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

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Jerry Jacobs

Dec. 15, 1942–Jan. 27, 2023

Jerry Jacobs passed away peacefully while vacationing in Honolulu, Hawaii, on Jan. 27, 2023.

He was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1942. The oldest of five siblings, he grew up with a very close-knit extended family. His mother Ruth was a great cook and a wonderful mother who was totally devoted to her family. His father Max loved being the head of his household. Jerry was four years older than his brother Steven, 10 years older than his sister Ellen, and 11 years older than his twin brothers Robert and Richard. Jerry cherished his role as the big brother and was a constant source of strength, encouragement and love to his siblings.

He leaves behind his wife Lois (Halfen). Lois and Jerry went on their first date when they were 15 and have been madly in love ever since. Although Jerry’s parents tried to keep them apart because they were so serious at such a young age, they managed to stay glued to each other for 65 years. They married in 1964 after Lois graduated from nursing school and Jerry was a senior in college.

He received both his undergraduate and master’s degrees at the University of Vermont in plant pathology, and his Ph.D. in cell biology from Clark University. Just after receiving his Ph.D., he got a job at St. Vincent Hospital as a kidney pathologist and taught at the University of Massachusetts Medical School for 22 years. He published extensively, wrote a chapter in a well-known kidney textbook and had a cover photo in Nature magazine.

In 1991, he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and was seriously ill for one year. After miraculously recovering from leukemia, he and Lois moved to Vail, Colorado, so that Lois could work, and Jerry could ski. He started a cancer support group there and counseled cancer patients all over the world. He never turned anyone away who asked him for support and encouragement, and would often drop everything he was doing to help someone battling cancer. This was some of the most important work he did during his life.

Jerry was a survivor and beat the odds time and time again. Faced with a number of serious diagnoses in the second half of his life, he overcame his health issues with strength, positivity and a determination to live his life to the fullest.

He leaves two sons, Harry of Henderson, Nevada, and Douglas of Hubbardston, Massachusetts, and a daughter, Rachel (Daniel Steiger), of San Francisco, CA. He leaves two grandchildren, Marley Moon Steiger of San Francisco, California, and Brandon Wood of Dunkirk, Maryland. His brother Steve (Carol) of Cape Coral, Florida, a brother Robert (Claudette) of Dayton, Maryland, a brother Richard (Debra) of Bethesda, Maryland, and a sister Ellen (Gerry Martin) of Worcester, Massachusetts. He leaves several nieces, nephews, and a large community of extended family and friends to whom he was a mentor and sometimes a second father.

He was a man for others and gave of himself freely and without condition.

Jerry was a true Renaissance man in every sense of the word. He was athletic, had a keen intellect, and was a multimedia artist and craftsman. All of Jerry’s endeavors were executed with great knowledge and precision. Whatever hobby, activity or sport he undertook, he became an expert, as he never did anything halfway.

He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved and respected him. He was a remarkable human being and made the world a better place.

Donations may be made in his memory to the Lennox-Gastaut Foundation.

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Lois Irene Rhine

Dec. 6, 1929–Jan. 10, 2023

Our kind, sweet Lois has left us to be with her beloved Julian, a few hours after what would have been their 69^th wedding anniversary. Lois was 93.

A third-generation San Franciscan, Lois spent her earliest years in Burlingame. Moving back to S.F., she attended Roosevelt Middle School and Lowell High School. At a birthday dinner at the Concordia Club for her sister Bettye she met Julian Rhine, who was there celebrating his mother’s birthday. They were married seven months later on Jan. 9, 1954 and were married until his passing last February. She was not the same without him.

Always friendly, kind and fun to be with, Lois had many friends, some for over 80 years. During the days, she was often busy with girlfriends, her sister Bettye or her “cousins by the dozens,” and in the evenings she and Julian had a full social schedule. They were fortunate to live a block away from her sister and brother-in-law (Bettye and Jacques Roos) and their three boys (Brad, John and Michael). The Rhines and the Rooses were an extended family unit, spending much time together.

Even with her busy schedule, family always came first for Lois. She was a devoted mother, mother-in-law and grandmother. She loved her “gooseberries” (her grandchildren) more than anything, spending a lot of time caring for them when they were young and following their every move as they grew. Lois and Julian were always generous with their time and resources, especially when it came to family. It was their joy to take family out to dinner or on vacation, never expecting anything in return.

Lois will be dearly missed, but she leaves behind a family filled with warm and happy memories. She is survived by her daughter Victoria Dobbs, her son Andrew Rhine (Jillian) and five grandchildren: Joshua Dobbs (Leopold), Gabriel Dobbs (Cameron), Noah Mathieson (Tory), Daniel Rhine and Maya Rhine (Bobby). She is also survived by her beloved nephews, Brad (Susan) Roos, John (Susie) Roos and Michael (Juli) Roos, and many cherished cousins and friends. Donations in her memory can be made to Planned Parenthood of America or a charity of your choice.

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Ilse Rosenbaum

Oct. 2, 1922–April 16, 2022

Ilse Rosenbaum passed away peacefully on April 16, 2022 at the age of 99½. Her sister Stefi is the last surviving family member of that generation. Ilse was forever thankful for the opportunity to immigrate to America from Germany in 1939 as a Holocaust survivor. She and her husband Herbert were always strong advocates for the Jewish community and Israel, and were generous philanthropists to many organizations.

Ilse took pride in being a good wife, mother, auntie, oma and friend to many.

She will be missed by all who loved her dearly.

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Robert A. Buchman

Sept. 11, 1939–Feb. 3, 2023

Robert A. Buchman passed away on Feb. 3, 2023. Robert was the son of Harold E.

Buchman and Sara Buchman, both deceased. He is survived by his wonderful wife of 52 years, Priscilla, who was the love of his life. He is also survived by his two adult children from a former marriage.

Robert was a lifelong resident of the Bay Area. Robert was an Eagle Scout at age 14. He graduated from Oakland High School, the University of California in Berkeley and

Boalt Hall Law School in Berkeley. He was a well-known practicing attorney in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties for over 50 years until his retirement.

He was a 25-year survivor of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis thanks to the service and care by his devoted wife and Narendra Malani, M.D.

At Robert’s request, there was no funeral or memorial service. Anyone who wishes to make a gift in his memory should send it to the charity of their choice.

Sinai Memorial
(415) 921-3636

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Pola Burk

May 17, 1925–Jan. 26, 2023

Pola passed away surrounded by her loving family, at the age of 97. A native San Franciscan, Pola was the loving daughter of the late Sam and Luba Braiverman and is also predeceased by her beloved husband, Harold Burk, and her life partner, Bernard Blutman; her daughter, Melanie Baron; and her siblings Albert Braiverman and Betty Szteinbaum. Pola is survived by her adoring son Ronald; she was the proud grandmother of Avi and Illana Burk; and the cherished great-grandmother of Rosie Goldhammer and a great friend to all and a blessing to all our lives. Pola will be sorely missed, but her precious memories will comfort our hearts forever.

Sinai Memorial
(415) 921-3636

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Edwin “Roddy” Rosenberg

March 7, 1942–Jan. 31, 2023

Edwin “Roddy” Rosenberg was born to Louis and Anne Rosenberg in San Francisco, California on March 7, 1942. He grew up surrounded by a large extended family and spent many a day cooking up mischief with his cousins and closest pals, Bobby Engel and Richard Mann. He graduated from Lowell High School and earned an AA degree in Food and Beverage Services from City College of San Francisco.

In 1958, Ed met the love of his life, Susan Miller, whom he married four years later, on Dec. 15, 1962. Along with a close group of friends, the couple started their family in San Francisco, beginning with David and followed shortly by Mark and Sandi.

Ed embarked on a career in the hospitality industry, but with a growing family to provide for, he transitioned to the real estate profession, becoming a successful investor and long-standing business owner of Anne Rosenberg Realty, a fixture in the West Portal neighborhood of San Francisco.

He served as president of Congregation Sherith Israel and board member of St. Francis Yacht Club, in addition to actively supporting the Jewish Community Federation and enjoying membership at the Concordia Club.

Edwin’s joys in life were, first and foremost, his family, followed closely by his boat, “Sea Chef,” St. Francis Yacht Club’s Tinsley Island, skiing, cooking, and traveling the world with his wife and family. He was a stylish and sophisticated dresser — you would never catch him without one of his signature polos; he loved a good cocktail and was ever the life of the party. There was always a twinkle in his eye when he was happy, most often brought out by his family and those he loved.

He is survived by his wife, Susan; his three children, David (Liz), Mark (Eileen) and Sandra (Jared); his six grandchildren, Ally, Jake, Chelsea, Olivia, Hannah and Zachary; and his sister, Susan Hladky, along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held on Friday, Feb. 3, 2023, at Congregation Sherith Israel in San Francisco. Contributions in Ed’s memory may be made to the Stuart Brotman Fund at Camp Newman.

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Joyce E. Tobenkin

Dec. 15, 1930–Feb. 8, 2023

Joyce E. Tobenkin, born Dec. 15, 1930 in Newark, N.J., passed away peacefully at home on Feb. 8, 2023. A resident of Contra Costa County for more than 60 years, Joyce was preceded in death by her loving husband, Myron (z “l) in 2011. She is survived by her daughter, Patti, and son, Steve. Joyce was a loving grandmother to Grant and Noah Tobenkin. A service was held at Temple Isaiah in Lafayette, her spiritual home since 1961. Interment will follow at Oakmont Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family is grateful for donations to Hospice East Bay, Temple Isaiah or a charitable cause of your choice. May Joyce’s memory forever be a blessing.

Sinai Memorial
(415) 921-3636