Lasting Memories

Etta E Klein
Sept. 1, 1920-June 22, 2017
Menlo Park, California

Etta Klein, 96, passed away Thursday, June 22, 2017 at her home in Menlo Park. Services were held at Hills of Eternity Memorial Park, Colma, CA. Rabbi Janet Marder of Congregation Beth Am, Los Altos Hills, officiated.

Etta valued being productive, independent, American, and optimistic. She produced award-winning sales for over 46 years, until retirement at 84.

Key to being independent was keeping fit. Etta exercised with her friends at the YMCA in the 80s & 90s, and with her gang at Little House for the last 20 years.

Her parents, Samuel and Alta Goldman, arrived at Ellis Island in 1906 and started over in Chicago. Etta, born in 1920, brought home English and excellent grades.

She married Oscar Klein in 1942 and raised their son Sam until her husband returned from WWII. Oscar died in 1980, and Etta moved to California in 1998 to join daughter Michele’s family.

Etta felt responsible to be American and privileged to vote. She celebrated July 4th and Veteran’s Day as one who personally understood their meaning.

Thanksgiving and Passover were her times to shine. She cracked up guests with jokes at holiday tables, and showed us all how to enjoy ourselves.

She knew how to be happy, even with adversity. When recently diagnosed with cancer, she did not dwell on it. She was bright, wise, strong and serene.

She is survived by Michele Klein (daughter) and Glenn Daniel, Portola Valley, CA; Sam (son) and Sherry Klein, NY; Robert (grandson) and Jennifer Klein and three great-grandchildren, NY. She had a strong bond with Kathleen and Harlow Robinson (nephew), Megan (great niece) and Jeff Utne, and Mary (great-niece) and Chris Segura, all of the Chicago area.