Isabelle Zimmerman Maynard

Isabelle Zimmerman Maynard Isabelle Maynard died peacefully on July 3 at 78. We will miss her. She was born in Tientsin, China in 1929 to Sophie and David Zimmerman, who raised her to love the arts and believe herself capable of anything. She later wrote of her childhood in China Dreams: Growing Up Jewish in Tientsin. Isa came to San Francisco, "The Promised Land," when she was 19. She was always proud to be an immigrant to America. She graduated from UC Berkeley (BA and MSW) and became a social worker with Contra Costa County. In addition, she studied acting with Jean Shelton, wrote constantly, and performed with the "One Act" in SF. For the theater group "Tale Spinners," she chose to write about the Golden Gate Bridge, in memory of her arrival in 1948. Her oral history of Al Zampa, an ironworker on the bridge who fell, bounced off the safety net and broke his back, but returned to work, became her play "The Ace." It was staged at "Life on the Water" in SF in 1987. National recognition of her writing came in 1996 when the U of Iowa published China Dreams. More recent works are Love in the Seventh Decade and Immigrant Tales. Her business card says, modestly, "Actress-Artist-Author." Funny, flirtatious, effervescent, inquisitive, and always an inspiration, Isa wanted to be where the fun was. Just a sampling of her recent activities includes: active in three different writing groups, wrote and staged several monologues, published stories in journals such as Zyzzyva, nominated for Pushcart Prize, considering revival of "The Ace," acted in a film, and organized monthly Music Salons and Author's Nights in Emeryville. She is survived by her daughter Judy (Charlie) Malings; grandchildren, Cassie and Benjy Malings of San Diego; step-grandson, Jesse Malings, and many friends and admirers. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society Foundation, California Division, 1710 Webster St, Oakland, CA 94605 or to the Berkeley Public Library Foundation, 2090 Kittredge St, Berkeley, CA 94704. Please specify "In memory of Isabelle Maynard." We will celebrate Isabelle's life on August 1, 12-3pm, at the Watergate Clipper Club, 5 Captain Drive, Emeryville.