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GAIL WEINSTEIN Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for GAIL WEINSTEIN
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Sally Roth
December 2, 2023
Thinking of you and missing you my dear old friend.
Steve Schwartz
December 6, 2022
Remembering my dear cousin Gail at this time. I wish to share an image of how I remember her
Yilin Sun
December 2, 2022
Dear Gail, I miss you, my dear friend! It was you who inspired me to step into TESOL's leadership position and be a tireless advocate for Adult English Learners and systematically under-served / under-represented students. Thank you dear Gail!
Susan Gaer
December 4, 2020
Thinking about Gail today. Miss her so much!
Olga María Dos Santos Pestana
May 17, 2013
My condolences go out to Gail parents, Mss. Beatrice and Mr. Gene Weinstein, to her brother Bruce Weinstein, and her beloved daughter Hannah Rebecca Shr. It is with deep sadness that I learned of her death, just trying to get some news from her. I had the privilege of meeting with Gail in Philadelphia during my course of English in 1983, and we became friends. She was so enthusiastic teaching and also working for important causes, with energy, warmth, generous spirit. It was a privilege to have known her and I deeply regret the opportunity I have lost of re-connecting ours lives.
With great sympathy,
Olga María Dos Santos Pestana (the pianist)
[email protected]
August 8, 2011
My condolences to the family and friends of Gail Weinstein whom I had first met in 1997 at her Learners' Lives as Curriculum presentation. That seminar inspired the methodology behind my recently completed parody poetry memoirs! Before she had passed away, fortunately, we were able to correspond,and I had also asked permission to cite LLC within my book, and to place her name in the Acknowledgments...and now, have included an "In Memoriam" page in my book as well.
My question is: To whom-in Gail's family-should I forward a copy of my completed parody poetry memoirs? Thank you. With best regards. Mary Egan [email protected]
Nathan Tucker
June 22, 2011
I am saddened to learn of the passing of Gail Weinstein. I worked with her as the SHINE/SAIL Coordinator during my years in grad school from 2004-2006. She was an educator, an inspiration, and a friend. She helped so much in my professional development and the SHINE/SAIL Program was a blessing to the city and the students of SFSU. It was an honour to work with Gail and I offer my most heartfelt condolences to her family and friends. She was truly one of a kind and I would like to think that she lives on in the positive influence she has given to so many others.
F. Risa Chalfin
May 11, 2011
My condolescences go out to Gail's family, friends and colleagues but especially to her daughter Hannah who I believe I met once when she was a baby. Gail was a classmate of mine in college. Her warm inclusive charismatic personality, her intelligence and her compassion have remained with me all these years despite the many years since last we were in touch. Gail once took me to a Passover seder in Utica and it is still one of my exceptional memories. I remember her pre- and post-Guatamala. To her generous spirit was added a level of wisdom beyond what was accessible to most of us at that time. For approximately ten years after college we were in touch intermittently both of us having spouses from abroad and teaching English as a second language. I remember how happy and proud she was of you, Hannah and the joy you brought her. As others have said here, anyone who knew Gail knew of Hannah and the joy that came with that. I remember Gail as a warm, giving, generous, fun, mature and spontaneous spirit. Often over the past few years I have wondered what she was up to and thought many times of re-connecting. I timidly kept putting it off for another time. I regret the opportunity I have lost but I feel I have been lucky to have known her when I did and to have had some of that glow in my life that will remain with me forever. My thoughts are with all of you who have known her more deeply.
With great sympathy,
F. Risa Chalfin K'77
Susan Hughes
February 12, 2011
Gail Winstein was a dynamic speaker and influenced so many teachers. She was genuine.
George Leonard
January 25, 2011
Dear Hannah,
As you can tell from the amazing variety of these posts, your mother lived as much life in 55 years as most people do in 100. She and I were colleagues. I had the honor of publishing some of her work. I met you at your mother's friends' home, Jim and Elaine Kohn, when you were a baby. My wife was from China, I'm Jewish, and your mother and I used to compare notes. Anybody who knew her heard all about you. I'm sorry for your loss.
Sincerely, George and Simei Leonard, SFSU
January 13, 2011
Dr. Weinstein was the professor who students hoped to meet at university.
John Laue
January 12, 2011
My only contact with Gail was through our Sierra Serenity group of hikers who spend a week together every June. I'll never forget our time together last year hiking in the Sierras, and the deep, heartfelt conversations we had. Her spirit, warmth, and positive energy, even when she was sick, was just amazing. She touched my heart...after reading some of the other entries in this guest book, it's clear that she touched the lives of many other people around the world.
Kim Clark
December 30, 2010
I am so saddened to hear of our loss of Gail. She was such an enthusiastic, giving person. She and my mother, Annette, became friends at Commonweal. And soon, by extension, I felt I she had broadened her friendship embrace to include me and my whole family. That seemed emblematic of her life - she was a loving, inclusive person. I will miss her.
Yilin Sun
December 28, 2010
Gail has touched so many lives, always working for good causes and justice. Her important contributions to the Adult Ed field and TESOL profession will always be remembered. I felt so honored to get to know her and have worked with her on several conference presentations. She was always supportive, creative, inspiring and caring... The last time we presented together was at TESOL 2009 in Denver… It's hard to believe that she has left us... It’s a huge loss to the TESOL profession and to the Adult Ed field. Like many colleagues and friends, I feel she’s left a gaping hole in TESOL’s heart and in my heart... I'll never forget her smile, compassion, and witty jokes.
Karen Friedman-Hanna
December 27, 2010
My dear cousin Gail, you will be so missed. I have so many wonderful memories growing up together...you were the most exotic person, doing the most exotic things with your life! I was and will always be in awe of you. One of my favorite things in my life was standing around the piano, singing with you as my dad played show tunes or having you whip my butt as we played scrabble up in the Berkshires. Knowing that you passed on the date of his burial helped slightly, to know that you are finally together again. I truly hope he welcomed you with open arms and a grape squirt in your ear. You touched my life immeasurably, and my memories of you and our times together will live on always. I am so thankful that I recently got to share Passover with you at my home, and share you with some of my friends. You truly have inspired me in so many ways. I love you and will hold you dear to my heart always. I will be there for your family, especially Hannah, in any way they need. Peace and love to you in your new adventure, my dear, sweet, loving, crazy cousin.
Miriam Zimmerman
December 26, 2010
I had the privilege of knowing Gail from our participation in the Jewish-Palestinian Dialogue Group of San Mateo. More of Gail's distinctive qualities: she was modest and unpretentious. She listened, she heard, she took others’ stories to heart. I will miss her.—Miriam Zimmerman
Gail in Prague Oct 2009
December 26, 2010
Denise Diaz
December 25, 2010
Gail Weinstein was one of the most beautiful people anyone could meet anywhere. Those of us who had the good fortune to come into contact with her are forever changed for the better. Her vision, her fortitude and her courage were extraordinary and will inspire her community of friends, colleagues, students and family forever.
Gene Siegel
December 25, 2010
I was so saddened by the news. I remember Gail as Bruce's younger sister, so in my mind I still see her as a shy 15 year old struggling with adolescence. I was unaware of how much good she accomplished in her life. She became an amazing woman. Amazing!
Laura Seidenberg
December 20, 2010
I was honored to be a brief part of Gail's life while we were in Prague and when she invited me to stay in her SF home upon my return from there. Her generosity, compassion and deep emotional support during a rather rough patch in my life will never be forgotten. All this she gave amidst what she never conceded was "terminal" cancer. Gail lived life to its fullest and delighted in all forms of human communion and aliveness in her body. She lived, Lived, LIVED --- out loud, with heart, substance and optimism. May her spirit fly free and as high as her heart did while she was here.
Steven Christopherson
December 20, 2010
I took a linguistics course from Dr. Weinstein in 2002. She was an exceptional professor and an exceptional person. I'm so very sorry that she no longer will teach and inspire.
Sally Roth
December 19, 2010
My dear old friend, Gail. It is with unspeakable sadness that I learned of your death. Gail was the first friend I made when I moved to Roslyn at age 9. She remained a strong,loving, creative, and spirited presence for many years. I think back at her laugh, all the unique and funny games we created and how reliable and comforting she was through our childhood friendship. I am so sorry I knew little about her adult life and nothing about her illness. I always new she would do great and remarkable things and had a drive that was rare. I marveled at the achievements I did learn about. My father always thought Gail would be the first woman President of the USA. It sounds like her impact was vast and deep without being President. I extend my deepest condolences to Gail's parents, who were also a big part of my childhood, her brother, Bruce, and her daughter Hannah whom I only met several times, but whom I know Gail cherished. I remember thinking how much of Gail I saw in her daughter and can only imagine what path she might journey down that reflects her mother's spirit.
Dolores Morris
December 18, 2010
I only met Gail once about four years ago, when she was dating my brother, & I found her unforgettable. She has truly left this world a better place for having lived here, although all too briefly. My condolences go out to her daughter, her parents & her brother.
Gail and Steve Dec 6, 2008
Steve Schwartz
December 16, 2010
Gail is my first cousin and since she lived on the West Coast we didn't see much of each other and before that she was a world traveler studying and trying to make the world a better place to live. I guess I new her best as my younger cousin and one of two kids we'd play with when going to Aunt Bea and Uncle Gene's house for our yearly Thanksgivings. I miss terribly the fact that I'll never see her again and hear about the wonderful things she was doing and working on. I miss that I never made it out to San Francisco to see where she lived. I'll miss hearing her call me Stevie. Incidentally, she is the only one I allow to call me that. She is an inspiration for me knowing the fight she put up to beat this disease, and I think of her when the everyday minutia of life might get me down. She will be sorely missed by everyone who's life she has even remotely touched. I love you Gail and will never forget you.
Love
Stevie
December 15, 2010
You are missed.
Trudy Lothian
Ottawa, Canada
Jan & Fred Stewart
December 15, 2010
Gail's first summer up at lake tahoe/donner for the annual week of hiking was almost a decade ago, we took her on her first tour around lake tahoe and shared our many experiences and memories with her and then over the years she created her own memories with all of us every summer hiking the many trails in the surrounding sierras.... we spent this past summer's hking trip with her on some of those same trails and just enjoyed seeing her truely love and admire the beauty surrounding her and hoped it would not be her last time with us, but it turned out it was... she will be missed by all of us at the "serenity in the sierras".... peace to you Gail
Love from Jan & Fred
December 15, 2010
Dear Bea and Gene. I was so sorry to receive the sad news. From reading the testimonials in this book I can appreciate what a remarkable person Gail was. These writings are a fine testimonial to you as well, who imparted the caring and values she lived by.
My love and condolences, Jeanine
Tracy Cramer
December 15, 2010
Gail will be deeply missed by everyone that she touched with her compassion and passion.
Michelle Tolson
December 15, 2010
I am so sad. She was such an incredible person. She was my TESOL professor in 2004 and I was her research assistant from 04-05, helping her research the need for CIRCLE. She helped me with a fantastic letter of recommendation for getting into The London School of Economics. Her passion for helping others always impressed and inspired me. Truly, she was a rare and great person who used her pain as a way to help others and I have yet to meet her match.
Phyllis Dobbins
December 14, 2010
Gail's legacy will live on through the many students, teachers and colleagues whom she inspired. It was an honor to be her friend for the past 19 years. I will never forget the courage and strength she shared with me during our cancer 'dance,' as she called it. Keep singing and dancing, Gail.
Adriana Sanchez-Aldana
December 13, 2010
So sorry to hear of Gail's passing. As witnessed here, she touched so many lives with her intelligence, wit, passion for her work, kindness, charm and frankness. What a wonderful, inspirational woman!
Lynne Nicodemus
December 13, 2010
Gail was a leader and inspiration to me and many others in the field of TESOL. She helped us see each person's life story as meaningful, rich and interesting. She had a giving heart and her legacy, left through her impact on the lives of her students and colleagues will continue to bless many others.
Lynne Nicodemus
(Former President of CATESOL, 2003-04)
Sister Janice Owen
December 13, 2010
Our prayers go out to Gail's loving family, friends, co-workers. She will be missed as a great benefactor for esl learners.
Sisters of IHM
IHM Center for Literacy, de Sales Site
December 12, 2010
I met Gail about a year ago. I asked her to do a workshop for the Bay Area Chapter of CATESOL. It was an incredible hit! The participants loved her. Preparing for this event, I got to know Gail professionally and thought she had such energy and so much to offer. She delighted in the preparation for the event and made me smile just watching her work on the details. I am so glad that I got an opportunity to know her a little better. Judy O'Loughlin (San Ramon, CA)
Debbie Roberts-Eccles
December 11, 2010
I was lucky to have been a student of Gail's many years ago. When she came to speak to our local CATESOL chapter in Sacramento about 12 years ago, she and her daughter stayed at my house. What a delightful visit that was! I'll never forget her warmth and the wonderful lessons she taught me. The world is simply a better place because of her.
Susan Gaer
December 11, 2010
It is hard to begin to express what your mom has left me with.Hannah you are a fortunate young lady to have a mom like Gail. We share the value that learners add to our lives and have worked together throughout the years. Every time I start a student project, I think of your mom. She has inspired me, helped me, and always gave me the best advice. Her smile and her joy for life is what I will remember most about her.
Matthew Horowitz
December 11, 2010
With just a handful of times meeting together, Gail Weinstein has left a great impact on me. Her work will continue to make this a better world for us all. Thank you for all of your hard work and your caring kindness. Your light remains with us, burning ever so brightly.
Valerie SJ and Philip Jakar.
December 11, 2010
In both work and play, Gail touched many lives, always working for good
causes, encouraging others to do the same, and finding ways to bring them
to a place where so many things were possible. Projects - from LIEF to SHINE - and her students' achievements were her heart's work, along with the well-being of Hannah.
We were with her along the way, both in TESOL and in Israel - for her first visit, then again with Hannah, and subsequently,as Gail became increasingly interested in working with the diverse groups in this region. Then there was the momentous trip she took with her wonderful parents two years ago. Gail endured much pain and anguish over the last few years but she continued to be creative,proactive,
and caring for others. Even when she was here in Israel last year for
experimental treatment she made time and took risks to work with teachers who had been involved with her 'Learners' Lives' Project. People's improved lives and more enlightened attitudes are a tribute to Gail's amazing energy and determination. Her work and her dreams live on. Our love and condolences go out to you, Hannah, and to your grandparents.
Leslie Chavez
December 10, 2010
Our conversations were lively and insightful as we hiked through the beautiful Sierras. She was doing what she loved even though her physical body tried to prevent her from doing so. What a strong and free spirit! Hannah, you are so fortunate to have had a mom like her. My heart goes out to you.
Mindy Stackpoole
December 10, 2010
Gail was a wonderful friend and neighbor for many years. Her zest for life was always very inspiring. My heart goes out to you Hannah, your Mom loved and respected you very much.
Aisia Davenport
December 10, 2010
As a student in your class I was required to tutor at a school in SF for ESL and through that I have found a new passion. Thank you Dr. Weinstein
Tanja Brauer
December 10, 2010
Gail was a thoughtful friend and inspirational mentor. I am thankful for her guidance and love and I will miss her dearly.
Andrea Alban Gosline
December 10, 2010
For Hannah,
I knew your Mom from a retreat I went on with Temple. We bonded over her amazing optimism and joy in the day as your mother. I, too, have a child your age. She told me how much she loved walking outdoors in nature and the peace she gained from her walks. I hope you will always feel her close by. Warm regards, Andrea
Sandy Briggs
December 10, 2010
Gail came onto the TESOL Board of Directors in 1998, the year after I did. We have known each other and worked together ever since then. Gail was a force of nature. She drew people to herself and to her causes with great strength and wit and love for all humankind. Gail, thank you for all that you gave to TESOL and those of us who were fortunate enough to work with you. You will be missed.
Neil Anderson
December 10, 2010
I served on the TESOL Board of Directors with Gail. My work with TESOL and my work as a teacher educator is different because of the things that I learned from her. She was a speaker at our local TESOL affiliate conference a few years ago. It was such a pleasure for me to have her interact with my graduate students and colleagues in Utah. Her influence will always be a part of who I am. Thanks Gail!
Cherry Ngai
December 10, 2010
Thank you, Dr Weinstein. It's my honor to have you as my mentor.
Melissa Billington
December 9, 2010
Dr. Weinstein was one of the most inspiring professors I have had. I truly appreciate her lectures, stories about her work with the Hmong people, and I am very grateful for her sharing her wisdom on teaching with us. Project Shine was an amazing experience, something I probably would not have been brave enough to venture trying had I not been in her class. I only just met her this semester and it did not take me long to realize I was in the presence of a really great woman. My thoughts are with her family.
Adelaide Parsons
December 9, 2010
Gail and I served on the TESOL Board of Directors Together. Her humor, warmth, and kindness made softened the hard moments and eased the entry of new members. Her life lives on through all of us whose lives she touched directly and indirectly, immigrant and refugee, English Language Learner, friend, and colleague. Her faith was deep..and expressed in an endless number of ways.
Eileen Levy
December 9, 2010
As one of Gail's colleagues at SF State, I will miss her boundless energy and infectious smile. She did amazing work in this world, and changed the lives of so many. I am very saddened by her passing and my thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time.
Eva-Lynne Leibman
December 9, 2010
I knew Gail through our daughters and their elementary school. We have shared parental discussions, Shabbat dinners, a few walks, kayaking stories, and talks about anything but the needles while she was receiving cancer fighting drugs.
Watching Gail power through the years of treatment, all the while maintaining her poise, sense of humor, and determination, was truly inspiring. Gail wore her strength beautifully, often wrapped in an elegant scarf, as shown in this photo.
Even while in hospice, Gail remembered others and tried to 'do' for them. She was a light for all of us to follow - how fitting that she left us during Chanukkah, the celebration of light.
Gail was gracious and loving and will be sorely missed.
May her memory be a blessing.
Dina Wilson
December 9, 2010
She was my most inspiring professor. I will strive to carry on her loving, respectful, and inclusive approach to English learners in my teaching. Thank you Dr. Weinstein.
Carol Flanagan
December 9, 2010
Gail was a great teacher and a great lady. Her courage is an inspiration. I am grateful I was able to have her as a teacher.
SFSU Project SHINE Coordinators at TESOL March 2010, Boston, MA.
Estefany Giehm
December 9, 2010
Susan Adams
December 9, 2010
I had the privilege of meeting and working with Gail in Philadelphia during her early diagnosis. She lived, taught and reached out to communities with dignity and grace. She will be sorely missed among adult educators and her memory will live on in her teachings, writings, and contacts with our community.
December 9, 2010
Gail was a beacon for grace and loving-kindness. It is a privilege to have known her. Her memory is a blessing and inspiration. May her family and close friends be comforted by the love and service she provided to so many. Molly Freeman, Berkeley
Estefany Giehm
December 9, 2010
I was the assistant coordinator of Project SHINE at SFSU between 2007-2010. During that time, Gail took me under her wing and was like a second mother to me. I shared many laughs and a few cries with her and I will miss her dearly. What I admire most about this women is that despite her sickness, she had an immense amount of energy that carried her visions to realities. Thank you for being there for me. I will miss getting together with you for coffee and sharing ideas but I will always think of your encouraging words as I continue to develop as an educator.
December 9, 2010
Gail was a beloved member of the Commonweal community. We will miss her greatly.
Michael Lerner
Laura Davis
December 9, 2010
I just met Gail last summer when she came to a writing retreat I held at the Commonweal Retreat Center in Bolinas. She stood out as a funny, honest, compassionate, loving, real, vibrant person. I knew if I'd met her thirty years earlier in different circumstances, we would have been lifelong friends. I feel sad because she's gone and because a month before she died, she told me what she wanted more than anything was to get her stories down on paper for her daughter and her future grandchildren. At least she got to write one masterpiece about her daughter's tattoo. I will never forget Gail and am still trying to absorb the reality that she is gone.
--Laura Davis, Santa Cruz, CA
Melissa Camacho
December 9, 2010
A light will always shine because of you.
Alicia Frangos
December 9, 2010
Such a sad loss, not only to students and faculty at SF State and the immigrant students to whom she was so devoted, but to all who ever met her. Prayers for her family and friends.
Lu Rehling
December 9, 2010
Goodbye, Gail; it is hard to lose your presence on this earth, and I wish safe passage for you. Hannah, may many happy memories comfort you in your time of grief.
Daphne Crane
December 9, 2010
Professor Weinstein was more than just a professor, she was a friend as well. She was my professor this semester, and although she couldn't finish out the semester, I learned a lot from her in how she taught, what she taught, and the kindness that she showed. She made her lectures fun, the class fun, and the assignments fun. Not once was I bored this semester and that's not an easy feat when it comes to me as a student. I hope the SHINE program and the other programs she helped to create live on, they will be her legacy as will us, her students...
December 8, 2010
Gail was one of the liveliest and most generous people I've ever met. An honour having been her friend!
I'll miss her immensely, but her ideas will stay with me. My thoughts go to her daughter and to the whole family.
Gail, thank you for all you shared with us.
Lucilla,
Rome, Italy
Pat Miles
December 8, 2010
She's truly an amazing woman. We're so lucky to have had her with us.
Andrea Petresky
December 8, 2010
Gail Weinstein was not only my trainer in the teacher leader program in Pennsylvania, she was my inspiration. Seeing her battle her disease with so much courage and determination, still giving her best to others, gave me strength to find the best in me. Thank you very much for all the lives you have touched with Learners' Lives and your beautiful smile! I will miss you. My prayers are with her family.
Melissa Camacho
December 8, 2010
My heart goes out to Gail's family. Gail was a brilliant colleague, and I was proud to spend time working with her.
Katie Brundage
December 8, 2010
I knew Gail from the SFSU MA TESOL program. My sincere condolences for her loss, and my heart and thoughts go out to her family.
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