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Barbara Gronowski Obituary
March 2, 1930 - August 21, 2015
Barbara Janice Gronowski (nee Barbara Falk) passed away peacefully on August 21, 2015 in Walnut Creek, CA. Barbara was born and raised in San Francisco by her parents, Lee Falk and Dorothy Smith. She was proud to be a native San Franciscan almost all her life, before moving to Walnut Creek in 2015. Barbara obtained her bachelor's and master's degrees from San Francisco State University, and then embarked on an exemplary career as an elementary school teacher with the San Francisco public schools. In 1958, Barbara met Kurt Gronowski, a native of Germany, who was the true love of her life. Barbara and Kurt married in 1959. Together, they raised two sons and owned and operated the oldest chain of independent clothing stores in San Francisco, one of which they named after their sons. Their marriage lasted 50 years, ending in the death of Kurt in May of 2010.Barbara was known for contributing generously of her time to many notable institutions such as the Sisterhood of Temple Emanu El, Palo Alto University and many Jewish causes. Most of all, however, her family and friends will remember her for her lively wit and sense of humor, her appreciation of her loved ones and her ability to entertain her grandchildren with stories from her childhood. Barbara was preceded in death by her brother Leopold (Lee) Falk, her sister-in-law, Paula Falk, her brother-in-law Hans Gronowski, and her sister-in-law Elizabeth Gronowski. Barbara is survived by her son David, with wife Karen, of San Francisco and her son Stephen, with wife Katy, of Alamo, grandchildren Alexander, Madeline, Carolyn and Caitlin, and her niece Dr. Dana Falk of Seattle, WA.
Barbara always said that the measure of success in a person's life was whether they were able to live their life as they wished. By this measure, Barbara enjoyed the ultimate success, living a life filled with love, laughter and the companionship of devoted family and friends. She will be sorely missed.
Funeral services will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gronowski Clinic at the
Palo Alto University.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Gronowski
Sponsored by Sinai Memorial Chapel Chevra Kadisha.
Kate S
October 15, 2015
I just heard the news today. I was one of Barbara's caregivers in 2012/2013. I went back to school and moved but missed her dearly the past 2 years. She was my favorite person to work with and kept me laughing all day every day. I find myself very often recalling anecdotes from my interactions with this firecracker of a woman who was proud to call San Francisco her native home. I learned a lot from her and will always remember her young spirit.
September 9, 2015
I remember with fondness both Barbara and Kurt when I was a beginning psychologist in California. They have been great friends of the Pacific Graduate School of Psychology, now Palo Alto University. It is with sadness that we have lost them both. Wishing all the family comfort in this time of sadness.
Megan O'Mahony
September 4, 2015
On behalf of Palo Alto University, we send our condolences to Stephen, David, and their families. Barbara was a wonderful and generous person, and we are grateful to have been part of her life.
Jeff Leon
September 1, 2015
I have so many fond memories of running around with David, sharing birthday parties, and hide and seek in your Jackson Street apartment. My condolences to the entire family. You will be missed.
August 31, 2015
Many many years of laughing and good times.
David and family and Stephen and family please
Accept our deepest sympathy. Ron,Diane,Jeff,Greg and jackie leon
August 30, 2015
great friend of bobbi and herb wiltsek
August 30, 2015
just heard about barbara passing away. have many fond memories of barbara and kurt. she was a great friend of my wife bobbi. herb wiltsek
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Sinai Memorial Chapel Chevra Kadisha1501 Divisadero Street, San Francisco, CA 94115
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