Vivian Distler
May 7, 1965–Dec. 6, 2011
Longtime Palo Alto resident and Jewish community leader Vivian Distler passed away on Dec. 6, 2011.
Born in Montreal, Canada in 1965, Vivian took pride in her heritage and upbringing in a closely knit Jewish community. She brought those experiences into her many volunteer commitments, ranging from service on the boards of the Jewish Community Center, Kehillah Jewish High School and JCF South Peninsula Council, to training in local emergency preparedness and participating in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society “Team in Training” program. She chaired the 2007 “To Life! Jewish Cultural Street Festival” and was a board member of New Bridges to Jewish Community.
Vivian graduated from Boston University in 1987 with a B.S. in broadcasting and film and a B.A. in history. She earned a J.D. from U.C. Berkeley School of Law in 1994, where she was managing editor of the California Law Review. She was a law clerk at the U.S. District Court, District of Nevada. Her early career was in television production, first in New York, and then in Los Angeles. Later, she practiced law at Wilson Sonsini. In 2007, she joined the Institute for the Future and became Director of Research and Collaborative Networks for the Health Horizons Program.
Always accompanied by her cherished canine companions, Vivian shared her love for them with everyone. Her keen intelligence, compassion, wisdom, loyalty and generous nature were evident in all she did. Vivian wrote, “I am largely about connecting with people — building and nurturing relationships, managing teams to get a job done, and communicating effectively.”
Vivian is survived by her brother, Jacques Distler of Austin, Texas; sister-in-law, Suzanne Fremont; beloved niece and nephew, Lauren and Avi; her many friends; and dog, Buddy. A memorial service will be held Jan. 29. Donations may be sent to: Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto, CA 94303; or Team in Training, 675 N. First St., Suite 1100, San Jose, CA 95112-5156.
Pauline Levin Wisefield
Pauline Levin Wisefield died peacefully in San Jose at age 98 on Dec. 9, 2011.
Beloved wife of the late Samuel Nathan Levin and Morris Wisefield. Loving and doting mother of Rosalind Levin. Devoted sister of the late Israel Field, Marcus Field, Nathan Field and Anne Flaxman Lipian, all of Connecticut, where she was born, raised and lived until 1949 when she came to San Francisco. Caring aunt of many nieces and nephews. Caring “almost family” to Joel and Myrtle Schwartz and family.
Pauline always had a sweet smile and kind word for all; she truly epitomized “the glass half full” kind of gal. Up until the last few months, Pauline was always ready, willing and able to be “on the go” with her daughter at a moment’s notice.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2011 at Eternal Home Cemetery, Colma. Contributions may be made to Congregation Ner Tamid, 1250 Quintara St., San Francisco, CA, 94116, which she attended for many happy years.
Sinai Memorial Chapel