Estelle Rochells Greenberg

Estelle was born in Chicago, Illinois to William and Ida Rochells. Her childhood was spent in Round Lake, Illinois. She graduated from the University of Chicago in 1928 with a Bachelor Degree in English Literature. She also did graduate work there in the School of Social Service Administration.

In 1931, she married her love, David L. Greenberg of Stockton, Ca. They moved to Fresno, Ca. where David was to be the rabbi there for fifty years. They lived there all their lives and celebrated 63 years of marriage in Fresno. Rabbi Greenberg predeceased her in 1994.

After settling in Fresno, Estelle became the only trained family social case worker in Fresno's State Emergency Relief Association which was established to administer relief to families in need during the depression. After her daughter was born, Estelle devoted herself to raising her child and working with different women's organizations.

During World War II, she organized the "Angel dinners" for servicemen. It was nothing for her committee to serve 500 servicemen and women at monthly dinners and Friday night socials at Temple Beth Israel. She also planned wedding receptions for the soldiers who were stationed in the area and married under the auspices of the temple.

After the war, she concentrated on the plans to form a Sisterhood for Temple Beth Israel.

In their retirement years, Estelle and David enjoyed traveling by going to Europe and Israel and cruise trips. Estelle also was blessed by being a grandma and "Great Ema".

The family would like to thank Heather Melton and the staff of the Armenian Home in Fresno for their kindness and good care over her last seven years.

Estelle leaves behind her daughter, Rochelle Anixter and her husband Harrison of San Francisco; grandsons, Russell Anixter and his wife Shari of New York City; Stuart Anixter and his wife Caroline of Las Vegas; great-grandchildren Izabella and Roark Anixter of New York City and Danielle and Courtney Anixter of Las Vegas; a cousin, Shirley Myers of Fresno and many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

Private services are to be held in Colma at the Home of Peace.

Contributions may be made to Temple Beth Israel in Fresno, congregation Emanu-El in San Francisco or a food bank of your choice.