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In memory of

Vera Haesler Gelfand

Millbrae, CA

May 28, 1928 - March 2, 2023

May 28, 1928 - Mar 2, 2023

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Vera was born in Liegnitz, Germany on May 28, 1928 and passed unexpectedly on March 2, 2023 in South San Francisco, California. Vera is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Karen & Robert Day, her son Mark Gelfand, her 3 grandchildren Lorien Quirk (husband Luke), Aaron Franz (wife Deana), and Claressa Gelfand. Her 4 great-grandchildren, Juliana and Audrey Franz and Adelaide and Joseph Quirk filled her latter years with an abundance of joy. Vera’s life, like her art, was full of detail and depth. Most of all, it told a story. Her escape from Nazi Germany in her youth and decade-long stay in the Jewish ghetto in Shanghai where she met the love of her life, Hans Gelfand (d. 2017), being one significant chapter. She and Hans carved a life together from scratch in San Francisco in 1949. Their first daughter, Judith (d. 2009), arrived first, with Karen and Mark completing the family. Vera’s work as a seamstress aided in the development of the cleaning business that is still going strong all these years later, one of many Gelfand legacies. In adulthood, Vera discovered a passion and a talent for oil painting. She dedicated herself to her art; many of our homes will be graced with these heartfelt works forever. She was an avid storyteller with a fierce love for her family, an incredible and unwavering sense of humor, and a clear sense of what she wanted out of life. We extend our love and gratitude to Josephina and those who cared for her in her cherished Millbrae home. She will live on forever in our hearts and precious memories.

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