Anna H. MeyerJuly 17, 1923 - April 29, 2018Born in Vallendar Germany, in 1923, Anna (Loeb) Meyer was the first of two daughters of Flora and Felix Loeb. Along with sister Martha, Anna's family had a full life sustained by many relatives, the synagogue, and the family tobacco business. Life was good until the early to mid 1930's, which saw the rise of anti-Semitism and the Nazi party. From that time, the family endured many hardships, ultimately resulting in the loss of their business, forcing the girls to move to Dinslaken, where they resided in an orphanage until November 1938.
After the Kristallnacht destruction of the orphanage in early November 1938, Anna and Martha found their way via the Kindertransport to Belgium. Ultimately, Martha returned to Germany and Anna was taken in by the Potelle family, with whom she stayed throughout the war years, living in hiding. Anna learned French quickly and managed to avoid being discovered despite several close encounters with German soldiers.
After the war, Anna connected with her cousin and uncle, who were by then residing in San Francisco and sponsored her to immigrate to the United States. By mid-1948, Anna arrived in San Francisco to begin her new life. She quickly learned English and began to work in the hotel industry at the Clift and Plaza in senior housekeeping positions.
In 1954, Anna met her future husband, Joseph Meyer, at the engagement party of friends. Anna and Joseph married in 1958 at Congregation Beth Sholom, which remains an integral part of their family even to this day. They celebrated their honeymoon in Mexico and El Paso, where Anna met Joe's family, with whom she remained close throughout her life.
Son Mark was born in 1961 and daughter Eleanor in 1963. The family had a wonderful San Francisco life, which included Anna's activities at Beth Sholom and her love of the San Francisco Symphony, where she was a volunteer for many years, first selling memberships and in later years working at the symphony thrift store, Repeat Performance. Life was good until 1974, when Eleanor was diagnosed with a tumor and became paralyzed following surgery. Anna cared for Eleanor every day until Eleanor passed away in 1975.
After the passing of her beloved Joseph in 2003, Anna moved to Rhoda Goldman Plaza, where she remained active until her health declined over the last 2–3 years. She was lovingly looked after by caregivers Christy, Mildred, Asenaca, Gail, and Brenda, who took amazing care of her every day.
Anna leaves behind her son, Mark Meyer and his partner, Linda Haertling; nephews, Steven and Michael (Heather) Meyer; great-nephew, Zachary Meyer; relatives in Israel, the extended El Paso family; and many friends near and far.
Funeral and burial will be held on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 at 1PM, at the Home of Peace Cemetery, 1299 El Camino Real, Daly City, followed by a reception and afternoon mincha minyan at Congregation Beth Sholom in San Francisco.
In keeping with tradition, in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Eleanor Meyer Scholarship Fund at Congregation Beth Sholom in San Francisco.