Judith W. Zyskind

Judith Rae Weaver Zyskind, of San Diego, CA, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2026 after a long illness. She lived an active and fulfilling life where her warm and cheerful spirit positively impacted many people during her 87 years on our planet.

Judith was born in Cincinnati, Ohio to Max and Mary Weaver. The oldest of four siblings, she was raised in Dayton Ohio. Married twice, she was planning to celebrate her 50th wedding anniversary with Doug Smith this month. With her first husband George Zyskind z”l, a holocaust survivor who passed away in 1974, she has two daughters. She has one stepson with Doug.

Judith overcame many hurdles to succeed as a research scientist, professor and entrepreneur at a time when women were discouraged from pursuing careers in advanced science. She received a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology from the University of Dayton and went on to earn a PhD from Iowa State University in Science and Technology. After working as a Postdoc and Research Biologist at the University of California San Diego in the lab of Doug Smith, she joined the biology faculty at San Diego State University in 1982 as a Professor. The focus of her research was the process of DNA replication in bacteria. Judith invented a cell-based technology to learn about DNA replication, a technology which also had pharmaceutical applications. Together with a former student she founded a pharmaceutical company called Rajabiotics, named in honor of her college roommate from Nepal who died of a bacterial infection. Rajabiotics later became Elitra Pharmaceuticals, using the technology she developed to search for new antibiotics.

Judith was more than just a scientist. She loved spending time with her family and friends. An instigator of adventures, she led us all on many a memorable journey. These trips pushed us out of our comfort zone and involved long hikes, beautiful vistas, pristine lakes, boulder hopping, swimming in freezing water (once even to an iceberg), sleeping outside under the stars, four-wheel driving down rarely used roads to remote trailheads, and bushwacking with topo maps. She would easily strike up a conversation with strangers to the delight of others, but often to the embarrassment of her grandchildren. She will be remembered with love for her curiosity, independent spirit, generosity, and boundless energy that earned her the nickname of the “energizer bunny.”

Judith touched the lives of many people. She was a role model and mentor to students, friends, family and others. When her kids left the house, she joined the “Big Sister” program and developed a lasting relationship with her “little sister” Crys Scott, who is now thriving. She loved being a grandmother and doted on each of her grandchildren. Judith was a founding member of “The Walkers” of La Jolla Shores who continue to meet regularly to share friendship, laughter, coffee and exercise. She was also active in her mountain house community of Camp Nelson, CA and a Docent at Torrey Pines State Park.

Judith is survived by her husband of 50 years Doug Smith, daughters Aviva Zyskind (Walt Tunnessen), Joy Strauss (Evan Yisrael Strauss), stepson Erik Smith (Ginger Smith), grandchildren Nerissa, Aemilia, Yossi (engaged to Chaya), Yael, step-grandchildren Carter, Trevor and Holly, sister Sharon Baldassari (Tom), and brother Alan Weaver (Carolyn). She is pre-deceased by her first husband George Zyskind and brother Edward Weaver.

In lieu of flowers consider a donation to The Judith Zyskind Family Endowed Scholarship benefiting molecular biology students at San Diego State University. givenow.sdsu.edu/Judith-Zyskind-Family-Endowed-Scholarship

The memorial service will be held at White Sands La Jolla, 7450 Olivetas Avenue, on August 16 from 3-5 pm.