Kurt Gronowski
June 16, 1923 – May 15, 2010
Kurt was born in Berlin, Germany, and immigrated to the United States from Shanghai, China, with his mother and younger brother, Hans, in 1947. In 1955, Kurt and Hans started a chain of men’s clothing stores in San Francisco, which became the oldest independently owned clothiers in the Bay Area. Kurt and his wife Barbara founded the Kurt and Barbara Gronowski Psychology Clinic in Palo Alto, and he gave generously of his time to other institutions such as Marin Academy, the San Francisco Education Fund, the Judah Magnes Museum and Beth Sholom synagogue.
He was preceded in death by his father, Wilhelm, mother, Erna, two brothers, Hans and Ralph, sister-in-law, Elizabeth, brother-in-law, Lee Falk, father-in-law, Leopold Falk, and mother-in-law, Dorothy Falk. He is survived by his true love and wife of 50 years, Barbara, his sons, David and Stephen, daughter-in-laws Karen and Katy, grandchildren Alexander, Madeline, Carolyn and Caitlin, sister-in-law Paula Falk and niece Dana Falk.
He will be sorely missed by his family, friends and colleagues, and will be forever remembered for the lasting impression that he made on his community. Funeral services will be private and the family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Kurt and Barbara Gronowski Psychology Clinic of the Pacific Graduate School of Psychology, 5150 El Camino Real, Suite “C22,” Los Altos, CA 94022.
Sinai Memorial Chapel
Marjorie Leffler
July 18, 1918 – May 1, 2010
Died peacefully in Oakland at the age of 91. Born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, she was married to the late Benjamin Leffler for 63 years. They adored each other. Marge shared her special gift, love of laughter, with everyone. This included daughters Ann (Dair Gillespie) and Deborah (Stuart Oppenheim), and grandchildren Rachel (Christian Woods), Emma, Nora, Clayton, the late Copper Gillespie, and the late Nathan Oppenheim.
Marge contributed her time and skills generously, teaching middle school in Alameda for 25 years. After that, her passion for reading led her to develop a library at Alameda’s Temple Israel, where she was a longtime congregant. She also enjoyed mah jong and bridge, and classical concerts.
She and Benjamin were the backbone of the St. Andrews Road neighborhood association. The couple was feted for their 91st birthdays less than a year ago by their wide circle of family, friends, neighbors, colleagues and former students.
A private burial is planned. The family would appreciate gifts made in memory of Marjorie to the Friends of the San Francisco Public Library.
Sinai Memorial Chapel
Sylvia Neustadt
A native of San Francisco, Sylvia passed away peacefully in Danville after living in Daly City until earlier this year. A wonderful mom, baba and auntie, she was the matriarch of the family and inspired everyone she met. She was a member of Beth Israel-Judea in San Francisco and the North Tahoe Hebrew Congregation. She instilled her love of Jewish tradition to her entire family.
She will be deeply missed by her sons Andrew Neustadt and Jeffrey Neustadt and his wife Stacey Mickey-Neustadt. She was a cherished grandmother of Paula Miller, Lance Miller (Jill Miller), Kevin Miller, Spencer Neustadt, Jake Neustadt and Hayden Neustadt, great-grandmother of Hannah Miller, Avery Miller, Elijah Schreiber and a devoted aunt to numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Thru her affiliation in organizations and love of playing cards, she was a friend to many in the Bay Area and in Lake Tahoe. She was pre-deceased by her loving husband Erwin Neustadt and her beloved daughter Harriet Neustadt-Miller.
Funeral services were held. In appreciation of her wonderful care, donations may be made to the Reutlinger Community for Jewish Living, 4000 Camino Tassajara, Danville CA 94506 or the Jewish charity of your choice.
Martin Lee Strauss
Martin resided in Walnut Creek for over 45 years. A native of San Francisco, Martin studied at UC Berkeley where he was a member of Kappa Nu (ZBT) Fraternity before attending Northwestern University School of Dentistry in Chicago, Ill. He served in the United States Air Force from 1962 to 1964. A retired dentist, he practiced for 38 years in El Sobrante. He also served on the Contra Costa Dental Peer Review Board for 20 years.
A member of the Men’s Club, Lion’s Club and Congregation B’nai Shalom. He enjoyed oil painting, woodworking, running (including the Bay to Breakers), Minyan, photography, gardening, sailing and family vacations.
He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years Andra, his beloved children David Paul Strauss (Karen), Cheryl Lynn Strauss-DeMonner (Matthew), Michael Allan Strauss and Bryan Eric Strauss (Eugenia). His cherished grandchildren Rachel, Charlie, Julia and Leia Strauss and Zachary and Daniel DeMonner. He also leaves many cousins and friends.
Funeral services were held. Donations may be made to Congregation B’nai Shalom, the American Cancer Society or Hospice of the East Bay.
Sabel Yanoff
In San Francisco, May 12, 2010, at age 86. Beloved Mother of Ronald (Sandi) Yanoff, Grandmother of Shelley Yanoff Fitzwater, and Great-Grandmother of Mikala and Dillon Fitzwater.
Born in New York in 1923, Sabel Breverick Shelley grew up in San Francisco where she met Sidney Yanoff. They were business and marriage partners for over 50 years, until his death in 1992. They were members of Congregation Beth Israel-Judea, while Sidney was a longtime member of B’nai Brith’s Starr King Lodge. Sabel adored her family, including her giant schnauzers, of course.
Burial took place at Salem Memorial Park in Colma this past week. In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society’s local chapter would be appreciated.
Sinai Memorial Chapel