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It is with a heavy heart that we inform the community that our beloved Debra Ann Goodman-Smith, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday morning, March 23, after surgery Tuesday, March 21, for a broken knee. She is survived by her loving husband, Peter Smith, daughter Nora Lynn, brothers Martin Goodman (Miriam) of San Francisco and Steven Goodman (Lauren) of Huntsville, Alabama, and her precious dog, Billy Joel.

Born on June 28, 1944 in Arlington, Virginia, Debbi grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in social work and then spent two years working for the US Army in Germany as a social worker.

Debbi moved to San Francisco after Germany and worked at the Brotherhood Way JCC. She was passionate about public service and spent her lifetime working with Jewish agencies in the Greater Bay Area. In 1979, Debbi was hired by Jewish Family and Children’s Services to head up their senior volunteer program. At JFCS she developed many special programs to benefit seniors, including Tenderloin Outreach Shabbat luncheons, Be the Wheels, and Senior Companions. She retired in 2011 after 32 years at JFCS but she still stayed in touch with many of her clients, visiting them with her dog through JCFS’ Canine Corps.

Funeral services were held at Home of Peace Cemetery, Colma, on March 26.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Debbi’s memory may be made to: Pets in Need, Congregation Beth Sholom or Camp Tawonga.

Sinai Memorial Chapel
(415) 921-3636

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David Lee Korner fought a valiant 17-year battle with brain cancer but lost the fight on March 21 at age 59. He was courageous, ever optimistic, kind and always helpful — in other words, a real mensch.

The son of Hilda and Herbert Korner, brother of Peter, lived his life on his own terms, caring most for his family and friends, the welfare of others, the environment. Wealth to him was in the loving relationships he had with his family, and the closeness he maintained with his many friends, rather than measured in dollars.

His friends were life-long relationships, from his early school years in Mill Valley to middle and high school friends in Buffalo, N.Y. to friends at San Jose State University, where he earned his B.A. and M.S. He nurtured relationships at each place of employment including the Palo Alto Recreation Department, the Page Mill YMCA, iPass, and Keller-Williams Palo Alto.

His family is overwhelmed with the love, support and outreach of so many who knew him. It has been a comfort to know that his personality and infectious smile positively affected so many people.

Dave’s interests centered around health and fitness. He was a Hawaii Ironman finisher, a participant in local marathons, ran with friends each Friday at the Arastradero Preserve, a Brown Belt 1st degree, a hiker and outdoorsman at every opportunity.

His generous spirit led to his starting the Korner Family Scholarship at Fresno City College to help students with tuition and book expenses while pursuing careers as sign language interpreters. He learned to sign out of interest and often came to the rescue of non-hearing people in need of help. He volunteered at the Friends of the Palo Alto Library, an activity he genuinely looked forward to.

There will be a celebration of his life in late spring. Donations may be made to the Friends of the Palo Alto Library, Cubberley Community Center, 4000 Middlefield Rd. Q, Palo Alto, CA 94303.

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Beryl Martin Sussman
7/4/1931 – 3/27/2017

Beryl came to San Francisco in 1960 from Wichita, Kansas. She was married to Richard Sussman from 1962 until his death in 2004.

She was a speech and hearing pathologist in the SFUSD for over 30 years. After she retired, she became a docent at the Fine Arts Museums of SF, the California Academy of Sciences, and Temple Emanu-El.

She is survived by her daughter Dena Sussman-Schechter, son-in-law Dan Schechter, her three grandchildren, and many loving family and friends.

Services were held at Home of Peace Cemetery in Colma. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Planned Parenthood or the Fine Arts Museums of SF.

Sinai Memorial Chapel
(415) 921-3636

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Harry Wolf

Born in Alameda, California, on Dec. 26, 1922. Died in Walnut Creek on March 20, 2017. Son of Morris J. Wolf and Regina Fischer. Married to Doris Zena Rackow on Feb. 15, 1947, in Oakland. Retired federal government executive, university professor and dean. World War II veteran. Served in South Pacific as a Master Sergeant in the Replacement Battalion. Completed undergraduate and graduate work at the University of California Berkeley. Elected to Pi Sigma Alpha (National Political Science Honor Society).

Three children: Stephen F. Wolf (Barbara), Bernard N. Wolf (Manana) and Rebecca J. Wolf-Prusan (Peretz). Eight grandchildren: Amy Kaufman (Jason), Benjamin (Jennifer), Daniel Wolf, Leora Wolf-Prusan, Avital Wolf-Prusan, Noah Wolf-Prusan, Isaac Wolf and Philip Wolf. Four great-grandchildren: Dina, Mira, Eden and Logan. Brother of Lorraine Gold of Bellevue, Washington.

Life Member of National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees, past Chapter President and State Public Relations Chair. Member and Past-President of Temple Isaiah. Member of American Society for Public Administration. Dean Emeritus of Graduate School of Public Administration, Golden Gate University. Former Director of Executive Seminar Center, Berkeley. Member, Diablo Valley Macintosh Users Group. Life Member of Scholar Olli, California State University East Bay. Life Member, Emeritus College, Diablo Valley College. Former board member of Shelter, Inc., and other community organizations. Avid bridge player. Listed in Who’s Who in America and Who’s Who in American Education.
A memorial service was held at Temple Isaiah on March 24, 2017. Prefer contributions to the George Mark Children’s Home, 2121 George Mark Lane, San Leandro, California 94578 (georgemark.org) or to your favorite charity.