Sue Ann Levin Schiff, who had an extraordinary career as a nonprofit and corporate executive, lawyer and board member, died on Saturday, June 22, in San Francisco after a long and gallant battle with cancer. Sue Ann cherished her role as a wife, sister, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, aunt, great aunt, cousin and friend. She was 76.
Sue Ann is survived by her sons Robert and David, daughters-in-law Harper and Laura, and grandchildren Roxanne, George and Thomas, as well as her brothers Myron and Irving. Sue Ann's passing was preceded by those of her husband, Bob, in 2018, and youngest brother, Jonathan, in 2008.
Sue Ann Levin was born in Chicago in 1948 and raised in Michigan City, Indiana by her parents Blossom and Irving, along with her three brothers.
Sue Ann graduated first in her class of 800 at Elston High School, and attended Smith College and U.C. Berkeley, where she obtained a master's degree and a law degree and served as an editor of the California Law Review. It was in Berkeley where Sue Ann met Bob Schiff, who would be her husband for more than 45 years. Sue Ann and Bob settled in the East Bay and raised their sons Robert and David there.
Sue Ann had a long and varied career that culminated in her work leading the San Francisco Botanical Garden from 2011 until 2018. Sue Ann's tenure at SFBG allowed her to channel her experience and skill toward her love of gardens, and included the launch of Flower Piano, the wildly popular annual event that turns the garden into an alfresco concert hall.
Sue Ann also led Legal Community Against Violence (now known as the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence), where she grew a small, local legal advocacy organization to national prominence in the gun violence prevention movement. In addition, she held leadership positions at the JCC of San Francisco and her alma mater, UC Berkeley School of Law, where for more than 10 years she served as assistant dean and oversaw financial and institutional planning.
Notably, before transitioning to the not-for-profit sector, Sue Ann rose through the corporate ranks at PG&E, holding various legal and management positions, and ultimately becoming the first woman to serve as an officer of a PG&E company.
Sue Ann led and served on the boards of many organizations, including St. Paul's Episcopal School in Oakland (including as chair), Facing History and Ourselves (Bay Area Advisory Board) the East Bay Conservation Corps, the Bay Area Jewish Community Relations Council and the Friends of the Botanic Garden Leadership Council at Smith College, which she led from 2019 through 2022.
Sue Ann received commendations for her work and civic contributions, including having a day dedicated in her honor in the City and County of San Francisco. In 1985, she was featured on NBC News in a special about working mothers.
Sue Ann loved design, indoors and out, as well as music and art. She was a voracious reader and an intrepid traveler, even after her diagnosis. She was known as a relentless hard worker who brought the highest standards and attention to detail to all her pursuits. Sue Ann was truly devoted to her family, friends, and most of all to the children in her life, including her three grandchildren and her great-niece Stella Mollica.
The family is grateful to the health care professionals who helped Sue Ann throughout her illness and treatment and for the incredible generosity of many friends who extended themselves in Sue Ann's and her family's time of need.
A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Friday, June 28 at Temple Sinai in Oakland (2808 Summit Street).
Donations in Sue Ann's memory and honor may be made to Gardens of Golden Gate Park, the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, the Botanic Garden of Smith College or a charity of your choosing.