Barbara Baer

Barbara Cerf Baer Barbara passed away peacefully at home in her sleep on December 26, 2011. She is survived by her beloved husband of 57 years, Monroe, and her loving daughter Leslie and son-in-law Rogers Carrington, and her loving son Larry and daughter-in-law Pam. Grandma will be forever missed by four adoring grandchildren--Alana, Zachary, Jonathan and Joshua. Barbara was born on March 16, 1929 to Laurence Cerf and Pearl Welk Cerf. She lived her entire life in The City she loved. In fact, she lived virtually all her life within a 30 block radius of her most recent home of 36 years. Barbara was a proud graduate of Aragon Elementary School, Presidio Middle School and Lowell High School. She was confirmed at Congregation Emanuel-El. Barbara attended UC Berkeley but left school to go to work and support her mother. Her father passed away at age 13. Barbara worked in downtown department stores in San Francisco through the 50's. She met Monroe at a party and reacquainted at a downtown Muni bus stop as they both returned from a day at work. Their 57 year marriage featured enjoyable travel as she raised Leslie and Larry, including frequent summer sojourns to Lake Tahoe and Carmel. Barbara, however, always felt most comfortable "at home" in her well-worn neighborhood of The City. Barbara enjoyed volunteering through the years at the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco and Sisterhood of Congregation Emanuel-El. Barbara delighted in the joy of her grandchildren--taking them on excursions to lunch and toy shopping downtown or in Laurel Village, as her mother and dear Aunt, Hazel Eisenberg, had done so frequently with Leslie and Larry. The family extends its heartfelt appreciation to Dr. James Davis for his extraordinary medical care. Also, deep gratitude to Barbara's wonderful caregivers including Rosario Rivera and Willie Mae Benson. A memorial service will be held at Congregation Emanu-El, 2 Lake Street (at Arguello) on Friday, December 30, 2011 at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Barbara's name to the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, Congregation Emanu-El Sisterhood, or a charity of your choice.