Rosalie Simon Hyman Anixter (Ro Ro)

Ro Ro left us on Monday, July 14, 2014, surrounded by her loving family.

Ro Ro was born September 25, 1927 to Carolyn and Albert Simon, who worshipped and adored her. She graduated from George Washington High School and San Francisco State and had a short, sweet career as a teacher, for which she was most proud.

She married the love of her life, Richard (Dick) Hyman, and together they had Ron, Judi and Sandi. When she and Dick set sail for Hawaii in 1958, the Islands became her paradise for the remainder of her life. After Dick’s sudden death, when she was only 44 years old, she then found love and marriage with Sanford Anixter and after his passing she again found love and companionship with Lowell Adelson.

Ro Ro is survived by her children, Ron Hyman (Kaylyn), Judi Hyman and Sandi Hyman. She was blessed to have seven grandchildren — Richard (Anja), Joshua (Cortney), Zachary (Kimberly), Matthew (Vy), Elana (Joe), Adam (Lauren) and Riley — who then blessed her with 12 great-grandchildren: Aliyah, Caiya, Dylan, Luke, Noah, Ella, Hayes, Layla, Jake, Elijah, Locklyn and Brynn.

Ro Ro was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt. She cherished all of her extended families and friends. Golf was a passion she shared with Dick, Sanford and Lowell and played for over 40 years until her health did not allow her to continue. Ro Ro also enjoyed playing mah jongg, dominoes and bridge.

Ro Ro came into this world by special request of her beloved brother Mervyn Simon, who begged his parents for a brother or sister to love.

Yolanda Aguilera, Ro Ro’s caregiver, provided her with love, support, humor and loving care during her last six months, for which the family will be forever grateful.

Ro Ro left behind a trail of cherished memories, love and laughter.

Donations can be made to the Carrie and Albert Simon Endowment Fund for Senior Services at Jewish Family and Children’s Services, 2150 Post St., San Francisco, CA 94115; National Council of Jewish Women; or Congregation Beth Shalom of Napa Valley.

Funeral services were held on July 17, 2014, at Home of Peace Cemetery, Colma.

Sinai Memorial Chapel (415)-921-3636

 

Bernard Goldberg

Passed away peacefully at home July 10, 2014. He leaves behind his son David, daughters Gail and Susan, and son-in-law Ton. He began his life in New York City and grew up in the East Bronx. A very determined and disciplined person, he graduated from CCNY with a B.A. in business with specialization in Accounting. In 1942 he entered the Air Force and did graduate studies in psychology as part of a special military program at U.C. Berkeley. While in graduate school he met Phyllis and they married in 1944. In the Air Force, he was in a research unit charged with selecting pilots and bombardiers. Bernard had tours of duty at various bases.

The base in Spokane, Wash., had a good photo lab, where his lifelong passion for photography began. After being honorably discharged in 1946, he and Phyllis settled in San Francisco. He was employed by the Internal Revenue Service, and by studying nights, became a Certified Public Accountant and rose through the ranks in the appeals division. Bernard and Phyllis were avid travelers through the U.S. and Canada, and later to Europe, Israel and Asia. Everything was documented with his skillful photography.

He was a generous person and was involved in many nonprofit organizations. At the Jewish Home in San Francisco, he presented travelogues monthly to the residents. He volunteered at AARP in its Tax Counseling for the Elderly program where for 15 years he taught courses on tax changes and helped AARP members file their returns. He was a member of the board of Congregation Emanu-El and held various positions in the Emanu-El Brotherhood. During his more than 25 years as member of the San Francisco chapter of NARFE, he served seven years as treasurer, set up the San Francisco NARFE news bulletin, and instituted a computerized membership administration. Bernard and Phyllis moved to Rhoda Goldman Plaza in 2007. He was a devoted and caring husband to her until her death in 2009. Bernard enjoyed the many friends he made at RGP and was recognized several times for his contribution to the resident community there.

Services were held at the Home of Peace Cemetery, Colma. Contributions to your favorite charity preferred.

Sinai Memorial Chapel (415) 921-3636

 

Paul R. Lipkin

Jan. 7, 1936–June 10, 2014

Paul Lipkin passed away on June 10, 2014. Married to Annette for 50 years, father to Daniel (Elina) and Aleeza, grandfather to Jacob and Avi. A true mensch, a tzadik.

Contributions in his memory can be made to Sutter Care at Home, 1900 Powell St., Emeryville, CA 94608, or a charity of your choice.

Sinai Memorial Chapel (925) 962-3636

 

Cecile Eleanor Berman Owens passed away on July 4, 2014 in Seattle, WA. She was 81. “Ceci” was originally from Chicago and moved to Los Angeles in the early 1950s with her family. Ceci graduated from U.C. Berkeley in 1955, where she had met and subsequently married Richard D. Owens(d. 2008).

Ceci lived in San Francisco and Burlingame for 50+ years, strongly identifying with the city and her many friends from UCB and the Jewish community. She was an avid and creative seamstress, and was highly skilled in needlepoint and knitting. She reveled in a good game of Scrabble and was seldom beaten. Ceci was admired for her fashion sense, and is also fondly remembered for her quick wit and elegant manner.

Cecile is survived by her four children — Karen, Suzanne, Bradley, and Terryl — eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, as well as three nieces.

 

Miriam Ross

Aug. 19, 1919–July 9, 2014

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, mother-in-law and friend. Preceded in death by her husband Arthur and her infant daughter Sharon Laura, she is survived by daughters Judy Adlam (John), Jane Ross Ganzfried (Ron) and Peggy Ross MacDonald (Bruce); grandchildren Jennifer Adlam Gonzalez (Fil), Jacqueline Adlam, Jillian Ganzfried, Madeline MacDonald, and Andrew MacDonald; and great-granddaughter Lyla Gonzalez. We will love and miss you forever.

Sinai Memorial Chapel. (415) 921-3636

 

Isaiah Leon Rothblatt

March 23, 1924–July 10, 2014

Love Letter to My Father:

Dear Dad,

To most onlookers and casual acquaintances, you were a modest and humble man, but to those who knew you, your friends, family and colleagues, you were a towering figure who had a long lasting impact that will never be forgotten. You will be remembered as an intellectual powerhouse, a loving husband, father, uncle, grandfather and someone who always sought to help and care for others.

The themes of your life are very clear to me: intellectual development (with an emphasis in Philosophy and History), dedication to your family, seeking and finding connections to your friends, family and community, and your never-ending service to those in need.

I remember the story of how you met Mom (Agnes Biro) at the University of Madison Hospital where you both volunteered as students, a fitting beginning to your lifelong profession as a social worker and your personal philosophy of helping others and never expecting anything in return. Your 60-year marriage and partnership with Mom was the ultimate love story, with so many chapters it’s difficult to distill in a few sentences; with Mom as the sparkplug of your many adventures, your partnership was full of abundance, joy, music, laughter, world travels, and countless dinner parties. Together you raised three sons, Dan, Andre and Raul, who grew up to be so individual, yet so similar, a testament to your absolute love and care you bestowed to everyone.

You exemplified the complexities and contradictions of the human spirit: You were a pacifist and a decorated soldier, having fought in WWII and for the War of Independence for Israel in 1948; you were agnostic yet actively participated at Congregation Sherith Israel and strongly believed in our heritage, customs and prayer. You sang and prayed loudly, knowing our prayers are the threads that linked us to our ancestors and heritage, and you sang and prayed for those in our family who could no longer speak because their voices were silenced in the Holocaust. Finally, you and Mom had amassed a comfortable retirement and yet the only possession you cherished was your extensive book collection.

Your family was of paramount importance to you and you adored your parents Benjamin Elihu and Clara Allergant and growing up in Madison, Wisconsin, after your birth in Chicago. You spoke fondly of your parents and the impact on your life as well as your siblings Anita, David and Abraham, as well as your sister and brother-in-law Panni and Roger. You and Mom were the orbital centers of the family, where your sons and their wives, Jayne, Anastasia and Jennifer, nephews, nieces and grandchildren Julia, Charlotte and Eli spun around you, feeling your gravitational pull of love and acceptance.

But your legacy was your dedication to helping others. It was this lifelong dedication to helping others in any way you could and never expecting anything in return, which will remain as your greatest impact. It was a constant instinct you exercised as a social worker and was extended to everyone you met, client, friend or stranger, and it was always performed with grace, thoughtfulness and kindness.

You were always grateful to be able for the opportunity to assist people in any way you could, and for 35+ years you took the streetcar to the Dept. of Social Services and practiced the simple yet profound act of caring for others. You started your career at an era when social workers wore suits and ties and ultimately you became the president of the SEIU, acting as a champion of not only your clients but your fellow workers. Each day, you would return home, and as boys we cheered your return with glee: “Dad is home!” We greeted you as a returning hero, because you were and will always remain our hero.

And in the end, when our roles were reversed and I had the privilege of caring for you, I finally understood the selfless act of caring that you practiced your whole life. I felt joy and gratitude in caring for you, and in that process your spirit entered mine, which I will hold dearly for eternity. I will cherish those memories and know that you are with me whenever I feel love, kindness, acceptance and selflessness.

Your Adoring Son

Services were held July 11, 2014 at Hills of Eternity Memorial Park, Colma. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Congregation Sherith Israel, 2266 California St., S.F., CA 94115.

Sinai Memorial Chapel (415)-921-3636

 

Sidney Shaffer

Sid Shaffer, age 90, died June 14, 2014, peacefully with his wife and son by his side. A native of Malden, Mass., Sid was the second of four children born to Emma Freehoff and Abraham Shaffer. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Ethel, sister Marylyn, brother Edward, three children, sons Harris (Heidi), David and daughter Mary (Paul) and six grandchildren, Hannah, Alanna, Aaron, Ruth, Gabriel and Rio.

During WWII, Sid served in the Second Field Artillery and participated in the Battle for Brest and Battle of the Bulge. After returning to Malden, Sid completed his degree in Commercial Arts then moved to Oakland where he met Ethel. Sid had a successful 40-year career with New York Life. He was active in the Jewish community serving as President of Temple Beth Abraham and numerous other organizations including the Reutlinger Home for Jewish Parents.

Sid enjoyed tennis, walking Lake Merritt with mentor Ben Silver, drawing portraits and illustrating cartoons. His artistic skill led to a 40-year partnership and friendship with the nationally known cartoonist Morrie Turner. He was well loved by his family, friends and the Jewish community.

He exemplified service before self.

Services were held June 18 at Temple Beth Abraham. Donations in his memory may be made to Temple Beth Abraham, 336 Euclid Ave., Oakland, CA 94610.

 

Alma Shenson

Alma Shenson passed away peacefully on July 11, 2014. Beloved wife of Aaron Shenson, adoring mother of Judie (Hal) Belmont, Carol Shenson, Charles (Gayle) Shenson and cherished grandmother of Marc (Deborah) Belmont, Laura Belmont, Leslie (Andrew) Quesnel, Eric (Brittany) Shenson, and great-granddaughter Mila.

Alma was loved by all and will be dearly missed by everyone she touched. Alma was born in New York City to Jules and Charlotte Furst on January 6, 1925. She married the love of her life, Aaron, at the age of 18. They started their family in New York before moving to the Bay Area in 1954. Alma always put her family first and recently celebrated her 71st wedding anniversary.

At her request, no services will be held. Donations in her memory may be made to Jewish Family and Children’s Services of San Francisco.

Sinai Memorial Chapel (415) 921-3636

 

Betty Simons

Aged 105, passed away peacefully at the Jewish Home in San Francisco on July 10, 2014. Betty was born Rebecca Gold in Poland on Sept. 12, 1908 and soon afterward her parents brought her to London, England. She grew up in the East End with her brothers and sisters. She left school at age 14 and went to work in the retail clothing industry, working her way up. She married her first husband Bert, and after a few years their two children were born. Betty loved business and clothing and opened her boutique, Betty Fayre.

Betty was extremely creative and enjoyed crocheting, knitting and dressmaking. She wanted to live near her children so she settled in San Francisco where she met and married her second husband Harry. When an opportunity arose, they moved to Los Angeles where Betty took up oil painting, entertaining (she had always been an amazing cook and baker struggling through WWll and the drastic food shortages), as well as traveling. Betty tried her hand at most everything, even becoming an extra in Hollywood.

They returned to Northern California-San Mateo because of the sunny weather, which brought them closer to the family in San Francisco. After Harry’s death, Betty moved into Woodlake Apartments, which she said was like living in a tropical resort. Family was Betty’s life, and visits with her children and grandchildren and especially great-grandchildren made her the happiest. However, she knew when it was time and eventually moved into a retirement facility in Burlingame where she enjoyed socializing with her fellow residents and was still blessed with a sharp mind and a wicked sense of humor. Betty’s final move was to the Jewish Home where she was given the most excellent care and loved and was loved by her CNAs and staff. At 105+ life was becoming too difficult and gone was her precious independence, so on July 10 Betty passed away peacefully.

Betty is survived by her daughter Nina Zentner and her son Martin Samuel, grandchildren Lisa Balton, John Zentner, Joseph Samuel and Matthew Samuel and great-grandchildren Elsa Balton, the late Liam Balton, Matteo Zentner and Maya Zentner. A memorial service is being planned at the Jewish Home. Donations in Betty’s memory may be made to the Jewish Home, San Francisco, and Congregation Ner Tamid, San Francisco.

Sinai Memorial Chapel (415) 921-3636

 

Justin Helmut Spatz

March 27, 1928–June 28, 2014

Born in Wurzburg, Germany immigrated to Buenos Aires, Argentina, with his family in 1937. He worked for Bunge Corporation, an international trading company, for 43 years in their offices in Buenos Aires and New York City. He retired to San Francisco in 2004 to be closer to his brother Harry Spatz, niece Laura Spatz Weisberg, her husband, Rick, and their children, Nathan and Ilana. Private funeral services were held at Eternal Home in Colma.

 

Miriam (née Victor) Terrier

Miriam Terrier (née Victor), 86, of San Rafael, Calif., passed away at 2:20 a.m. on June 30, 2014 of a brain hemorrhage caused by a stroke. Miriam, the only child of Albert and Mary Victor, was born in New York City on August 13, 1927 and was raised in San Francisco. She attended Marina Middle School, George Washington High School and San Francisco State University. Miriam served as a secretary for the 6th Army in the Presidio after World War II. She also worked for a New York interior design firm, the New York Times travel editor, San Francisco Public Schools and retired from UCSF in 1985. She was very proud of her Jewish heritage and loved writing, reading, interior design and sweet things. She was a kind, gentle, thoughtful woman with a rebellious spirit and a feisty disposition. She will be sorely missed by her loving family and friends.

Miriam is survived by her husband Pierre, sons Paul and Marc, daughters-in-law Julie and Alessandra and grandson Vincent. She passed away as she wished, quickly and without being a burden to anyone. A service celebrating Miriam’s wonderful life was held on July 13 at the Log Cabin on the San Francisco Presidio, followed by a reception.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to one of the following charities that Miriam proudly supported: The American Jewish Congress, Doctors Without Borders, Habitat for Humanity and the American Red Cross.

 

Geraldine Rubenstein Wacholder

Passed away peacefully, at age 95, on July 12, 2014, surrounded by her family. Jerrie is survived by her two adoring sons, Michael and Donald, and by her daughter-in-law, Marcia. She was Grandma Jerrie to seven loving grandchildren, Jennifer, Lisa, Ashley, Grace, Elana, David and Nina, and she was beloved Gigi to nine great-grandchildren.

Jerrie was born to Grace and Harry Woods in San Francisco on Feb. 16, 1919, as a proud second-generation San Franciscan. She was blessed to be married to David Rubenstein from 1942 until his untimely death in 1968 and was then married to Myron Wacholder for 20 more loving years until Myron’s passing in 1992.

Jerrie was an energetic and creative artist, world traveler, gourmet cook and entertainer extraordinaire. Her life will stand as an inspiration to all who knew her.

Services were held July 14 at Home of Peace Cemetery, Colma. Contributions to the Jewish Community Federation or to your favorite charity preferred.

Sinai Memorial Chapel (415) 921 – 3636

Ruth Wilkerson, 88, of San Francisco passed away peacefully at her home on July 12, 2014. Ruth (Kay) was born with her twin sister, Margaret, on June 30, 1926 in Germany. She immigrated to San Francisco along with her family in 1939. She attended San Francisco City College and graduated from U.C. Berkeley, after which she worked with children as a social worker.

Ruth is survived by her two sons, Jim (and Chris) Wilkerson of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Ralph (and Diane) Wilkerson of Gridley, Calif.; by five grandchildren Charles Kane (and Ahlsa) Wilkerson, Tracy (and James) Foster, Amy (and Matt) Mayberry and Tyler and Brian Wilkerson; and by 10 great-grandchildren.

Services were held at Home of Peace Cemetery, Colma, on July 16. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory to the charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.