Zelma Teicher
July 23, 1930-Oct. 18, 2023
Palo Alto, California

Zelma Teicher, a loving mother, musician, educator, globe-trotter and longtime downtown Palo Alto resident, passed away from dementia, on Oct.18, 2023. She was 93.

Born in NYC., she grew up in Roxbury, Mass. where, at age 10, she learned piano. Until her death, passers-by her historic downtown Palo Alto home could hear daily piano medleys of traditional Russian folk music effortlessly segueing into the Big Band songs of the 1930s & '40s. With a double major BA in Biology & Sociology, from Suffolk University, she later was the first class of “Returning Students” at San Jose State University, earning her Masters degree in Latin American Studies. She enjoyed a variety of careers: Social work; teaching ESL at PSU's Operation Plus Program; Vista Volunteer; Owner/operator of San Salvador Cafe, in Palo Alto, CA.; working for the U.S. Army at Fort Ord and in Wiesbaden, Germany; Ranger at Alaska's Denali State Park, and “Greeter” at Alcatraz Island, in SF, CA.

Fluent in Spanish and Yiddish, she traveled extensively befriending people of many ages, races and creeds. She was an “honorary” citizen of Tanzania, member of the Gypsy Lore Society, belly dancer, avid reader, took daily walks and loved to sunbathe at the beach. Prioritizing time for family and friends, and a very good listener, she offered wise advice (spoken with her Bostonian accent): "So what? Get over it and have a good time!”

She is survived by her daughter, Ronni, son, Michael, his wife, Monica, and their two daughters, Michelle and Marissa.

Tags: arts/media, teacher/educator