Betty Wallerstein
October 15, 1929 - November 25, 2023
Betty Ane Christensen Wallerstein [1929- 2023] died on November 25th in Fairfield, Calif. She was born in Hartford, Conn., only daughter of Hans and Gertrude Christensen. She lived her young life in Bloomfield, Conn. She attended Wellesley College and then worked as a laboratory assistant at Thorndike Lab at the Boston City Hospital, part of the Harvard Medical School unit. There she met her future husband, Dr. Ralph O. Wallerstein. Following their 1952 wedding in Bloomfield, Conn., they moved to San Francisco where Ralph joined his father, Dr. Otto Wallerstein's medical practice. They had three children, Ralph Jr. in 1953, Richard in 1954, and Ann in 1959.
Betty's love of Wellesley resulted in her presidency of the Northern Calif. Wellesley Club as well as work on the Development Fund and Student recruitment, class secretary, co-chair of the 2011 reunion and class presidency [2011-2016].
Betty was active in many school and civic affairs. She was president of the Town School Mothers Club, member of the parent's board of the K.D. Burke School, early docent at the Academy of Sciences, president of the Friends of ACT, chairman of the Youth Concerts of the San Francisco Symphony, president of the UCSF Faculty Wives, president of the Children's Hospital Service Group and library chairman twice of the Francisca Club. She belonged to three reading groups. She adored her latest work as a board member of Opera Parallel. She was an avid gardener in San Francisco as well as at her summer home in Glen Ellen. She loved art, music, the symphony, opera, flowers and her dog, Maggie.
Betty was a born leader, charming hostess, loved to laugh, loved her friends and was much admired. She was deeply loved by her family and will be greatly missed. Her son, Dr. Ralph Wallerstein, Jr. died in 1996. Her husband, Ralph died in 2009 after 57 years of marriage. Betty was a loving wife and helpmate as well as a devoted final caregiver to Ralph. She is survived by her daughter, Ann (Ray) Story; her son, Richard (Lisa) Wallerstein; and by seven grandchildren, Christina (Justin) Schreiber, Ashley (Josh) Burkett, Mike (Karin) Wallerstein, Ben (Melissa) Wallerstein, Ryan Wallerstein, Adam Wallerstein, and Brett (Stephanie) Story; and seven great-grandchildren. She also leaves a sister-in-law, Brigie Dickinson; and nieces and nephews.
Private family services were held at the Mountain Cemetery in Sonoma. A Celebration of Life was held in January for family. Gifts can be made to The Wellesley College Art Museum, Mass. 02481 or Opera Parallel, 50 Oak St., San Francisco, 94102.

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Jan. 8 to Jan. 9, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Betty Wallerstein

2 Entries

David Gault

January 9, 2024

Adding my condollences to Barbara's. Mrs Wallerstein was a wonderful neighbor while growing up in SF in the 60s.

Love,

David Gault

Barbara Gault

January 9, 2024

Dear Ann and Rick, and all the family,
The Gault family sends our sympathy on the passing of your wonderful mother. Hoping Ralph and Betty are "next door" to Jim and Maggie in their new world. With love,
Barbara, David and Tony Gault

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