Miriam Ofer

Miriam Ofer Nov. 10, 1932-July 20, 2026

Miriam was a special person who lived a remarkable life. At the age of nine, she saw her parents for the last time when they sent her and her two siblings, Robert and Leah, to stay with relatives in Hungary. After surviving WWII, Miriam and her siblings immigrated to what was then the British Mandate of Palestine.

At 19, she married the love of her life, Benjamin. Her son, Abe, was born almost exactly nine months after the wedding, and Naomi followed four and a half years later. The family immigrated to the U.S. in 1960 and arrived in San Francisco in 1961. For the next 15 years, she helped with Ben's business ventures while caring for her children.

Miriam was thrilled when her granddaughter, Alexandra, was born in 1989. She spent many happy times with her in SF and Washington, DC. At the age of 69, she had to create a new life for herself after Ben died. She built a social life centered around her longtime friends, wonderful neighbors, and people she befriended at the Jewish Community Center, where she swam three times a week almost until the end of her life. Her time with fellow Holocaust survivors at Café by the Bay was also important to her.

Miriam was most fortunate to meet Renaldo Thompson while swimming at the JCC. Their friendship during the last years of her life was a gift from heaven. Despite a vast difference in background and age, they understood each other and truly enjoyed spending time together.

Miriam's life story is a testament to her independent spirit, resilience, and feistiness. She had a gift for languages and was a superb cook and baker, renowned for her latkes, matzo ball soup, and blintzes. She had a knack for making any dish special. Finally, she had a strong sense of what truly mattered: family and friends.

She is survived by her son Abe Ofer (wife, Cindy), granddaughter Alexandra Quigley and the families of her deceased brother Robert Brichta (Israel) and her deceased sister Leah Finkelstein (Israel).

To celebrate Miriam's memory, donations may be made to the JCC of San Francisco.