Obituaries are supported by a generous grant from Sinai Memorial Chapel.
Tracy Kulvin Albers
1957–2025
Tracy Kulvin Albers, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2025, in Los Angeles at the age of 67.
Born in San Francisco to Bob and Dorothy Kulvin, Tracy spent her life in the Bay Area and then Aspen, Colorado, both places she loved deeply and considered home.
Tracy is survived by her devoted husband of almost 40 years, Dennis Albers; her children, Jamie and Joel; her daughter-in-law, Jessica; and her cherished grandchildren, Noa and Ava. She was the matriarch of a tightly-knit family, whose closeness and candor were driven by her guidance. She was one of four sisters, and a beloved Aunt to eight nieces and nephews.
Tracy was fortunate to have had loving friends who were just as willing to travel the world as they were to go on a hike, and always step in when another needed support.
Tracy’s life was marked by kindness, generosity, and a deep commitment to those she loved, as well as her devotion to family and the Jewish community. She will be warmly remembered for her one-of-a-kind spirit and the vibrancy she brought into every room.
A private memorial will be held by her family to celebrate her life.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Tracy’s memory to the American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science.
Fredric Philip Finkelstein
May 8, 1944–Aug. 3, 2025
Fredric (Fred) Philip Finkelstein, of Corte Madera, Calif., formerly of Baltimore, Md., passed away on August 3, 2025, at the age of 81.
Fred was born on May 8, 1944, in Baltimore to the late Sadie (née Kolodner) and Paul Finkelstein. He grew up in the Pimlico neighborhood and attended Baltimore City College before earning a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from the University of Maryland.
Fred had a long and fulfilling career as a civil engineer with URS Greiner, where he worked for over 30 years. Among his proudest professional accomplishments was contributing to the design and construction of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, an enduring symbol of connection and progress.
While Fred was on work assignment in Northern California, he attended a social gathering at the Golden Gate Tip Toppers — a club for tall individuals. It was here where he met his future wife, Judith. Three years later, they were married, welcomed their son, Brian, and settled in Owings Mills, Md.
He and his family were longtime members of Beth El Congregation in Baltimore, where they were active in synagogue life. Fred also was a lifelong fan of the Baltimore Orioles and Baltimore Colts/Ravens, the latter of which he and his son were season ticket holders. In 2007, Fred and Judi moved to Corte Madera, where they continued to build community and enjoy their later years together.
Fred will be remembered for his sharp mind, steady presence, dry wit, and deep devotion to his family. His legacy of integrity and quiet strength will live on in those who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Judi (née Rude) Finkelstein; his cherished son, Brian Finkelstein (Laura Ball); his loving brother, Howard Finkelstein (Carole); and his dear sister, Gayle Finkelstein. Fred is also survived by his brothers-in-law, Robert Rudy and Mark Rudy; nephews Michael Finkelstein, Alan Finkelstein, and Aaron Rudy (Sara); and nieces Paula Finkelstein, Melanie Rudy Hutchens (Jacob), and Sarah Rudy.
Donations may be made to Hadassah or the Jewish National Fund.
Stephen N. Jaffe
May 2, 1938–Aug. 1, 2025
Stephen Nelson Jaffe, D.D.S., is survived by his wife, Helene, children David Jaffe (Shaila) and Stacey Marshall (Scott), and grandchildren Reuben, Trevor, and Madeline. Also survived by his brother, Dennis Jaffe (Paula), and his brother-in-law, Richard Lasar (Virginia).