Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

About

San Francisco State University University of Chicago

Lani Silver Obituary

Lani Silver A lifetime San Francisco resident, died on January 28. She was 60 years old. Silver, born March 28, 1948, grew up in the Bay Area with her parents and two younger sisters. After receiving two Master's degrees in Political Science, one from San Francisco State University and the other from the University of Chicago, she threw herself into political activism. A candy striper turned activist, she began the Holocaust Oral History Project where she interviewed or oversaw more than 1,700 interviews of Holocaust survivors. Her interviews took her throughout the world: she visited France, Russia, and Japan to conduct interviews that are now in the Smithsonian Museum. In later years, she helped break the story of Chiune and Yukiko Sugihara, a Japanese Ambassador and his wife, who assisted over 2,000 Lithuanian Jews escape by issuing them exit visas. As she broadened her interests to include issues of racism and genocide, Lani fundraised for the James Byrd Foundation while helping youth in local school districts understand how racism affects their lives. She also conducted 2,600 interviews dealing with racism in the Bay Area. Lani was known for organizing notable events for her organizations, which brought them funds, friends, and considerable attention from the press. Most recently, she coordinated an event in San Francisco to honor the ten-year anniversary of the death of James Byrd. At the time of her death, she was also working in several high schools to promote anti-racism in education. An artist at heart, her posters, paintings, photographs, music, and collages were uniquely beautiful pieces expressing her political views. She wrote several operas on the dramatic Sugihara and Byrd stories, along with three CDs. Lani is survived by sisters Lynne Jacobs and Lori Silver (with husband Sydney Shaber) along with nieces and nephews Sara Silver Jacobs, Brette Silver Jacobs, Jose Silver Jacobs, Lauren Shaber, and Justin Shaber. There will be a memorial service on Sunday, February 1st at Congregation Beth Israel-Judea at 625 Brotherhood Way at 12:30 p.m. followed by a short crypt-side service at Hills of Eternity, 1301 El Camino Real, Colma, and then an oneg at Beth Israel-Judea. You can read more about Lani at lanisilver.com. Please send any donations to Jewish Family and Children's Services, Seniors at Home and Palliative Care Programs.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Jan. 30, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Lani Silver

16 Entries

Patricia Lerman

February 2, 2009

Lani changed my life. I met her when she was working (volunteering?) at Planned Parenthood and I'd gone there as a patient in the early 70's.

Her vital life spirit reached out and made us instant friends. Lani later guided me to an instructor position at SF State, which kindled a passion in me for sharing knowledge as an instructor, a trainer, an organizer.

It's been decades since I saw Lani with her enthusiasms, opinions, and talents. I can't believe she's gone.

Thank you, Lani, for everything you gave me.

carolene marks

January 31, 2009

What a sad and dreadful shock it was to read about Lani's death.I wish that I had know she was ill so that I might have have given her comfort .

It is hard to accept that she is no longer with us, although she will always be with us in spirit. She was so vibrant and enthusiastic. She had vision and the ability to bring that vision to action in the many ways she made all our lives better.

Her talents and caring with the Holocaust Oral History Project , the Sugiharas and anti racism were remarkable, with enduring results.

It was our joy that Lani was our friend whom we consulted and who helped us as she did everyone who came to her.

We shall miss her always but are grateful for her life.

Please call if we can help 752-7867.

Abigail and Milton join me in understanding sympathy for your great loss.

May Lani's name be insccribed for a blessing.

Carolene

Joy Rothschild

January 31, 2009

Lani lived an inspirational life and left a remarkable legacy. My most heartfelt sympathy to Lynne, Lori and family.

David and Sylvia Lewin

January 31, 2009

We cannot believe that our lovely, lively Lani has passed away. She became our friend through our small children, whom she befriended and treated as adults in a hotel in Israel. That was the time nearly 30 years ago, when she determined to embark on her Oral History programme. We have continued through the succeeding 3 decades to admire Lani for her warmth, lovingkindness, sensitivity, determination even when things were difficult, dedication to the combating of racism and other inequalities. She always managed to have a profound effect on all those of us whose lives she touched. The world was a better place because of Lani Silver.

jane goldman

January 30, 2009

I was incredibly sad to learn of Lani Silver's passing in the SF Chronicle today. Although I have not spoken with her in over 15 years, she was very instrumental in my life. She introduced me to the Holocaust Oral History Project, and taught me how to interview survivors. I worked for the project and became interested in reading and studying about the Holocaust. Lani opened a very important 'window' into my own history. I thank her for this, as I mourn her loss to the activist communities which she surved so well.

Ellen Goldstein

January 30, 2009

To my dear friend Lynne and Sister Lori... I have so many memories of growing up with your family, Toto's Pizza and much, much more. Last May, I touched base with Lani looking for Lynne, as would be expected, we had a renewed connection because Lani had a charisma about her and a passion for life. RIP Lani!

Ellen Szakal

January 30, 2009

I join with many many many people in mourning the inconceivable loss of a dear friend, gentle soul, passionate activist and so much more. Lani was gifted with the ability to inspire, rousing each of us to act in ways that would better the world. The gifts of her art given to me throughout the years will always light my walls and my home. I am so sad. I look forward to celebrating her life with friends and family on Sunday. My deepest condolences to Lynn, Lori, nieces and nephews.

Marilyn Rudee

January 30, 2009

Lynne and Lori,

I have so many fond memories of Lani, dating all the way back to the 60's. At least Lani is at peace now and will no longer suffer. My thoughts are with you both during this difficult time.

Juan FEDERER

January 30, 2009

From Paris I express my deepest grief at the passing of a beloved friend. With her boundless generosity, her refresing spontaneity, and her deep and unrestricted courageous commitment to speak out against racism and injustice, Lani was a guiding light for all of us who knew her, admired her, and loved her. Good bye Lani. It will take time to adjust to your departure. May you find the peace you deserve in the after life.
I thank you with all my heart for the beautiful and inspiring times we shared. How I regret that the visit here which you had anticipated for this year will now no longer take place. But you are here already, in my heart.
Juan Federer.

Faith Appel

January 30, 2009

Hi Lynn,

I am sooo sorry for your loss. I know it has been a hard struggle for Lani and know she is at peace now.

She work so hard for so many wonderful causes and so many people will miss her. I am sure that all of her work will be carried on in her name.
May she rest in peace.

My thoughts and prayers are with her and you
and Lori. I have always had a special place in my heart for your family - your mother was so special to me.

Much love to you,

Faith

Lynn Chadwick

January 30, 2009

I will miss Lani,my close friend for over 30 years. She continues to inspire me. I count, myself very lucky to have known her even for such a short time.

Julie Guillen

January 30, 2009

It saddens me to know that so many people will miss you and hearts will be heavy until time heals. It also brings me joy to know that you are no longer hurting and back with your mom and dad.... Its hard to say anything right now. God Bless you, Lani, I will never forget our "tax talks" and how good you made me feel and how nice you always were to me.

Carole Hoffman

January 30, 2009

I'm so sorry to learn of Lani's death. We were in the UCSF Melanoma Group for many years. I last spoke to Lani about a year ago. She was intelligent, open-minded & spoke well on numerous issues. I'll miss her.

Ellie Rosenberg

January 30, 2009

Dear Lynn,
I am so saddened to hear about Lani's passing. I am so grateful to you for introducing me to your beautiful Sister. I will remember her always. My love and thoughts are with you and your Family.

Debra Schlesinger (Armos)

January 30, 2009

I am so sorry and saddened about Lani's passing. I was a good friend of her younger sister Lori. We all grew up in SF and we were neighbors as well, I remember all the sisters.

The entire Armos Family send their condolences.

Lani turned out to be a remarkable woman . She is now in the hands of God and with her parents as well.

God Bless her

Debra Schlesinger (Armos)

Alexis Gonzales

January 30, 2009

You loved and were loved. Lani, tireless Activist, you are at peace and resting at last.

To Lynne, Lori, and family - thank you for sharing your sister and aunt with the Social Justice Movement for over forty years. Brimming with fervent hope, extraordinary compasssion, and remarkable tenacity -- that was Lani on a bad day ...

Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results