Jobyna Dellar, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and community volunteer, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2025, after an eight-year battle with Alzheimer's disease. She was 84. For nearly five years, Jobyna resided at the Rhoda Goldman Plaza memory care unit, where she received compassionate and loving care.
Born in New York City on July 18, 1940, Jobyna spent her early childhood in New Jersey before moving to Berkeley, California, during World War II. She attended Berkeley High School and went on to graduate from UC Berkeley with a degree in business, after beginning her studies at UC Riverside.
In 1961, Jobyna married Edward Tanovitz, with whom she had two daughters, Eden Tanovitz Rodriguez (Giovanni Rodriguez) and Erica Tanov (Steven Emerson). Though that marriage ended in divorce, and after a brief second marriage, Jobyna found lasting love with John T. Dellar. They married in 1984 and shared nearly 45 wonderful years together. She is survived by John, her daughters, her grandchildren Isabelle Tanov, Hugo Tanov, and Isaac Rodriguez, her sister Charlene Akers (Nate Levine), her brothers Robert Akers and Peter Akers, her nephew Ryan Akers, her step-daughter Lauren Dellar, and step-sons Richard Dellar and Joshua Dellar.
Jobyna was a successful businesswoman, owning her own sales representation business in the office supply industry. After retiring, she dedicated herself to volunteer work, a passion she pursued for many years. Her contributions to the community were significant and touched many lives. She volunteered with adult and children's reading programs, served as a classroom aide in elementary schools, and worked with the PIP (Primary Intervention Program) at three San Francisco elementary schools. "Miss Jobyna," as she was affectionately known, made a lasting impact on her students, many of whom would later express their gratitude for the positive start she gave them. She also volunteered with the Institute on Aging's Friendship Line, offering a listening ear and warm connection to those who called.
Jobyna's impact extended to her faith community at Congregation Sherith Israel, where she and John actively participated in various projects. She cherished her friendships with her reading and walking groups, enjoyed knitting, theatre, and movies, but above all, she loved spending time with her three grandchildren.
Jobyna will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and the many communities she so generously served. A memorial celebration of her life will be held in late spring.
Donations in Jobyna's honor can be made to Rhoda Goldman Plaza, Congregation Sherith Israel, the Institute on Aging, Hospice of San Francisco, or the charity of your choice.