Lola Blackman, born August 19, 1932 in New York City, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 21, 2007 at the age of 75 years young. For four years, she refused to give in to cancer and was a role model for us all as she handled it with grace and dignity. Lola will be remembered by her husband, Manny Blackman, four children and their spouses — Niki Gibbons and Michael Rogala, Kevin Gibbons and Rebecca Rhine, Jody and Michael Monahan, Anya and Mateo Soltero; six grandchildren: Allon and his wife, Maytal, Kelly, Jesse, Casey, Dylan, and Caleb; and two great-grandchildren: Brit and Daniel.
Lola lived her life as a lover of the human race and an advocate for all. She was tireless in the fight for peace and justice. Lola included everyone at her table; not just her immediate family, but extended family, friends and strangers were welcomed and embraced with love and acceptance. All felt nurtured in her presence. She was beloved by many and her passing is of great sorrow to us all. A memorial will be held on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2007, 11:00 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Marin, 240 Channing Way, San Rafael, CA 94903. We will gather to celebrate her life. Donations in Lola’s memory may be made to the charity of your choice or Children’s Hospital Cancer Program in Oakland.
Howard Alan Cohn passed away at UCSF Medical Center on November 5, 2007 after being diagnosed with lung cancer in February of this year.
Born on May 26, 1930 in San Francisco, Howard was a third generation San Franciscan who moved to San Anselmo as a young boy. He attended Tamalpais High School and the University of Pacific. He married his sweetheart Jeanne Emmons, and the two dated for the first time at his uncle’s Adobe Creek Lodge in Los Altos. Howie and Jeanne moved to Hawaii while he served in the Navy during the Korean War.
They moved back to San Francisco, then Larkspur and finally settled in San Rafael where they raised their three children Stan, Michael, Roz and their innumerable dogs.
Howard was a humorous and charismatic individual who helped others — from those who didn’t have a shirt on their back to showbiz greats and those in political positions. With his circle of colorful friends, including the likes of Bill Graham and James Brown, Howard satisfied his appreciation for the arts and artists — being a natural musician himself.
He owned Maxferd Jewelry & Loan,
established in 1884 and referred to by Herb Caen as “The Tiffany of Pawnshops.” He later expanded his business to creating fine jewelry through his Golden Gate Gems, and became a top supplier to online auctions,
as well as some of the country’s finest department stores and auction houses.
Howard continued to stay young by his constant interaction with Dominican University students, continuing education courses and mentoring many with whom
he interacted.
Once Howard set his mind to do something, he got it done. His determination was always evident, especially in his courageous fight with his illness until the end.
Howard later developed his own philosophy of people which can be viewed on YouTube under “Smart and Dumb, Wise
and Foolish.”
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jeanne; their children, Stan, Mike and Roz; daughters in law, Roxanne and Lydia; grandchildren, Jason, Randi, Peter, Gabrielle and Matthew; his brother Merv and sister in-law Meriam; and his loving dogs, Maxferd and Niki.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Marin Humane Society, 171 Bel Marin Keys Blvd., Novato, CA 94949.
A celebration of his life will be held for friends and family at the Cohn family home in San Rafael on Sunday, November 18 from 1-4 p.m.
Mary (Mania) Klein in San Francisco on October 30, 2007 at age 81. Beloved wife of Barnie J. Klein for 56 years; loving mother of Patty Ozeri and Lloyd Klein; devoted grandmother of Jessica Ozeri (Ian Reynolds), Lorraine Ozeri and Rachel Klein; dear sister of the late Ray Key and the late Regina Lenczner; loving aunt of Harry Lenczner, Helen Key and Esther Rosha-Stadtler and their spouses and children. Mania was a Holocaust survivor. Funeral services were held at Eternal Home Cemetery, 1051 El Camino Real, Colma. Contributions to Adath Israel, 851 Noriega St., San Francisco CA 94122. Sinai Memorial Chapel.
Dolly Robert, 86 of Walnut Creek passed away on Saturday November 3, 2007 in Walnut Creek. A native of Germany, she fled to Rio De Janeiro, Brazil with her
mother in 1939. She came to San Francisco in 1946.
She married Henry A. Robert in 1951. After which they settled in Orinda. A lab technician, she also owned several cafes and later moved into real estate sales for 30 happy years.
She is survived by her daughters Debby Lind (Samuel Lind Ph.D.) & Karen Robert Collier. Grandchildren Alyssa Collier and Austin Collier, her late beloved husband Henry A. Robert.
Memorial services will be held Sunday November 11, 2007 at 3:00 PM at Temple Isaiah in the Talmud Torah Building, 3800 Mount Diablo Blvd., Lafayette. Donations
may be made to the charity of your choice.
Sinai Memorial Chapel.
CopyrightJ, the Jewish news weekly of Northern California