Annabelle Block Obituary

Annabelle Altshuler Block

August 24, 1934 - June 8, 2014

Annabelle Block passed away on June 8, 2014 at home in San Mateo with her children by her side. She fought cancer for many months, but finally succumbed to it with courage and dignity.

A native San Franciscan, she was born on August 24, 1934 to Sam Altshuler and Sylvia Schwartzberg. She had no siblings. As a proud alumnus of Lowell High School in San Francisco, class of 1952, she attended many happy class reunions over the years. She also attended U. C. Berkeley. Annabelle's friendships from her youth were precious to her throughout her lifetime.

Annabelle's primary focus during her life was her family. She was married to Allan Gamson, with whom she had her two children, Susan Karl (Barry) and Gary Gogol (Julie). In addition, she was devoted to her grandchildren, Gary's son Nathan (Anne), and Susan's daughter and son, Amanda and Ethan. All of them gave her great joy, and their loss of her will leave an empty space in their hearts.

Annabelle Candy Co., established in 1950, was a source of great pride for her. Named for Annabelle by her beloved father Sam, founder of the company, she grew up surrounded by the sweet aromas of chocolate and marshmallow. Later, she successfully headed the company herself, in spite of overcoming life-changing medical challenges at age 39. She oversaw its growth for many years. One of few female business owners after her father's death, she was a committed feminist unafraid to challenge many of the staid conventions of the times.

In addition, Annabelle was an active member of Peninsula Temple Beth El, where she served on its Board of Directors and was active in Sisterhood. She also volunteered her time at Mt. Zion Hospital, and with the Holocaust Oral History Project. Always on the go, she loved to travel, and enjoyed her visits to many exotic locales around the world. She also appreciated the performing arts, particularly live theater.

Most of all, Annabelle enjoyed her family and friends. She was the matriarch of our small clan, and her family loved her adventurous spirit, sense of humor, deep caring, and enduring love. She was instrumental in bringing her cousins to San Francisco from the Soviet Union, supporting their adjustment to life in their new home. Her many friends were the fortunate beneficiaries of her thoughtfulness, love and loyalty. In addition, her good nature and kindness endeared her to the many individuals with whom she came into contact every day.

She will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

Her funeral will take place on Thursday, June 12, 2014 at 12:00 pm at Peninsula Temple Beth El, 1700 Alameda de las Pulgas, San Mateo. Burial services will immediately follow at Skylawn Memorial Park, Hwy. 92 at Skyline Blvd., San Mateo.

Donations may be made to Second Harvest Food Bank Attn: Development Department, 4001 North 1st Street, San Jose, CA 95134, or Mission Hospice and Home Care, 1670 South Amphlett Blvd., Suite 300, San Mateo, CA 94402.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Jun. 10 to Jun. 11, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Annabelle Block

5 Entries

Greg Schrimpf

August 1, 2024

Nice sweet lady, who I worked for with jim myers in the early 80s

Claudine Minasian

June 25, 2014

Oh, Annabelle, I just found out that you earned your Angel's wings and are now in Heaven looking down upon us. I had a whole thing written here and my computer went crazy. We first met in the old Peninsula Hospital in 2002 when we were "Roomies" as you referred to us - you had gotten out of bed at home and slipped on a throw rug you said you KNEW you shouldn't have put there and hurt your foot and I was having my first knee replacement. We talked for days through a curtain separating our beds until I asked one day if you minded if we opened it - and it was open ever since unless we needed privacy for help or visits. Afterwards we remained close friends for the past 12 years, calling each other late at night - we night owls - laughing at anything and everything, not much complaining, talking about our kids and your grandkids, and each time we talked there was something that would come up that we had a connection - like your father's first store in the Hays Valley area just a few blocks away from my father-in-law's grocery store. My father-in-law knew exactly where your candy store was and you were amazed that he would remember. There wasn't a time either of us could keep quiet about something or other. I miss our late night calls, our laughs, our lunches at "The Club" as you referred to The Peninsula Golf & Country Club and other places where I could finally take the bill and pay. Your sweet Christmas gifts even though it wasn't your holiday, your grandson's Bar Mitzvah I attended at the Temple and later at The Club - what a grand party that was!! You took my daughter to The Cheesecake Factory in Hillsdale just to meet Nicolle since you talked to her all the time about updates on my serious hospital stay. I will never forget you and will always love you like the sister I felt you were. The Mounds will never be the same without you - the Board of Directors - ha - that was so funny. Keep watching over all of us and one day we will meet again, my friend! I love you always - Claudine

Molly Walsh Hollis

June 13, 2014

Annabelle was a kind woman with a heart of gold. She adored her children, and family. I was 16 years old when I met Annabelle; Gary brought home a group of Mercy High girls. She was fun to talk to, interesting and so welcoming. We visited for many years, into my 20s. I'm blessed for knowing her. She made the world a better place.

Ron Rosen

June 13, 2014

Annabelle was one of a kind! She was a very good friend to me back in the day. A blessing to have known her and Sue and Gary.

Sara Norling

June 11, 2014

I was employed at the Peninsula Golf and Country Club. During my employment I had the amazing luck of getting to know Mrs. Block and her fabulous way of brightening any hectic dinner or lunch period! After I left and went on to a great opportunity at the Olympic Club Mrs. Block would call from time to time just to offer a warm hello and how ya doin. This is a rarity in this day and age to have someone call just to say hi and wish your well, especially being just simply acquaintances by default but one that I will never forget. She always had words of encouragement and support to my hard working and determination to be the best at what I do and some. The world shined a little brighter when in her presence.

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