Sign up for Weekday J and get the latest on what's happening in the Jewish Bay Area.

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

Laurette Abrams

Oct. 8, 1929–July 8, 2024

Laurette Abrams, affectionately known as “Lovey,” passed away peacefully on July 8, 2024, in Danville, CA, at the age of 94.

Born on Oct. 8, 1929, in the Bronx, New York, to Rae and Pincus Tell, Laurette led a life filled with love, creativity, and dedication to helping others.

Laurette graduated from New York University and later pursued a career as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), joining her husband Bernard in his practice in Jericho, NY. After retiring in 1981, she moved to San Diego, eventually settling in Danville in 2015. Her professional accomplishments were complemented by her passion for needlepoint, quilting, knitting, and crocheting.

Laurette’s creations brought joy to many, particularly the over 3,000 dolls she lovingly crafted for pediatric oncology patients through Hadassah, along with numerous baby blankets, hats, and booties for charity.

Laurette was preceded in death by her beloved brother Addison and her husband Bernard, with whom she shared 54 years of marriage. She is survived by her children Sharon Abrams and Howard Abrams (Kathy); her grandchildren Laura Kendrick (Sam), Adam Haas (Breanna), Jennifer Abrams, and Matthew Abrams (Sasha); and her great-grandchild, Zachary Kendrick.

Laurette’s warmth, generosity, and radiant smile touched the lives of all who knew her, and she will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A funeral service was held on July 11, 2024, at El Camino Memorial Park in San Diego, CA, followed by a memorial service on July 29, 2024, at The Reutlinger Community Center in Danville, CA.

Laurette’s life was a testament to the power of giving and kindness, leaving a legacy of love and compassion that will endure in the hearts of all who knew her.

Bernard (Bernie) Aronson

Dec. 17,1930–Aug. 21, 2024

Born on Dec. 17, 1930, in the Bronx, NY (which he wore proudly his whole life); died on Aug. 21, 2024, in Palo Alto, CA.

As a youth, Bernie spent time milking cows on a kibbutz in Israel and maintained a lifelong connection with the country, traveling there frequently through his adulthood. During the Korean War, Bernie was sent to Germany for active duty.

He came to Silicon Valley in the early 1960s and began working in the semiconductor design industry. He achieved his first success by selling the company that he had established, Pico Design, to Motorola.

Afterwards he became a serial entrepreneur and a senior executive in multiple companies in the semiconductor sector, including Epic Design (sold to Synopsys in 1997), Synplicity, which he took public in 2000, Zoran Corp., and Kilopass Technology.

Bernie raised his son from his first marriage, Simeon, to adulthood, and met Mindel, who was to be his wife, best friend and life partner for the next 45 years, at an Israeli folk dancing class. Together, Bernie and Mindel lovingly raised their combined family of 5 children and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bernie was a generous man, known above all for his integrity, and was loved and respected by his peers, employees, friends and family. He cherished the simple things – fresh corn and peas from nearby farms, going out for Chinese food, and beating his grandchildren at backgammon.

He was always ready to help others and will be sorely missed.

Carol Cohen

April 8, 1936–Aug. 17, 2024

Carol Cohen left an indelible mark on the lives of everyone she touched. Born in North Sydney, Nova Scotia, to Ted and Gertrude Bond, Carol’s journey took her from Cape Breton to Montreal and finally to the Bay Area.

She left Nova Scotia to attend McGill University. That’s where she met Hugh Cohen, and they married in 1957. Carol returned to McGill while raising her two children, Brian and Dana,

and earned a Master’s degree in Library Science. She dedicated herself to nurturing

young minds as a librarian, first at an elementary school and then at a high school for special-needs students. Her patience, empathy, and enthusiasm inspired a love for reading and learning in her students.

After relocating to Oakland with her family, Carol embarked on a new chapter as a residential Realtor. Her passion for helping others, keen business acumen, and tireless work ethic propelled her to become one of the Bay Area’s top producers. Clients became lifelong friends, a testament to her exceptional service and genuine care.

Carol’s life was not always easy but she never let that impact her. After losing her husband Hugh to cancer in 1982, she found love again when she met and later married Martin Stillman in 1986. Through both marriages, Carol embodied the essence of a devoted partner, supporting and loving her husbands with unwavering commitment.

Carol’s legacy is a testament to her generosity, resilience, and zest for life. As we bid farewell to this extraordinary woman, we honor her memory by embracing the qualities she embodied: compassion, determination, and a passion for living.

Carol is survived by her children Brian (Randy Levin-Cohen) and Dana (Jeff Simon), her four granddaughters, Nicole (Andy Greos), Rachel, Sarah, and Claire, great-grandson, Henry, and her sister, Joan Lipman (Bob).

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to Temple Sinai (Oakland), National Jewish Health (respiratory health) or the Alameda County Food Bank.

Sinai Memorial
(415) 921-3636

Alan Ferrara

July 26, 1948–Aug. 15, 2024

Alan Charles Ferrara passed away peacefully at the VA Hospital in San Francisco on August 15 just three weeks after the 25th anniversary of his marriage to his loving husband, Dr. Allan Gold, and then his 76th birthday. He died from complications related to Parkinson’s Disease, contracted from exposure to Agent Orange while on duty in Korea during the Vietnam War. He was predeceased by his mother, Willie Mae Marshall Ferrara, his father, Alphonse Ferrara, and his former partner, John Weisinger.

Alan grew up in Brooklyn, with summers in Gainesville, Texas, his mother’s childhood home. His parents met and married in Texas during World War II, where his father, Alphonse Ferrara, was stationed at a POW camp situated on his mother’s family property. The couple moved to Brooklyn, New York, where brother, Gary, was born seven years after Alan.

Following high school graduation, Alan entered the Army, serving from 1967 to 1969. After his military service as a nurse, he earned a nursing degree at the University of Maryland, and began a long career as a nurse, most often in obstetrics, assisting in the birth of numerous babies. He was an extremely good nurse, adored by his patients for his kindness and loving, thoughtful care.

A marriage to his high school girlfriend, Barbara Bova, in 1969 ended in divorce, but with an enduring friendship. Eight years with beloved partner Rabbi John Weisinger ended with John’s death from AIDS in Chicago in 1992. Following this death, Alan moved to the Bay Area, where he met his husband, Allan. Together, Alan and Allan traveled throughout the world, including wonderful trips throughout the United States and to the Caribbean, France, Italy, Sicily, the British Isles, Russia, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Germany, Korea and Japan. Many of these trips were shared with the family and friends who were so dear to him.

When he was able, Alan actively pursued many interests: needlepoint, quilting, cooking, gardening, entertainment, film stars, pre-Revolutionary Russian history, caring for his beloved pets and visiting with many friends. During the years 2001-2010, he was proprietor of Elaine Magnin, a needlepoint store on Sacramento Street in San Francisco. Friendliness, wide selection, good value and customer service were always his top priorities.

If anyone lived an authentic life, it was Alan; he had strong convictions and emotions, both positive and negative. Yet, to be loved by him was to be truly blessed. A most generous person, there was nothing he wouldn’t do for a friend, if it was at all within his ability. The quality of his last years, however, was greatly diminished by Parkinson’s Disease, especially following a serious fall down his home stairs in December 2021. The care he received at the VA Hospital was excellent and appreciated. He wanted to give special thanks to his caretaker, Maria De Leon, who worked for and with him for more than 20 years.

Alan is survived by his generous and dear husband, Dr. Allan P. Gold, having been together for 29 years; his brother, Gary Ferrara (Debbie), of Gibsonville, North Carolina; their children, Jason (Laura Beth), Brandy (Adam), Faith (Jonathan); six grandnieces/nephews (Celia, Gabriella, Ashton, Zeb, Brooklyn, and Shelby); one great-grandnephew (Renzo); cousins, Helen (T.R.) and Philip (Lynn); his godson, Sloan Kodroff; and the four godchildren he shared with Allan: Ryan George, Alyson George, Coleman Rosenberg, and Daniel Meyer-O’Keeffe. These individuals and his many friends were all beloved to him.

A spiritual person, Alan was raised Catholic and maintained a love for the Church; He converted to Judaism in his late 30s and received benefit from both religions. A Jewish service and burial was held Aug. 15 at the chapel at Hills of Eternity in Colma with burial at the nearby Congregation Sha’ar Zahav cemetery at Hills of Eternity.

Alan’s love for his many pets was legendary. They were a constant source of solace for him; he was a devoted “dad” whose face lit up whenever they were near. He will always be close to his dogs Amber, Raven, Maggie, and Shea and his cats Sasha, Chelsea, and Susie. Per his wishes, donations in Alan’s memory can be made to Alley Cat (alleycat.org), Pet’s Rest (petsrest.com; 1905 Hillside Blvd., Colma, CA 94014) or any animal charity of your choice.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Gary Michael Levin

April 8, 1948–Aug. 10, 2024

Gary Michael Levin, beloved father and grandfather, died on Aug. 10, 2024, at the age of 76 in San Francisco surrounded by loved ones. Gary’s passing followed a decade-long battle with cancer that he faced with remarkable courage and stoicism. Gary is predeceased by his beloved wife, Patricia, to whom he was married for 39 years until her death in 2010. Gary was blessed with six loving grandchildren, ages 5 to 10, whom he loved dearly. He is survived by his son Jonathan and his wife Ariel (Henry and Avery), his son Marc and his wife Jennifer (Asher and Sophie), his daughter Diana and her husband Evan Ben-Artzi (Ezra and Samuel), and his younger sister, Ginny Heldebrant.

Gary was born in Palo Alto, California, on April 8, 1948, to the late Virginia and Sydney Levin. He was raised in San Jose and graduated from Pioneer High School. Gary studied Business Administration at UC Berkeley and graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 1970. Following his undergraduate studies, Gary received his MBA at San Jose State and his JD from the University of San Francisco. He began his career as an attorney in private practice, and later became a business executive as the President and CEO of the Levin Richmond Terminal. Gary is remembered by his former employees for being kind, fair, generous, and thoughtful, and his leadership was universally admired and respected.

Gary married his college sweetheart Patricia in 1971 in San Francisco. They soon moved to the Richmond District where they raised their three children. Gary was a longtime member of Congregation Beth Sholom, and the San Francisco Jewish community was very important to him and his family. He and Patricia carried forward the legacy of her parents, Charles and Janice Pivnick, themselves lifelong Beth Sholom members.

Along with his love and devotion to his family, in his later years Gary explored hobbies including gardening, collecting wine, and traveling. His positivity and grateful attitude touched all those who knew him.

Sinai Memorial
(415) 921-3636

Joyce Ratner

Aug. 6, 1931–Aug. 18, 2024

Our beloved matriarch, Joyce Rosenberg Ratner, passed away peacefully at the home of Joseph and Julie Ratner on Aug. 18, 2024, after a devastating stroke. Joyce recently celebrated her 93rd birthday in Europe while traveling with her daughter, Toni, and granddaughter, Justine. She was in good health and had a wonderful time on a month-long trip to New York City, Iceland and Latvia, sightseeing, attending a Broadway show and dining out. In addition to spending time with her family, those were some of her favorite things to do.

Joyce was an avid reader, a skilled pianist, a choral singer, folk dancer and an excellent LEGO builder. Her plastic building prowess developed after she was gifted a LEGO grand piano set by her son during the pandemic. Now, four years later, she’s completed 20 kits, mostly large architecture.

Joyce truly loved life. She was kind and joyful and accepting of everyone as an equal. She was open to any new experience and loved to attend the symphony, ballet and theater, often preferring the more contemporary and avant-garde work. Joyce loved to see the variety of things humans could create as well as loving the humans who did the creating.

Joyce Sylvia Rosenberg was born in San Francisco on Aug. 6, 1931, to Lilyan Pauline (Miller) and Theodore Tobias Rosenberg, both San Franciscans. She was their first child, followed by Ronald and Jerold. Quiet yet sociable, she had a lovely childhood growing up on the Peninsula and graduated from UC Berkeley in 1952 with a degree in childhood education.

As well as using her knowledge to be the best mom, she put her special ability to relate to small children to use teaching preschool and Sabbath school. While at Berkeley, Joyce was a member of Delta Phi Epsilon sorority. She met her future husband, Lazarus (Lou) Ratner, on a blind date arranged through mutual friends of their parents. It almost wasn’t to be, as she stood him up on that date, having been admitted to Cowell Hospital after going to get cough syrup. Fortunately, Lou was persistent and made a second first date. She made it to that one, and the couple was engaged soon after.

Joyce and Lou married on March 3, 1953, settling in Berkeley and then moving to El Cerrito when their daughter Toni was born in 1955. Then came Daniel in 1957, Debra in 1958 and Joseph in 1960. Lou’s career as a nuclear physicist relocated the family to the Chicago suburbs in 1960, followed by a move to Long Island, NY, in 1981, with a year spent in Geneva, Switzerland, from 1971 to 1972. In 1999, Joyce and Lou returned to California, choosing San Ramon. The following year Lou passed away. While in San Ramon, Joyce returned to the choral singing she had enjoyed in Illinois and also discovered a love of folk dancing. She even went on folk dancing river cruises to see where the dances had originated, a favorite trip being Albania.

In 2012 Joyce moved into San Francisco to be near her youngest granddaughters. The Millennium Tower became Joyce’s final home, and she loved it. The staff had a special bond with her, treating her with kindness and care. She enjoyed her neighbors, the building’s amenities and its location next to the Muni hub, and in walking distance to so much. She often remarked that this was her first time actually living in a city and she found it very exciting. Until she was 90, Joyce would take the bus to and from the symphony at night by herself, saying she always felt safe. She was eventually convinced to have someone drop her off and pick her up, and that was the start of a wonderful friendship between Joyce and Tyler Sharpe. Joyce became a surrogate grandma to many young people, including Tyler, Mina Doulabi, and many of her granddaughter’s friends, who all came to love her very much. She was curious, accepting, thoughtful, positive and easy to talk to.

Through the years, Joyce traveled to dozens of countries, over land and on cruises. Set on one more sail, her final trip led her to 11 days circumnavigating Iceland with a week in New York first and five days in Latvia at the end. On Joyce’s birthday this year, in Riga, Justine asked her how she felt upon turning 93. She said it felt just like 92, adding a sentiment she often shared, “I feel very lucky. I feel very happy. I really have enjoyed my life!”

Joyce was predeceased by her parents, her newborn daughter Debra, her son, Daniel, her brother, Ron, and her beloved husband.

Joyce is survived by her daughter Toni (Donald Miller), her son Joseph (Julie), her granddaughters, Justine Miller, and Zehavah, Ellianah and Adinah Ratner, her step-granddaughter Annette (Stefano Montegiove), brother Jerold (Phyllis), sister-in-law Grace and many nieces, nephews, cousins and all the “grandchildren” who chose her. She loved them all very much. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.