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Annais Rittenberg Obituary
Oct. 18, 1991 - July 3, 2013
Our beloved Annais passed away Wednesday, July 3, after a tragic accident at a summer camp in Yosemite National Park. She was the loving daughter of Penny Kreitzer and Mark Rittenberg, devoted sister of Adam Rittenberg, caring stepdaughter of Ingrid Gavshon, admired granddaughter of Lucy Kreitzer and the late Charles Kreitzer, and the late George and Diana Rittenberg, loving sister-in-law of Christina Lanzona, cherished niece of Mel and Sharon Kreitzer, Josee and Joe Scanlan and Maureen Rittenberg, beloved cousin of Jason and Kate Kreitzer, David and Julia Kreitzer and Josh Scanlan, goddaughter of Normi Noel and Kathy Kang, devoted friend to so many around the world. Nature was Annais' home, and she loved and respected all living things. She studied environmental conservation at UC Santa Cruz, where she worked at the campus radio station, and was a major contributor and supporter of the school's sustainable agriculture program. As a young girl, Annais worked at the San Wild animal center in Africa and later taught art at Camp Towanga. She studied visual art at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in New York. She also studied at the International Center of Photography in New York. Annais was our teacher. She had the audacity to express her authentic self and through her word, her spirit and her actions, she inspired all those who were lucky enough to know her. Her love of life came through to all who came in contact with her. From her childhood in Berkeley through her teenage years in New York, and as a young college student, Annais heeded the words of Shakespeare: "This above all: to thine own self be true." Annais is and was true to herself, and true to each and every one of her many, many, many friends. Please join us to celebrate her amazing life at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, July 9, at Alumni House on the UC Berkeley campus.
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Memories and Condolences
for Annais Rittenberg
July 29, 2013
I was just with stephen in Paris and he told me of this terrible tragedy. I am so so deeply sorry for you both...I have the most wonderful memories of anais, and wish you strength in the coming time. She will be remembered forever, and from all the testimonials, left an incredible legacy . With my love, Linda.
renee plummer
July 26, 2013
From this shattered family , now on a similar journey to ours. I think we both broke the molds when our son and your daughter were created. They both were incredibly gifted, loved music, nature, all things different. Both were DJs at kzsc, Santa Cruz, both lost their lives in Yosemite. We can be there for you when others may not be able to understand. When the time is right, just reach out. Our hands are there to hold, our arms to embrace you and tell you that you are not alone. We, total strangers sob as if she were our own...we have been on this unstable road for 3.5 years, let us comfort you. It would be our honor to do this and pay tribute to beautiful Annais
Lizzie and Malcolm Ingram
July 26, 2013
To dearest Penny and Mark, this news is so deeply sad, we are thinking of you, and send you our love and prayers.
Lizzie and Malcolm Ingram
"For Thy dear love remembered
Such wealth brings"
Arnona Weiler
July 26, 2013
Dearest Mark and Penny - found myself thinking of you often this year , wondering where you were and what you were doing...Bumped into Gaby Lev this morning ,was told about your terrible terrible tragedy. So so sorry ! Sending you both a huge hug. Arnona , Jerusalem, Israel 97226716024
July 21, 2013
Dear Penny, Mark and Adam,
I just happened to see some Facebook comments talking about the untimely passing of Annais and I was stunned. The last time I saw her was quite a few years ago in New York, in your apartment , Penny. I remember really enjoying my visit with her as we talked about her art and her life in New York. And then she was off to see her friends. It was clear to me how much she loved each of you. My thoughts are with you as you recover from the shock, and begin to heal from this profound loss.
Much love,
Judith Snider (Vancouver, BC)
Janet Walt
July 17, 2013
So Sorry about this tragic loss. I remember Annais as a lovely little girl. My thoughts and sympathy are with you.
Heidi Neipris Wexler
July 14, 2013
There were cleverly placed notes and Chanukah gifts exchanged between girls who shared bedrooms, and whose family shared homes across the country(not to mention a gentle and beautiful blonde dog named Chloe!)
Penny, Mark, and Adam, though we never came to know Annais in person, we felt her presence in your home, and ours,during our first and most memorable "house-swap". We learned of her passing, and not surprisingly, the remarkable young woman she became. May her loving spirit and benevolent being sustain all who came to love her for eternity.
Lynne Michalek
July 13, 2013
The shock of the loss of this beautiful, magnanimous, creative, adored young woman is hard to bear. I can picture Annais in the living room of the New York apartment; always with a lively bounce and beautiful, warm smile. I know how much she was adored by her family. My deepest condolences.
Stella Rosen
July 11, 2013
Annais remains to me as a role model of a nurturing friend and an example of how to be receptive to the needs of others. I will never forget her infectious way of bringing happiness to those around her. Knowing Annais and staying friends even after high school and across the country was such a gift. You are in my prayers.
Karen Wright (nee Lurie)
July 11, 2013
Penny, I am so sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your family
July 10, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. I'll keep the Rittenberg family in our prayers.
Lisha Bell
Mark Baker
July 10, 2013
As a fellow conservation biology undergraduate major, concerned about sustainable food and agriculture, artist and artistic, lover of Tawonga and Burning Man, Enosh, my son, thought of Annais as a kindred spirit of the first order. I believe she will occupy a place in his heart forever.
Rebecca Wilhelm
July 10, 2013
Our hearts and our prayers are with you. I am so sorry for your loss.
Kati
July 10, 2013
such a sorrow annais. i'll allways have you in my heart
Mark Baker
July 10, 2013
As a fellow conservation biology major, artist, fan of burning man, and lover of camp Tawonga, Annais was in my son's words, a kindred spirit. They had so much in common and I think he will remember her always. Enosh is my son. From listening to him I believe that he and many many others at Camp Tawonga loved Annais very much.
(Her cuz!)
July 10, 2013
I am so sorry to hear about Annais' sad passing. I am always going to remember her outgoing and cheery disposition and the way she cared so much about others. As parents, you can feel proud of the daughter you raised and be sure of the promise God as promised (Ps. 37:10,11,29)
Until then, grieve as it was a shocking and unexpected event. We are all here for you.
Jeff Allen
July 9, 2013
Professor Rittenberg (Mark) and Family,
Our hearts share in your loss and celebrate the life of Annais along with you. Jeff Allen, BCEMBA'13
Alisha Puckett
July 9, 2013
Sending heartfelt thoughts and prayers out to you and your family, Adam.
Suzanna Aguayo
July 9, 2013
Dear Penny, Mark and Adam
Annais and my daughter Maya were friends at Garden Day Montessori, and while that was many years ago my memories of her and your loving family are still fresh in my mind. We are so very sorry for your loss. Morgan, Maya and I send you our love and prayers for healing.
Ghita Sarembock
July 9, 2013
Wishing the Rittenberg and Kreitzer families all the very best of memories for Annais. The Sarembock family
Hana Ray
July 9, 2013
As children in California and teens in New York, I knew Anna?s to be strong, caring, and full of a brightness that touched those around her, making everyone love her. I feel blessed to have been able to call her my friend. She will be missed and her remarkable presence will never be forgotten.
Peter Young
July 9, 2013
While I did not know Annais, I feel compelled to say her untimely death is quite obviously a terrible loss not only to her family and friends but also to humanity. The work she already had done in her short life demonstrated she had a beautiful giving spirit. Her family and friends have my condolences and my wishes that they find the strength to endure this most difficult time and that they will be able eventually to find a measure of happiness in their lives once again despite their great loss.
Diane Scanlan
July 9, 2013
Although I only met Annais a few times, I shall always remember the joy she brought to her family. Words cannot express how deeply saddened I am by your loss of such a beautiful soul. May my heartfelt condolences reach the Kreitzer and Rittenberg families and know they are not alone.
Jeanette Baker
July 9, 2013
My son Enosh knew Annais from Burning man and from camp. He described her to me as the most radiant person he ever met. A life force, she had an aura around her that could not be missed. Always smiling the most beautiful smile. He was with her under the tree when it fell. He is completely heartbroken. Our hearts and thoughts are with the family. Her memory is a blessing to us all.
July 9, 2013
Adam and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Laura Wolff
July 8, 2013
Annais was such a bright star, even as the little student she was at Black Pine Circle School. I remember her curiosity and beautiful smile! She surely brought love to many. She will be missed by all that knew her.
Aurora Lanzona
July 8, 2013
My deepest sympathy to the family , May God's presence give you strength and peace.
July 8, 2013
Mark and Penny, we will never forgot lovely Annais who accompanied you the sheloshim at the Gattmann's house in San Mateo for Chani (z"l) five years ago. She was full of life and love; a joy. May her memory be a blessin.
Dan and Katherine Cooper
Karen Reynolds
July 8, 2013
Mark, Penny & Adam -- I am so sorry.
Fondly,
Lucille & Philip Zaacks
July 8, 2013
Our deepest condolences to the Kreitzer and Rittenberg families on your most tragic loss
Joy Sian
July 8, 2013
Dear Mark,Penny,and Adam,
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to you. I will always remember Annais as the sweet little girl who tags along every time you see us at Berkeley Family Practice . Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
From.. Joy and Sonny (formerly w/ Dr.Stern's clinic)
Myrna Rosen
July 8, 2013
My heartfelt sympathy to the Kreitzer and Rittenberg families on this most tragic loss of such a beautiful young daughter
July 8, 2013
Dear Mark:
No words of mine can begin to comfort you in this time of your unspeakable loss. My family's hearts and prayers go out to you and yours.
What a legacy to you that Annais leaves behind. Maybe remembering that legacy will someday provide you some peace. In the meantime, you will be in our prayers.
Mark MacGuidwin
July 8, 2013
Dear Mark & Penny,
My deepest condolences on your tragic loss.
In Sympathy,
Shelley Hamlin
Margie Gaskin
July 8, 2013
Adam and Christina, I never knew Annais but I know you two and have enjoyed your company so very much. I just wanted you to know that I am thinking about you two and your family during this sad time.
Takalani Mulaudzi
July 8, 2013
I met Annais on several occasions when she was in South Africa. She was vibrant, full of life, intelligent and a happy person. My condolences to her immediate family and friends.
Baby Lanzona Gustafson
July 8, 2013
My deepest sympathy to Adam, Christina and family.My thoughts are with you.
Ema O'Connor
July 8, 2013
This girl. From the first night we met at the age of fourteen in New York City to when we spent my last night in the US at The Graduate in Berkeley, she never stopped making me laugh so loudly that people glared at us. I was in my own little world with her and that little world will always exist.
Mia Orantia
July 7, 2013
I did not know Annais very well. We were in the same Cultural Anthropology class and section at UCSC. I am blessed to even have interacted with such a radiant spirit and I am saddened that I did not get to know Annais better. In the short time that I did know her, she touched my heart with her passion and vibrant presence.
I send my deepest sympathies to her friends and family.
Jennifer Johnson
July 7, 2013
I didn't get to know Annais personally, but I felt like I did because Christina, like an older, protective sister, often spoke of her. I know she was much-loved by her family. She has left behind many cherished memories.
Susan Agrest
July 7, 2013
Annais was a sweet, beautiful, talented girl with a heart of
gold and an extraordinary spirit. What a privilege it was for
everyone who knew this wonderful girl. I send my love to
Penny and all of Annais' family and loved ones.
Lori Chaykin
July 6, 2013
My daughter, Mira, shared with me how much joy and light Annais brought to all she came into contact with at Camp. She touched so many people in such a positive and special way.
Kristen Sims
July 6, 2013
Annais touched so many hearts in her short life. She will be missed by all.
July 6, 2013
The Linn Family, Warren, Patricia, Shauna and especially, Allie, send our heartfelt condolences to Penny, Mark and Adam. Allie and Annais were dear friends at PS 87 in NYC. We will always remember Annais' beautiful smile. We send our love.
Marjorie and Michael Nacht
July 6, 2013
Annais was an exceptionally sweet and joyous young woman, an accomplished photographer who loved nature and was loved by everyone. We will always cherish her happiness and spirit.
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