Jacqueline Nemerovski

1933 - 2023

Jacqueline Nemerovski
January 17, 1933 - November 7, 2023
JACKIE NEMEROVSKI, 90: ARTS AND EDUCATION LEADER
Jackie Nemerovski passed away November 7, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.
Jackie was an adoring and nurturing mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was a wise, inspirational and encouraging life partner.
Jackie was born January 17, 1933. She grew up in Oak Park, Illinois, a leafy Chicago suburb with a progressive culture that nourished her inquisitive young mind.
Jackie received a Liberal Arts degree in 1954, from the University of Michigan, where she majored in Speech and Television.
Jackie and her husband, Howard, moved to San Francisco in 1960. Jackie embarked upon an exciting phase of her life: She raised two sons, Jim and Bob. For decades, as an executive, public servant and community leader, Jackie promoted excellence, accessibility and community support of arts and education.
During those busy times, Jackie earned a Masters Degree in Arts Administration. She became the Membership Secretary of SF Museum of Modern Art. Jackie's success and management talents so impressed the MOMA Board that she was appointed its first Development Director.
Mayor Moscone appointed Jackie to The Arts Commission. As president, she helped pioneer the Street Artists Program, and the Public Arts Program, requiring developers to include artworks in construction projects. The Arts Commission also co-sponsored the annual SF Symphony Summer Concert Series.
Jackie worked with Ruth Asawa to invigorate arts education in the city's public schools, elevating it to its deservingly high status. They also advocated successfully for the creation of our High School of the Arts.
Over the years, Jackie served on: The SF Education Fund (president), Alumnae Resources, Jewish Family and Children's Services, The Capp Street Project, The Urban School and The Community Music Center.
With her friend Ruth Stein, Jackie formed and operated The Needlepoint Gallery on Sacramento Street.
Jackie was an avid reader of novels and enjoyed movies and British TV mysteries. Jackie joined The Fromm Institute, eagerly learning and revisiting history, science, graphic arts, literature, music, philosophy, theatre and movies.
Jackie and Howard regularly attended museums, art exhibitions, SF Symphony, Philharmonia Baroque, rock and jazz concerts, The Monterey Jazz Festival, Smuin Ballet, ACT, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, The Stratford Festival, The Shaw Festival and live theatre here, New York and abroad.
They travelled widely with family and friends, visiting Cuba during the early embargo, and Israel,Ukraine and Russia during peaceful times.
Throughout her productive life, Jackie's family always was her first love and the principle focus of her energy. Her loss is felt deeply by Howard, Jim, Maxine, Bob, Shari, Jessica, Daniel, Odelia, Jason, Lola, Jasmine and Leah. Throughout Jackie's last year, she received loving caregiving attention and support from Milika Kaulave.