Obituaries are supported by a generous grant from Sinai Memorial Chapel.
Lee Battat
Longtime Marin resident Lee Battat passed away on Jan. 29, 2024 after a short illness.
Lee was born Lilo Wertheim to Erna Lehrburger Wertheim and Herman Wertheim in Munich, Germany, in September 1935. Six months later she arrived with her parents in San Francisco. Lee attended San Francisco schools, graduating from George Washington High School in 1953 where she was Vice President of the Senior Class and Co-Editor of the yearbook. That fall Lee matriculated to UC Berkeley where she pledged AE-Phi, was the fall 1956 Women’s editor of the Cal Engineer and a member of The Pelican. Lee graduated in 1957 with a degree in journalism along with membership in the professional societies of Phi Alpha Sigma, Prytanean and Theta Sigma Phi.
After college Lee pursued a career in advertising copywriting for City of Paris, The White House and Livingston stores; later on she was the editor of the San Pedro Pointer and eventually the assistant editor and columnist for the San Rafael Pointer.
Lee met her husband, Frank, in May 1951 at George Washington High but showed little interest in him then. More than six years later they renewed their acquaintance, which led to Lee falling in love with Frank, and they married in the spring of 1958. They first settled in the city and then moved to San Rafael in 1959.
Lee and Frank both believed in giving back to the community. Lee was involved with Sunny Hills, AIPAC, ORT, Hadassah, JVS, JFCS and served for 12 years on the Executive Board of the JCF Women’s Division. She was also involved in her children’s schools and served on PTA boards including two years as President of the Santa Venetia PTA. She served on the Citizens Advisory Committee for Curriculum for the San Rafael City Schools. Lee was also an excellent campaign manager, having run Dottie Breiner’s two successful bids for City Council.
In 1982 Lee joined the family-owned Lakespring Winery and became their top salesperson. Later she moved on to national marketing and retired in 1992 to devote time to family, friends and giving to her community.
Lee enjoyed the outdoors starting as a child through adulthood. Skiing, hiking, tennis, water aerobics and going to the gym were daily rituals, her motto being “use it or lose it.” For more than four decades she and Frank were ardent boaters, whether by sail or power boat. But above all, her favorite activity was traveling around the world, which she did with gusto with Frank and later as a family.
Lee was an exceptional mother to Mark, Michael and Suzanne, a caring Mother-in-law to Susan Battat and Frank Dowling and an adoring and fun-loving Grandmother to Hannah Battat, Aidan and Cian Dowling.
In a lifetime filled with many achievements, the only one that mattered was her 65-year marriage to Frank. Frank and Lee were true lovers and partners in every sense, and both gave each other a magical wonderful life of love, laughter and happiness. Her vibrant personality, infectious laugh, caring advice and love will sorely be missed by friends and family near and far.
Contributions to the Rodef Sholom Sacred Space capital campaign preferred.
Annie Glass
June 15, 1924–Jan. 31, 2024
Annie Glass (Chana Glatt) was born June 15, 1924, and died peacefully on January 31, 2024. She was the daughter of Azriel and Shprinza Glatt of Wierzbnik-Starachowice, Poland. Annie (or Hanka, as she was also known) was a true “Yiddishe Mama.” She treasured her family, Jewish traditions, Israel and cooking. As a teenager, she survived Auschwitz along with her two younger sisters, and suffered the loss of her extended family in the Holocaust. In 1978, her youngest sister, Miriam was tragically killed in San Francisco. Despite these immense tragedies, she had an indomitable spirit, and always brought warmth and joy to her family, friends and neighbors.
Hanka cared deeply about justice, and she fought for what she believed in. In 1966, she testified against a Nazi official who was responsible for atrocities in her hometown. Again, in 1970, she traveled to Germany to testify against a commandant at the forced labor camp where she had been interned. In 1996 she was interviewed by the USC Shoah Foundation. A graphic novel about her life, “Hang On To Your Sisters” was written by her grandson.
Annie loved spending time with her friends, caring for her family, preparing beautiful meals, and taking walks in Golden Gate Park. She was a longtime member of Congregation Adath Israel, along with her beloved husband of 70 years (z”l) Charles (Yeheskiel) Glass, and she was an active supporter of many Jewish organizations and philanthropies. Every Friday night, she would light candles for Shabbat, and her husband would sing “Eshet Chayl,” a tribute to the valor of a Jewish woman in the home. Annie Glass is survived by her sister Sally Recht, children Zepporah Glass and David Glass, as well as five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Nancy Kornfield
Sept. 1, 1937–Jan. 17, 2024
Nancy, 86, died peacefully at home surrounded by family. She is survived by daughters Laura Gallop (Michael) and Carol Ferguson (Russell), grandsons David and Brian Gallop and Kyle and Andrew Ferguson, and partner Paul Madwin, as well as many friends, relatives and loved ones.
Born in Los Angeles, Nancy graduated from Beverly Hills High School then attended Cal, beginning her lifelong passion as a Cal Bears fan. Nancy taught high school Spanish in Oakland and Contra Costa County schools for 60 years. She married in 1958, had two daughters, then moved to Moraga and never left. She was a volunteer extraordinaire, donating her time and talents to many organizations. As a volunteer Deputy Commissioner, she performed marriage ceremonies at San Francisco City Hall.
A passionate traveler, she visited 57 different countries over her lifetime, many of those with her partner of 19 years, Paul. She especially loved being a mother and grandmother, always ready to celebrate with her family no matter the occasion.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to AAUW Orinda, Lafayette and Moraga Branch, Cal Athletics, or Planned Parenthood.
Gloria Emilia Eckstein
March 31, 1934–Feb. 23, 2024
Gloria Emilia Eckstein, age 89, passed peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, at San Francisco Rehabilitation Center after a courageous battle with dementia.
Gloria was born in Nicaragua on March 31, 1934, to Arnoldo Corrales and Josefa Aleman.
She emigrated with her sister to San Francisco, California, at the age of 13. She was one of four siblings: Nimia Lorena, Thelma and Arnold.
Gloria married Carl Eckstein and had three sons: Tony, Joseph and John.
Gloria is survived by two of her sons and seven grandchildren: Jake, Adina, Waverlee, Gino, Sophia, Eliana and Libby, as well as five great-grandchildren.
Gloria was elegant, strong, generous, kind, energetic, and loyal to her friends and family. She was a well-respected woman who worked hard, always put others first, and never failed to find joy and laughter in any situation.
Gloria was well-known in the community and loved her city by the bay, San Francisco. She will be remembered as the owner of Beale Street Bar and Grill, a lover of traveling (especially to the island of Oahu), and a huge sports fan who loved the 49ers, Warriors and the Giants.
A simple service celebrating Gloria was held March 1 at Eternal Home Cemetery in Colma, where she will rest next to her husband.
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