Nina Youkelson, 83, of San Francisco, formerly of New York and Minnesota, passed away on Monday, April 8th, 2019.

Nina was born to Jewish Eastern European immigrants Ruben Youkelson and Florence Bisberg on October 16th 1935 in New York City. She spent her childhood in New York City and attended NYC Public schools including the High School of Music and Art. She was educated at the University of Minnesota where she graduated with a degree of Liberal Studies from their School of Liberal Arts in 1955. She married Lloyd Zimpel in 1956, had their first son in Minnesota and then moved to San Francisco where she had two more sons and resided until her death.

During her early years in San Francisco Nina helped establish one of the first alternative schools, First Community School, and was committed to public education and parent participation in San Francisco. Nina went on to become the director of a cooperative nursery school, Noe Valley Nursery School, where she stayed for 37 years. During that time she was an exemplar of wisdom, kindness and patience to many small children and their families. A skilled photographer, she took thousands of photos of nursery school children and their parents throughout her tenure. After her retirement in 2006, she became intensely involved in the Older Writers Laboratory, and other writers workshops, where she created a body of prose and poetry. She was an avid quilter and found joy in combining her love of photography and fabrics to create colorful pieces that she shared with her close friends and family. Throughout her life, Nina was dedicated to the causes of social justice and peace, attended countless marches, and participated in many special events to better the world we live in.

She is survived by her three sons, Ben Zimpel, Jason Zimpel, and Aaron Zimpel. Her daughter-in-law, Nazareth Overman. Her two granddaughters, Elizabeth Marie Zimpel and Jessica Ann Zimpel, and her two great-grandson's, Joshua Jason Michalski and Isaac Anthony Michalski. ?

A celebration of life is scheduled for Saturday June 1st, 2019 at San Mateo Memorial Park at 11am. All who loved Nina are welcome. The family would also like to thank Judy Janec, Linda Mickelson, and Marilyn Koral for their tremendous support, thoughtfulness, and guidance throughout this last year. We are forever grateful.

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

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Apr. 27 to Apr. 30, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Nina Youkelson

16 Entries

Andrew Volna

April 11, 2023

Minna Doskow

April 22, 2021

I knew Nina when we were both CITs at Camp Kinderland. I remember her wonderful smile, her goodness and kindness, and of course, those wonderful dimples.

In memory of Nina

Nazareth (BiB) Overman

February 18, 2020

Friends of Nina,

April 8th will be one year since Nina passed away. As some of you know we've been working on a plaque in memory of her. It's been a long process, but we are happy to announce that it has been completed and is currently located on a bench at Douglass Park in Noe Valley.

We chose this specific park because it held a special place in Nina's heart. It was her chosen location for countless get togethers with family and friends, which included birthdays, graduations, and her retirement party.

We felt this was a perfect place to honor her memory. The bench sits alone, against the tennis courts, over looking the playground and grassy field. A picture of the plaque is included below. We hope all who loved Nina have the chance to visit her bench and feel close to her again ♥

Tom Atlee

June 10, 2019

I met Nina on the 9-month cross-country 1986 Great Peace March for Nuclear Disarmament and became a good friend with her among a little network of former GPM marchers in San Francisco during the 12 years after that watershed event. Our group included my late partner Karen Mercer, who I'd also met on the Peace March and who loved Nina dearly. After Karen and I moved to Eugene OR in 1999, we maintained a weekly health-centered personal phone call with Nina for several years. Among my many fond memories of Nina are her quirky, knowing smile and chuckle and the remarkable love she showed for all the very small kids in "her" Noe Valley Nursery School, even commenting on one little boy who too often hit his tiny fellows, saying something like "He's so vibrantly alive!" She could always see the positive side of people (except for certain political leaders!). She had such a positive impact on so many people, I can barely imagine. The world is so much better for the fact that she shared it with us for so long.

judith gatewood

May 31, 2019

Nina was a wonderful nursery school teacher my daughter Hannah had 47 or so years ago. She was so intelligent and interesting and kind to the parents as well as the kids. She really inspired that Noe Valley Coop Nursery School with a sense of community and spirit. I had lunch with her and another alum mother about 9 or so years ago and she told us how she had (at over 65!) taken
the train __all the way across Russia to find some Jewish village her great-grandparents had come from. Amazing brave person.

Myron Wollin

May 7, 2019

I remember Nina as a warm, friendly counselor at Camp Kinderland. I have a particular fond memory of dancing with her at a social event at the camp. I will miss her.

Lori Ferragamo

May 3, 2019

Nina was a brilliant reflection of the trees she so loved.

Standing strong in her beliefs,she gave birth to a magnificent stand with an ecosystem all their own.

Their roots intertwine ensuring that they each are supported by the others,and that the new generations of seedlings will flourish.

She welcomed creatures big and small to shelter under her canopy, encouraging by example a stewardship of nature.

Appetizers of knowledge, wisdom and wonder were offered freely, filling hearts and heads with literature, art, music and always a hearty laugh for the soul.

For a steaming mug of creamy sweet tea to warm the chill of a misty forest clearing, or a reminder that a book can be a best friend.
For the challenge to find something red with no purpose, but most of all for being the catalyst
to the greatest gift in my life.

Nina you are greatly loved, and will be greatly missed

May 3, 2019

My deepest condolences to your family for the loss of your love one. May your cherished memories created, brighten your days and help sustain you at this time. John 6:40 gives much comfort by looking forward to Jesus promise of seeing your love one again

Shelia

April 29, 2019

To the family,

I express my deepest condolences at this time of sorrow. I pray for your strength as each day passes. Continue to reflect on the memories that brought so much joy. Seek refuge in the God of all comfort and he will sustain you.

R.D.

Birmingham, AL

Joe aka Yusl dorinson

April 29, 2019

At Camp Kinderland and Mittlshul, Nina served as a big sister. She introduced me to jazz. Clad in jeans and turtlenecks, she was a fashionista of the left.
While in Minnesota, she often corresponded with me offering wise counsel and spiritual uplift to this pessimistic soul. RIP in your rueh plotz, Nina. In sadness, Yusl Dorinson

Laurie Mackenzie

April 28, 2019

My deepest condolences to the family of Nina. We were so lucky to have been a Noe Valley Nursury School family and to have had Nina's love and guidence as parents and preschooler. She was such a big influence on my parenting style. Many, many fond memories and lifetime connections from our time there. The community is definitely a richer and more loving place because of her presence.

Patrice Cochrane

April 28, 2019

You will always be a light in the many lives you touched