Joan Mendelson Sautter

1939 - 2024

Joan Mendelson Sautter
07/27/1939 - 05/02/2024
Joan Mendelson Sautter was born in San Francisco, California, to Joseph Bernard Mendelson and Phyllis Goldsmith Mendelson. She was a proud graduate of Lowell High School, Stanford University (Class of 1961), and the University of California Berkeley School of Law (Class of 1964). After her admission to the State Bar of California in 1965, Joan served as a clerk to a justice of the California Court of Appeal in San Francisco. She later became a partner at the law firm Coffman & Sautter, specializing in estate and trust matters until her retirement in 2021.
Joan was deeply committed to giving back to her community, with a particular focus on philanthropic efforts in Oakland, where she raised her family. She supported and served many community and professional organizations, including the ACLU, Academy of Sciences, Berkeley JCC, Chapter 510, Oakland Museum of California, Destiny Arts Oakland, and Planned Parenthood. Joan was often engaged in community clean-up projects, the collection and distribution of food for shelters and people in need, the provision of supplies for schools in need, and recycling initiatives.
Joan was preceded by her parents; her uncle, Hon. Richard Goldsmith; and her eldest daughter, Amy Louise Sautter Sterling. She is survived by her brother, Roger Mendelson, M.D. (Monique), her daughter Elizabeth Sautter Savala (Anthony), and her grandsons Julian and Gabe. Joan also leaves behind her niece Laura Stritzel (Greg) and their sons Evan, Woodrow, and Holden; her nephew Adam Mendelson, PhD (Mari) and their children Mark and Sofia; her cousins Paul Goldsmith, Phyllis Goldlink, Larry Goldsmith, D.C., as well as her social partner for over 37 years, Joel Zebrack, Esq., and his daughters Sara and Lisa.
Joan's legacy of service, generosity, and commitment to her community will be remembered and cherished by all who knew her.
May her memory be a blessing.