Miriam Hoffman Wain

About

University of California| Berkeley

Miriam Wain Obituary

Miriam Hoffman Wain (1921 - 2008) Died peacefully on May 25, with her daughters around her. Born in San Francisco on March 7, 1921, she received her BA in music from UC Berkeley, and raised her family in San Mateo and Redwood City. After earning her MA in 1965, she taught for 10 years at Amador High School, Pleasanton, where she developed an award-winning choral music program. She then retired from teaching and began a successful career managing her business investments. Miriam brought music, art and beauty into the lives of her children and others. She conducted various choirs, composed choral music, and won awards for her painting. She was active in B'nai Brith and Eastern Star, and was a Brownie troupe leader. She was a major contributor to a variety of charities including several Jewish organizations and Golden Gate Opera. In recent years, former choir students contacted her and came together to sing at several reunions at her home. Miriam was a role model for having a vision and accomplishing goals that she set. She approached life with a truly can-do spirit. She is survived by her brother Paul Hoffman; her three daughters Sheryl Glasser, Roberta Wain-Becker and Nancy Beisser; five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. A memorial service will take place in July at Temple Rodef Sholom.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on May 31, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Miriam Wain

7 Entries

Terri (Riopel) Lawson

June 21, 2008

Mrs. Wain was a very special woman. I remember a pool party at her home and trips with the choir for competitions...we won blue ribbons! I enjoyed talking to her on phone almost two years ago...regrettably, I could not make it to visit despite being nearby at my mom's in Larkspur. Thanks to Nancy for updates and photos from reunions...I was there in spirit. Your mom's warmth and compassion was felt by so very many.

Bruce Pruett

June 10, 2008

Condolences to the family. Mrs. Wain was the first teacher I ever built a personal relationship with outside of school. She gave me the chance to sing, made me feel good about myself, and because AVHS was my fourth school in as many years the choir room became my sanctuary.
I am happy I got to see her and so many of you all at the reunions. Many of my best memories of high school involved choir and I will always have a special place in my heart for her and all of you.
God Bless

Susan Burnett Thompson

June 8, 2008

Dear Family,
I just wanted you to know that your mother was a very special teacher. I had the previlage to attend two of the choir reunions. She truely loved music and made us love it too. I am sure she is going to be directing the choirs of angels in heaven.

Eileen Sedilko

June 8, 2008

I was just recently telling someone about the record albums we put together while I was in the choir. Singing in a choir was a very significant part of my high school life. The people, the music and the life long spirit of being part of a choir will always help define who I am. Mrs. Wain was part of that and I am grateful for the work and commitment she had for us at Amador.
Eileen Gill Sedilko
Class of 1973

Stuart Daw

June 8, 2008

Dear Family,
In the words of her former students, you will see that Miriam touched many of us in uncounted ways. The joy of her music and her laughter will be with us always. The seeds she planted have spouted manyfold in our lives, and they continue to be a blessing. As you grieve at her passing, we hope you find comfort in knowing of the beauty and love she shared with us. We stand together with you, even if we cannot be there in person.

Shalom,

Stuart Daw

Barbara Mahoney

June 2, 2008

Mrs Wain was an insparation to everyone she taught. We not only learned to sing in English but French and Italian. We sang non traditional songs at Christmas and even a Jewish Opera! In her class, the education went far beyond vocal music. I have very fond memories of the time I spent in her class.
Mrs. Wain,
You are a GREAT LADY and will be remembered always.
Barbara (Bobbi) Mahoney

April Fletcher

May 31, 2008

Dear Family, I had the good fortune of being a student of your mom's at Amador HS, class of 68. She was inspirational, and I took every class I could and was a member of the Madrigal choir along with G. Hutto, B. Felton, B. Jans, S. Daw, and I can't remember others. We had a wonderful time together, danced on my parents deck after a choir night. Loved your mom very much she was a grand lady. April Fletcher

Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results