity. Paula and Lee “adopted” a senior from the Jewish Home for the Aged and took her on outings. Paula worked for 18 years at Hebrew Free Loan Association and was committed to their mission, lending earnest people a boost toward independence. She herself supported the American Diabetes Association, the Center for Science in the Public Interest, KQED and Congregation Beth Sholom. Paula appreciated the fine treatment she received at UCSF Ophthalmology and supported their blindness prevention charity, That Man May See.

Paula was known for being caring and dependable; she loved to help others was creative and resourceful by nature. She unified people, happily retained a Bostonian identity and kept bubbles on hand — just in case.

Paula is preceded in death by beloved parents Max Segelman and Bessie Baker, mother and father-in-law Dorothy and Leopold Falk and brother-in-law Kurt Gronowski, as well as by Daniel and Fayge, Marianne and Norman, Hans and Libby and Erna. Paula is survived by loving family: daughter Dana; sister-in-law Barbara Gronowski; nephew David Gronowski and wife Karen with Alex and Carolyn; nephew Stephen Gronowski and wife Katy with Madeline and Caitlin; cousin Karin Ayok-Loewenberg and husband Joseph with Ashol and Aluel. She will be missed by the many friends who were as loyal to her as she was to them.

Memorial at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12 at Sinai Memorial Chapel, 1501 Divisadero St., S.F., 94115. Interment at Home of Peace in Colma and buffet reception at family home to follow service. Info: Dana (253) 468-4998.

In lieu of flowers, consider donations to That Man May See, 10 Koret Way, Box 0352, S.F., CA 94143. www.ucsfeye.net/tmms.shtml.

Bernice Glazer (January 31, 1919–October 29, 2010) passed away at her board and care home in Burlingame at age 91 after a lengthy illness and struggle with Alzheimers.

A native of Beaumont, Texas, she is preceded in death by her parents, Max and Goldie Horwitz, her two sisters, Ceilia Reichstein and Dorothy Leva, and her husband of 61 years, Jack Glazer. She is survived by her son, Paul Glazer and daughter, Marjorie Glazer, four nephews and many grand and great-grand nieces and nephews.

Bernice and Jack moved to San Francisco from Houston, Texas in 1973. Jack was a pharmacist and worked at Letterman Hospital at the Presidio, and later, the Alameda Naval Base. They were volunteer ushers at the San Francisco Opera House for over 20 years. Bernice was active in the San Francisco Chapter of Hadassah, serving as treasurer for many years.

A private graveside service was held Nov. 2 at the Hills of Eternity Cemetery in Colma. Donations in Bernice’s name can be made to Hadassah.