Ann Wertheim Eliaser, long active in the civic, cultural, and political affairs of her native San Francisco, of California, and of the nation, died peacefully at home on October 24, 2018.
Mrs. Eliaser attended San Francisco public schools, graduated from The Dalton School in New York, and studied at Connecticut College for Women.
An avid reader from childhood, she served as co-host of the pioneering television book review program "Let's Look at Books" in the 1950's.
Engaged since 1952 with the Democratic Party, Eliaser was elected National Committeewoman representing California from 1965 through 1968.
Mrs. Eliaser was appointed to the San Francisco Board of Permit Appeals by Mayor Joseph Alioto in 1971. In 1975, she was nominated by Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. to serve as the first female member of the Lake Tahoe Regional Planning Agency. She served for decades on multiple city, state, national and international boards of directors, consulted professionally, and was a longtime supporter of the State of Israel.
Mrs. Eliaser was formerly married to Lionel M. Alanson, Jr. and Dr. Maurice Eliaser, Jr. who precede her in death. Mrs. Eliaser is survived by her daughter Mary Powell (Patric), grandchildren Blair Shane (Richard) and Alexander Rosenblatt (Kelly Jane), and four great-grandchildren (Zoe, Luke, Mathilda and Lucie.) The family wishes to express its profound gratitude to Mrs. Eliaser's caregivers Susan Pascual, Susana Dibble, Jennifer Fernando, Edna Bonilla, the dedicated Outpatient Department of San Francisco Towers, and her inspired hospice nurse, Sister Maggie Glynn, FSP, and all who contributed so much to the comfort of her final years and days.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11 o'clock on Friday, November 9 at Congregation Emanu-El, San Francisco. The family suggests consideration of memorial contributions to the charity of one's choice.