Deaths

Jared Michael Davis passed away in San Francisco, CA August 8, 2006 after a valiant battle with Aplastic Anemia. He is survived by his parents, Ross and Sue Davis of Folsom, CA, twin brother, Zachary, sister, Ashley, grandfather, Harold David, aunt, Audrey (Fred), uncle, Scott (Irene) and many cousins and extended family. Preceded in death by grandparents, Lillian Davis and Arthur and Reva Schlesinger. Jared was born in Burlingame, CA on November 25, 1986. He graduated from Winters High School in 2005. He was attending Yuba College until his illness. He loved basketball, all sports and especially loved his family and friends. Services were held Thursday, August 10, 2006 at Home of Peace Cemetery Chapel, Sacramento, CA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the UCSF Adult Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Attention Dr. Charles Linker, 400 Parnassus Ave., San Francisco, CA 94143 or Winters High School Athletic Department or charity of your choice. Arrangements by Lombard & Company Funeral Directors, 1550 Fulton Ave., Sacramento, CA 95825, (916) 483-3297.

Helga Hertz passed away on July 31, 2006 in New York City at the age of 85 after a lengthy illness. Beloved wife of the late Dr. Karl Hertz (1906-1989). Cherished sister of Guenter Pinkus, sister-in-law of Renate Pinkus and sister of the late Peter Pinkus. Loving aunt of Debra Pinkus Nehasil and Ken Pinkus. Helga was born June 23, 1921 in Neise, Germany and moved to China in 1939 where she met her husband Karl. They arrived in New York City in 1947 where Karl began his internist practice. Helga was committed to the building and administration of this successful practice. Rest in peace dear Helga.

Bernice Kurzman (nee Schomer) died at the age of 104 in San Francisco, California on August 10th. Bernice was the beloved mother of son Michael (Sheila) and daughter Marjorie (Walter); grandmother of Craig (Wendy), Kerry (Justin), Joshua, and Jamie. Bernice was also adored by countless cousins, nieces, and nephews. Born February 25, 1902 in Russia, her family immigrated to New York in 1904 and moved to Oakland shortly thereafter. Bernice was a graduate of Oakland High School. After high school, Bernice moved to San Francisco, where she resided for over 80 years. Bernice worked for Shell Oil for several years and subsequently met her husband Joshua "Jack" Kurzman. Bernice and Jack were married in 1937. Jack passed away in 1973. Bernice met Bill Moskowitz in 1981 and enjoyed several years together before he died in 1983. Bernice would fondly remember those years as some of the best of her life. Bernice would say that most men fell into two categories: men that were very serious and men that still had some of the "little boy" in them. She said that Bill was definitely in the latter category and she loved that about him. During her time with Bill and subsequent to his death, Bernice developed a surrogate family relationship with Bill's daughter Audrey Sokolov, her husband Bob and their family. They accepted Bernice with open arms and the Sokolov and Kurzman families became intertwined. Bernice cherished the relationships she had with her countless friends and family members. Bernice cultivated friendships through her everyday dealings with people, through friends of friends and relatives of friends. She had friends from all walks of life and of all ages, many of whom she referred to as her "young" friends. Bernice had a contagious laugh and she laughed often. Many may recall how she could erupt in fits of laughter that would compel all to join in, regardless of the circumstance. Bernice was very humble but she took great pride in her appearance, from her well-coiffed hair and trim figure to her stylish outfits. She always said that "Hair is very important." She continued to have regular hair styling appointments down on Union Street even after her health began to decline. When she eventually allowed her hair to assume its natural color, her once strawberry blonde hair became an equally, if not more, beautiful silvery grey. One of the reasons that Bernice lived to be 104 was because she never wanted to miss out on life's daily excitements and important family events. For all those that knew Bernice, we ask you to "Send her a message," as she used to say, to let her know you are thinking of her. Private services were held Sunday, Aug. 13th. A celebration of her life is planned for later in the year. In Bernice's memory contributions may be made to the Institute of Aging, 3330 Geary Blvd., San Francisco, CA 94118.

Eugene Lieberman in Corte Madera on Aug. 19, 2006 at age 72. Beloved husband of Kerin E. Lieberman; loving father of Moxie (Melysa) and Rachel J. Lieberman; father-in-law of Paul Palinkas; godfather of Shira and Talia Reich; dear brother of Irving Lieberman and the late Ruth Harris and Albert Lieberman; loving uncle.  Best friend of Murray Lieberman. Gene was a people person who made strong connections with everyone he met.  He was an authentic mensch and a maiven on life. Graveside services were held at Mt. Tamalpais (Kol Shalom) Cemetery, San Rafael. Contributions to the Twin Cities Little League, P.O. Box 279, Corte Madera, 94925 preferred.

Theodore R. "Ted" Samuel died of cancer on August 19th 2006 at the age of 82. Loving husband for 55 years of Judith "Lee" Samuel, adored father of Deborah Weiss of Austin, Texas, Suzann and Gabriel Samuel-Magal of Haifa, Israel, Sharon Samuel of San Francisco, and the late Karen Samuel. He adored his grandchildren Job and Audrey Weiss of Creil, France, Jeremiah and Julie Weiss of Santa Barbara, Yonah and Chanie Weiss of Jerusalem and Karen, Eyal and Inbal Samuel-Magal of Haifa, Israel. He also welcomed his great-grandchildren, Neta and Vered and Nechama Rivka Weiss. A 4th generation Californian, Ted was raised in his family home in the Marina district and attended Winfield Scott, Sherman, Marina and Galileo, and was chairperson of the Galileo reunions for the class of 1941. He served in the 71st infantry division as a mortar man during W.W.II. After the war he attended the Pasadena Playhouse where he received a master's degree in 1949. He joined Orchard Gables Repertory Theater in Hollywood where he met his wife Lee. They moved to San Francisco where he worked for Roos Bros. Co. He attended San Francisco State University where he received his M.A. and got his teaching credentials. He taught for the S.F. Unified School District for 36 years, including Everett Jr. High School, Wallenberg High School, and for 14 years was the program director at the district's radio station, KALW. In addition, he was principal of the religious school at Congregation Ner Tamid, Beth Shalom and was involved at Camp Arazim. With his family he spent a sabbatical year in Israel in 1964-65 where he developed dear friendships. He never gave up his interest in the theater. He acted at S.F. State, Marina Players, he directed at Nisei Experimental Theater Group, Center Players of the Center for Japanese-American Studies, Chinese Optimist Club, Marin Shakespeare Festival, Cellar Stage, Theater Ring, Wednesday Players and finally the senior group at S.F. State 60+ where he acted and directed in shows for 10 years as well as arranging ticket buying for performing arts in San Francisco. After retirement, Ted developed an interest in genealogy, and with the help of records left by a great uncle, and Kinko's, he and Lee wrote a booklet, "Samuel Saga" which he sent to family and several libraries. He added to family continuity with a newsletter sent 3 times a year. Ted lived a rich, full life and was loved by many. Services were held at Sinai Memorial Chapel, Divisadero St. at Geary Blvd, S.F. with interment at Eternal Home Cemetery on El Camino Real in Colma. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in memory of Ted be sent to your favorite charity.

Lillian Greco Schatzki. Wife, mother, grandmother and colleague. Lost by Tom Schatzki of Berkeley, Leah, Ted and Rachel Kutz of Moraga, CA, David Schatzki and Yvonne Provasnik of El Sobrante, CA. An OR nurse in Boston and a public health nurse in San Francisco, she was one of the first to recognize the health impact of childhood obesity and alerted parents and clients. Her deep Sicilian roots led her to write a novel, "My Mothers' Earrings" of three generations of Sicilian women. She will be deeply missed by her family and many friends. Services were held under the direction of Sinai Memorial Chapel. Donations may be made to the National Parkinson's Foundation, 1501 NW 9th Ave, Miami, FL, 33136.