Esther Marcus
Esther Marcus peacefully passed away in Walnut Creek at age 91. Esther was born in Berlin, Germany, in 1923 and with her family escaped to Shanghai, China in 1939. Esther first came to the United States in 1947 and eventually settled in San Francisco after living in New York with her husband, Siegbert, until his death in 1971.
She was a dressmaker by trade and when she retired, she volunteered at the Jewish Home in San Francisco for over 35 years. She enjoyed traveling, reading, theater, opera, symphonies and Chinese food.
Surviving family members include her nephew Daniel and niece Anne-Lise, grandniece Marianne and grandnephew Garrett, great-grandniece Bailey and great-grandnephew Cooper, nephew David and niece Tina, grandniece Kayla and grandnephew Josh. Also cousins Eva and Leon Rajninger and family, Marion Friedeberg and family, Hugo and Jane Beckerman and family, Jack and Jeffrey Drimmer and their families.
The family would like to thank the staffs of Rhoda Goldman Plaza in San Francisco and Sunrise Assisted Living in Walnut Creek for their kindness and care.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at Sinai Memorial Chapel, 1501 Divisadero St. at Geary, San Francisco, followed by interment at Salem Memorial Park, 1171 El Camino Real, Colma.
Sinai Memorial Chapel
(415) 921-3636
Leone Frances Pollard (née Albert)
December 19, 1930–May 4, 2015
Devoted wife of Stanley Pollard for 63 years, mother of three wonderful sons, Stephen Pollard (Shellee), Bruce (Jennifer) and Gary (Chris), along with her nine grandchildren, Dominic, Jason, Jessica, Jamie, Bryan, Stephanie, Jaclyn, Marcus and Nathanael. Proud of her three great-grandchildren, ZZ, Keyon and Abigail. Beautiful sister to Richard Albert and a true lady to her nieces, nephews and many cousins who will miss her warm smile and big heart!
Leone attended Lowell High School in San Francisco and graduated with honors from University of California, Berkeley, like her father and brother. She was a member of the sorority AEPhi (Alpha Epsilon Phi). Upon moving from Daly City to Burlingame, Leone wanted to be close to a temple so her family would have a place to worship. She and her family have been longstanding members of Peninsula Temple Sholom (PTS) since 1964. Her association with PTS gave her some of her closest friends while being a member of the sisterhood.
Her father and mother raised her with strong family values, which helped her provide the love and compassion when raising her own family. Leone always felt a close tie to her extended family; she would always send birthday cards, wedding gifts and notes of congratulations each time a mitzvah occurred. Leone was our woman of valor!
Leone was fortunate to have been in the travel business with her husband, Stanley, who founded Ambassador Tours in 1955. She eventually became president until her retirement in 2002. Her passion for travel gave her a zest for life as she traveled the world to all seven continents and well over 150 countries. For the previous 14 years, Leone and Stanley sailed around the world each winter. This year marked their 15th trip, but they only made it halfway as Leone become too ill to continue.
She was renowned as an avid baker for her family with such specialties as delicious brownies (never have been duplicated), scrumptious peanut butter cookies, and her special treat for all was kichel.
She was a proud member of Eastern Star, Golden Gate Chapter #1 for over a half century.
If you asked Stanley to describe Leone, he would simply say a person characterized by irrepressible optimism and a tendency to find good in everything.
In lieu of flowers, request for donations should be made to the Peninsula Temple Sholom, education fund, Burlingame, California, or a charity of one’s own choice.
Pauline Newman Smith
Pauline Newman Smith, 80, of Daly City, California, died peacefully holding hands with her son David on May 2, 2015. Pauline leaves behind a lifetime of amazing memories of her adoring children, Mark and Debi Smith and David Newman. She is also survived by her sister Muriel Ruslender and sister-in-law Harriet Israel; her grandchildren Aarin and April Smith and Matthew and Jennifer Glikman; and her great-grandchild Ryleigh Glikman. She is also survived by the spouses of her married children, Marianne Smith, Dennis Glikman and Marilyn Newman. Her loving husband, Aaron, whom she loved and cherished, preceded her in death.
Her son David was the center of her universe and she spent the first 15 years raising him alone. She worked multiple jobs to put bread on the table and provide a roof overhead; she was also the “go to” mom for all the kids in the neighborhood. She could always be counted on when a parent was needed, whether for a shoulder to lean on or some other school or Scouting activity. She made sure Dave and his friends were exposed to the museums and culture of San Francisco, which included taking all the kids to see her beloved Giants.
In 1973, Pauline married longtime friend, Aaron Smith, of San Francisco, who brought his son Mark and daughter Debi into the family. They were adopted into Pauline’s heart as her own and she loved being a part of their active lives.
Her grandchildren Matthew, Aarin, Jennifer and April, and her great-granddaughter Ryleigh were the light of her life and she loved sharing their pictures and stories.
She was a world traveler who enjoyed sharing travelogues about her adventures, and her home was filled with antiques and knickknacks gathered on those trips. She loved animals, especially dogs, and was often surrounded by her furry friends.
Pauline was laid to rest alongside her loving husband and dearest mother in the Hills of Eternity Memorial Park in Colma, at a graveside ceremony attended by a large gathering of her family and friends.
Her home was always filled with light, love, laughter and plenty of great food. She will be dearly missed.
Those wishing to do so may send donations to the California Search & Rescue Dog Association (www.searchdogs.carda.org).
Sinai Memorial Chapel
(650) 369-3636
Gertrude Ellen Veiss
Gertrude Ellen Veiss, the matriarch of our family, died at home in Moraga on May 7. A native of Oakland and member of Temple Beth Abraham in Oakland, Gertrude was a life member of Hadassah, a consummate volunteer and a voracious reader. Gertrude is survived by her daughters, Joanne Veiss-Zaken (Nissim) and Carole Veiss-Creque (Stuart); her grandchildren, Tamar, Yoni, Yael, Miriam, Hadas, Chava and Hannah; and her great-grandchildren, Shira, Etan, Lilah, Ben and Amina. She is also survived by her brother, Dr. Milton Ash, and sister-in-law Shulamite Ash. She was predeceased by her husband of 35 years, Maurice Veiss. Donations in Gertrude’s memory can be made to the Fistula Foundation or Shalom Bayit, Ending Domestic Violence in Jewish Homes.
Sinai Memorial Chapel
(925) 962-3636