Mildred (“Millie”) Adelson was born on Sept. 24, 1924, in her home in Freehold, New Jersey. She died on June 29 in Sarasota, Florida, after struggling with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis for over 15 years. She was almost 92 years young and was lucky to live independently for most of her life. Her burial took place on July 3 in the Hebrew Cemetery in Freehold.
For many of her friends and family, Millie was an example of a modern-day heroine since she possessed great inner strength and resilience, while never losing her sensitivity and warmth. She faced so much adversity in her life, yet somehow it didn’t harden or embitter her. She had great patience and was a sharp-minded, loving, strong, joyful, content and wise woman. She was a proud mother, grandmother, aunt and great-aunt. She had many close friends in all the places she lived — and she insisted on continuing to live in her own community, by the sand and sea that was her chosen home.
Her memory will be a blessing, and her memory and special soul will live on in her family, her friends and in everyone who ever knew her.
Her family requests that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Illness) or to any charity of your choice.
Eva Maria Sampson
February 12, 1917–May 9, 2016
Eva Maria Sampson (nee Jessner) left this world to begin a new adventure somewhere out of our reach. She was a unique lady, someone whose keen sense of reality, and ability to distance herself from sentimentality, helped her to survive the Holocaust. Her stunning looks and flirtatious, unpredictable personality drew people to her. Eva’s understanding of what motivates people was a source of fascination to many. Dramatic — she was all at once a sweet, apologetic, kind and loving person and suddenly a fierce tigress in defense of her children. Although very independent, she was always there for her family in an emergency.
Born in Konigsberg (now Kaliningrad) in 1917, she moved with her family to Berlin where her father, Fritz Jessner, and uncle Leopold Jessner were directors of the Berlin Theater. As a teenager at the onset of World War II, Eva and her sister Anne were sent to England to learn a profession in preparation for their possible need to leave Germany. Eva learned secretarial skills, which served her well later in her life when she came to America. She was an executive secretary (and language coach) for Alfred Hitchcock, she worked with the CEO of Thompson, Ramo, Woodridge (a space technology firm) and IHOP, among others.
At age 16, Eva was already out of her home and country. She was sent back to Germany because there was no longer enough money to support her studies and buy food. Eva had a very good voice and she wanted to study opera. She left Germany and went to Rome to study with a voice coach. During her time in Rome, danger grew in Italy.
With her stepmother Dr. Lucy Jessner’s help, Eva fled Italy to come to America. She often talked about how wonderful it was to finally see the Statue of Liberty after a rough passage at sea. Her first job was as a maid and then as a governess for a family in New York City. Eva wanted to go to Los Angeles where she could stay with her mother’s friend and start a new life.
It was there that she joined a club for German-Jewish refugees. On one of her visits to watch the tennis players, she met her future husband, Curtis Sampson. She thought he was very handsome and fell in love with his unusual serve. They were soon married in Beverly Hills. Over the years she gave birth to Cathryn (Hilliard), Jeffrey and Thomas. She and Curt parted 28 years later so Eva could follow her passion, work, travel and move her home every couple of years. She and Curt remained friends. Eva’s life was filled with challenges and lots of adventure.
She was touched by the warmth and presence of her large family. She said about her very interesting life, “I had fun.” In the end, Eva told her family how much she loved us all and that she just wanted to be remembered by her three children as “being our mother.”
Daniel Edward Stone
In San Francisco, California, on July 4, 2016. Born in San Francisco on Sept. 19, 1928.
Beloved son of the late Ruth Labenberg Stone Raynor and the late Daniel Stone; loving stepson of Richard N. Raynor and Sylvia Lehmann Stone. Devoted brother of the late Andrew H. and Anita Stone and late James C. Stone and Diana Stone. A fond uncle, cousin and stepbrother to too many to name.
Close friend to the Neville Rich family. Adoring adopted “Grampa” to C. L. “Kit” Rodgers. A caring friend and mentor to numerous others.
Graduate of Lowell High School (1946) and Stanford University (1950). Served in the U.S. Army from December 1950 to October 1953. Member of Congregation Emanu-El. Member of Concordia-Argonaut (since 1936) and Marines Memorial Club. Served as director and officer of many Bay Area charitable and civic organizations. Member of San Francisco (Fidelity) Lodge.
Funeral services were held. Dan was a passionate supporter of Stanford Athletics, having been a dedicated volunteer and fan. Those wishing to honor Dan may make a gift in his memory to the Stanford Dan Stone Big Game Room, 641 E. Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305-6150.
Sinai Memroial Chapel
(415) 921-3636