a lit memorial candle with a Sinai Memorial Chapel logo on it

Deaths for the week of June 14, 2019

Obituaries are supported by a generous grant from Sinai Memorial Chapel.


Stephen Corbin Becker

Stephen Corbin Becker
Stephen Corbin Becker

Stephen Corbin Becker died unexpectedly on May 29, 2019. Preceded in death by parents Arthur S. Becker and Virgina Becker. Survived by beloved wife Jill Becker, sister Susan (John) Klein, daughter Julie (Ryan) Colby, son Joshua Becker, stepson Jonathan (Jenny Gheith) Levy, stepdaughter Beth (David) Sacks, grandchildren Sajun, Lowell, Malachi, DarbyAbraham, LouAlexander, Shmuli, Rina, Shaya, Hudi, Moshe and Rivki.

Born Dec. 22, 1943 in San Francisco, Stephen practiced law in New Jersey and California and served proudly in the Army and then as a Colonel in the CSMR. Stephen also served on several nonprofit boards, including Sinai Memorial Chapel, Hebrew Free Loan Association and the San Jose Jewish Film Festival. His passions were prolific, and his reverence for film and history was admired by all who enjoyed his company. However, he will be best remembered for his quiet wisdom and total commitment to the people he loved. He will be missed dearly by all who loved him. In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to Congregation Shir Hadash in Los Gatos, Beth Israel Judea in San Francisco or Sinai Memorial Chapel.

(Sinai Redwood City)


Ruth Mansbach

June 6, 1927– May 26, 2019

Ruth Mansbach
Ruth Mansbach

Ruth Mansbach passed away peacefully on May 26, 2019, just days short of her 92nd birthday. Married for over 60 years to Julius, she is the mother of Larry (Bette) of Marin County and Bob (Jody) of New York. She has four grandchildren: Arthur, Liza, Allison and Jonathan.

Born in Frankfurt, Germany, she enjoyed a happy early childhood as the youngest of three sisters. But the tragic events afflicting European Jews of that era altered her life immeasurably. Her family was deported to Poland prior to the outbreak of World War II. Ruth, along with her two sisters, managed to survive through ingenuity and resourcefulness, obtaining false ID papers, returning to Germany for work and eventually spending the last months of the war in Vienna, Austria, which was liberated by Soviet troops. Her parents and countless extended family members perished.

The three sisters immigrated to the U.S. after the war, living at first in New York, where Ruth found employment as a hair washer in a Helena Rubenstein salon. Following her sisters westward, she relocated to San Francisco and met Julius, whom she married in 1952. First renting a flat where Larry was born in 1952, they purchased a house in Laurel Heights prior to the birth of Bob in 1955.

Ruth’s greatest joy was her family. She also found time for various other pursuits, including her own interior decorating business. Despite having only a seventh-grade education, Ruth was fluent in seven languages.

Ruth will be missed by her family and many friends. She is preceded in death by her husband Julius, parents Hermann and Simcha Goldberg, and sisters Hella Margolin and Estelle Kiefer.

A graveside service was held on June 12.

Donations in Ruth’s memory can be made to Shelters for Israel, 228 S. Crescent Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90212 and Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, D.C., 20090.


Pearl J. Zeimer

Pearl J. Zeimer
Pearl J. Zeimer

Pearl J. Zeimer passed away peacefully in Corte Madera, California three months before her 102nd birthday. She was the beloved wife of the late Danny Zeimer, who predeceased her in 1995. Loving and cherished mother to her daughter and son-in-law, Jill and Jonathan Fink, and her twin sons, David and Gilbert Zeimer, their wives, Renée Zeimer and Ellen Young. Loving aunt to Devorah Joseph. Adored “Baba” to her grandchildren Courtney Fink, Whitney Fink and Ben Shalant, Jamie and Adam York, Hilary and Sara Zeimer. Great-grandmother of twins Danny and Layla York and Eponine Shalant.

A native San Franciscan, Pearl’s passion was always her family, keeping them close and watching them grow and prosper. Family vacations included summers in Sonoma, winters in Palm Springs, Hawaii and Mexico. Pearl loved entertaining and was the consummate hostess, known for her brisket and chopped liver. We commend her long and remarkable life as the matriarch of our family. We are very thankful for the care she received to help maintain her dignity and independence over the last three years.

A private family service was planned in San Francisco. Donations can be sent to Hospice By The Bay in Marin County, 17 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Larkspur, CA, 94939, the American Cancer Society or your favorite Jewish charity.


Michael Evan Zlot

July 1, 1974–June 10, 2019

Michael Evan Zlot
Michael Evan Zlot

Michael was born at Mount Zion Hospital in San Francisco. He is the third son of Mary and Harold Zlot of Ross, California, and youngest brother of Andrew and Jefferey Zlot of Marin County. Michael grew up in the town of Ross and graduated from Ross School and Redwood High School.

Despite being born with cerebral palsy, Michael became an avid sports fan, participating in Little League baseball and downhill skiing at Squaw Valley. He also nurtured a passion for professional sports and was a dedicated fan of the Oakland A’s and Dallas Cowboys, to the chagrin of his friends and siblings.

His dedication to sports was matched only by his loyalty in relationships. Michael was a steadfast friend and a loyal brother and son. Michael attended both the University of the Pacific and the University of Las Vegas. While in Las Vegas, Michael was able to combine his sharp business skills with his love of sports, and this passion continued for years until his death.

Michael is survived by his mother and father, Mary and Harold, brothers Andrew (Angela) and Jeffery (Connie), and nephews Jacob, Sam and Noah. A private service was held on June 13 at Mount Tamalpais Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the Rodef Sholom Mental Health Initiative and to the Young Adult Family Center at UCSF Foundation, Attention: Dr. Kim Norman.