Nina Ireland Obituary

Nina Ireland Passed away on Thursday, October 7, 2010, at the University of California San Francisco hospital after a brief illness. She was born in Birmingham, Alabama, on September 4, 1943, and was preceded in death by her father, Charles William Ireland, and her mother, Jeannette Adams (Gates) Ireland. Nina received her secondary school education from the Brook Hill School for Girls in Birmingham, and graduated from Chatham Hall, Chatham, Virginia. She also attended Rollins College in Florida. She was an artist herself and collected wonderful art, and also loved gardening, and her beloved German Shepherds. Nina generously supported numerous charitable institutions, primarily in San Francisco, including Pets Unlimited and the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF). At UCSF she established and funded The Nina Ireland Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology in 1991, The Nina Ireland Distinguished Professorship in Child Psychiatry in 1998 and The Nina Ireland Distinguished Professorship in Pulmonary Medicine in 2002. Nina is survived by her sisters Colleen Ireland Norton, Lucy Ireland Smiley and Pauline Ireland of Birmingham, by her sister Victoria Ireland Grantham of Florence, South Carolina, and by several nieces and nephews. The family memorial service was held at Saint Luke's Episcopal Church in Birmingham on October 20. Donations in Nina's memory could be made either to Saint Luke's Episcopal Church, 3736 Montrose Road, Birmingham, AL 35213; Pets Unlimited, 2343 Fillmore Street, San Francisco, CA 94115; or UCSF Foundation, 220 Montgomery Street, 5th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94104. HALSTED N.GRAY-CAREW & ENGLISH (415) 673-3000

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Oct. 20 to Oct. 24, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Nina Ireland

12 Entries

Adrian Ochoa

June 14, 2024

Nina, I will always remember your strong personality, along with your kindness and love for what mattered. I still cherish all your books you and Star gifted me. I miss you greatly.

Carleton Hoffman

August 30, 2023

i just thought of this name today, having remembered it from the 1970s when i used to deliver mail on Harrison Street in the Mission District. can anyone tell me if this is the same Nina Ireland? i had the impression that the building was occupied by a number of artists. if this is the woman i am thinking of i am really sad to hear that she has already died.

November 11, 2010

Sorry to hear this. I was a contractor who worked for Nina. Thanks for the work Nina. God Bless you.

JohnP

Ann Selph

November 8, 2010

Nina has left a legacy in so many different ways. Her deep love and devotion to Bearigan, Star and Abby was unwavering; the beautiful garden she created through her study of nature; her appreciation of those who are trying to make a difference in this world by endowing their efforts; her keen eye for beauty as is evidenced by her collection of photography, one of many interests and collections; her artistic talents demonstrated through her colorful paintings; her insights into human behavior was keen (sometimes even unnerving!!); her wit and humor which was so much fun and her always surprising intelligence. These remembrances are what will be in my heart when I think of Nina.

Kathy Gervais

November 3, 2010

Nina's philanthropy to the animal welfare community of San Francisco was honorable and amazing. She cared deeply for dogs and cats of the city. She had a fondness for German Shepards, especially her beloved Bearigan, Star and Abby. Her endowment of the Tsujimoto Fund will benefit the San Francisco Police Canine Corp for years to come. Nina also loved her gardens and orchids. Nina was a light and will be very missed.

Eric and Jeanne Jennings (Gustafson)

jeanne jennings

November 2, 2010

Nina was one of my first friends in San Francisco. One of her beautiful paintings reminds me of her love of her German Sherpard, Bearigan, and the Cocketeil Forrest she raised, from a baby bird in my home. How we walked and talked photography, good coffee, and her loves when she lived in the Bernal Heights district of San Franciso. Where ever you are Nina, you are loved. Thank you for all you have contributed to this community.

Jeanne Jennings/ Eric Gustafson. (gustafson)

October 1 2010. In Nina's garden.

Richard Darrough

October 30, 2010

Nina was a force of nature in the garden. She had a wonderful eye for color. We miss her.

Deborah Kent

October 24, 2010

Nina will be missed. She was an extraordinary woman with great wit and exquisite taste. She loved her beloved "Star" and then her sweet Abby. Her dogs were her constant companions and gave her profound joy. I always looked forward to visiting her and anticipating the fragrant orchids she so lovingly cared for in her entry way, she was such an amazing gardener. Peace to her.

October 23, 2010

October 23, 2010
I have many fond memories of Nina and especially her love of dogs. I will miss her calling me at Gump's and first thing asking about our dog Gustav. She was a very kind and gracious lady and will be missed.

David Matthews, Kensington, California

Kelly Platzer

October 21, 2010

Sending my condolences. I remember Nina from Pets Unlimited. She was always with her 2 shepherds. Her kindness will never be forgotten.

Bee Yeilding McNeil

October 20, 2010

I have fond memories of Nina at Brooke Hill. She certianly left a fine legacy in California.

Carolyn Featheringill

October 18, 2010

Bill and I send our sincerest sympathy to Pauline and her sisters.

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