In Memoriam: Annette Dobbs

“I believe that my involvement locally and in Israel has made something special of my life. As I think back on the road I have traveled, I know one thing with certainty: I have received far more than I have given.” ~ Annette Dobbs, Book of Life

The Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund mourns the passing of our beloved community leader and generous benefactor Annette Dobbs.

As a first generation American-born Jew with a gift for influencing and inspiring people, Annette devoted more than 50 years of her life to volunteering and leading the Jewish Community Federation, Jewish organizations around the Bay Area and Israel.

“Being able to help people we really needed to help,” Annette once said. “How do you turn that down?” Indeed, she never did. Annette held numerous leadership roles from Women’s Division President to serving as President of the Federation from 1988-1990. Her deep sense of responsibility and commitment for the Jewish community were also evident in the work she did for the United Jewish Appeal, serving as a campaign consultant, board member, and National Vice chair.

Annette had a great love for Israel, traveling there more than 70 times since 1970. Those journeys gave her the opportunity to meet many of Israel’s pioneering leaders and led her to establish two kindergartens, as well as lasting partnerships through the Federation’s Israel and Overseas Committee and the Amuta (the Committee’s Israeli partners).

Annette was married for 53 years to local businessman, lawyer, politician, and equally dedicated philanthropist, Harold Dobbs, who passed away in 1994. Together they passed on their caring and commitment for our Jewish community to their five children: Stephen, Marilyn, Gregory, Rusty(z”l), and Cathy along with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren today.

May she rest in peace and may her memory be a blessing for all times.