Delia Ehrlich

Delia Fleishhacker Ehrlich

Delia Fleishhacker Ehrlich died at home on July 31, after suffering a stroke. She was a fourth generation San Franciscan who continued her family's tradition of contributing to the cultural life of the city.

Delia was the eldest child of Mortimer Fleishhacker, Jr. and Janet Choynski. Her brother, Mort, predeceased her in 2011. She is survived by her brother, David. She attended Grant School, graduated from Hamlin School, and attended Bryn Mawr College before marrying John Ehrlich in 1950. She raised four children: Jodi (LA), John (Berkeley), Jill (Grants Pass) and James (SF).

In the mid 1970s Delia started as a salesperson at Macy's. She worked her way up and established Macy's Personal Shopping Service — "Macy's by Appointment" — and ran Macy's Community Relations Department in seven states for 11 years. She was responsible for Macy's Volunteer Program and helped establish and expand Macy's Passport.
She was active in charitable causes including the Little Jim Club, WAIF, the Civil Grand Jury, Coro Foundation for Leadership, SF Conservatory of Music, Music@Menlo, the Magic Theatre, ARCS, the Museum of Performance and Design among many other organizations. She was a Trustee of the Fleishhacker Foundation since 1970 and President from 1978 to 1990.
Delia loved being a resident of The Towers, and regularly attended the Opera, Ballet, Symphony, Smuin Ballet, ACT, Berkeley Rep, Magic Theater, Symphony, Youth Orchestra, and numerous charitable events of every description.
She travelled worldwide and cherished the year she spent living in Europe with her family and also the years she spent showing her Saddlebred horses.
Delia had a relentless curiosity about people and places. She maintained friendships all over the world and mentored countless people. No one ever wondered what she thought about something. She was honest and direct. While she enjoyed her memories she always looked toward the future. When she smiled she gave joy to those around her.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Magic Theatre, the SF Towers Employee Appreciation Fund, the SF Conservatory of Music, or the Museum of Performance and Design.
We will celebrate her life on Sunday morning September 11. Please RSVP to Bobbie Fakkema at bfakkema@eventsetc.com or 650-952-1110 x 275.