Ruth White

Ruth S. White The world lost an amazing woman when Ruth S. White, cherished wife of the late, esteemed Rabbi Saul E. White, passed away on December 5, 2010. She was preceded in death by her devoted parents, both pharmacists, Abraham and Minna K. Shapiro. Ruth was a treasure to her children, Shalene (Alan) Hersh, Linda Michels (Erik Lee Preminger), and Rabbi David White (Sharon Cohn.) She was lovingly known as "Mama Ruth" to her adoring grandchildren, Amy (Jeff) Rabin, Vicki (Mark) Rothman, Jeff (Lara) Michels, Joel (Vanessa) Michels, Neil Bernstein (Julie Schwartzbard), Lisa (Dave) Evonuk, Kira (Eli) Rappaport, and Josh and Elana White., and leaves behind 18 great grandchildren. Brooklyn born, Broadway bound and San Francisco transplant, Ruth touched many lives with her extraordinary talents as an actress, a director and Rebbitzen at Congregation Beth Shalom for 48 years. Ruth was proud of her support of causes that she felt represented the goodness of people, including political figures who represented her views on how best to help create a better world. Irwin Shaw, a college classmate reviewing a production of the Brooklyn College Players, wrote of her performance, "....Miss Ruth Shapiro....was the high-point of the play...." That is how we, her family and friends, will always remember her. She was the high-point of our lives and will be sorely missed. The family is especially grateful to her dedicated caregivers, Marilyn, Marichelle, and Nimfa. We also want to thank Hospice by the Bay and the staff at Coventry Park for their help during the last few months. Services will be held on Tuesday (TODAY), December 7TH at 2:30pm at SINAI MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 1501 Divisadero Street at Geary Blvd. in San Francisco. Interment to follow at Home of Peace Cemetery in Colma. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Congregation Beth Sholom in San Francisco, J.F.C.S or to the charity of your choice.