November 22, 1915—January 16, 2014
Beloved wife, mother, aunt, Baube, great-grandmother, and friend, Leah passed away at the age of 98 on January 16 in Bellevue.
Leah and her husband Louis made a home in both Salem, Ore. and Seattle over the years, settling finally on Mercer Island in their retirement. Leah lived in her home of 33 years on the island until her passing; in her later years she was aided by the care of her son Laurence and daughter-in-law Valerie. She was an active 98 until the last month of her life, making her weekly card games at Kline Galland and The Summit a priority.
Leah was born to Russian immigrants Hyman and Doba Steinbock (Rifkin) in Salem, Ore. in 1915. She was the sixth of seven children. Leah graduated from Salem High School and with the dream of becoming a lawyer, was the first in her family to attend college. Although she returned to work in her family scrap business before graduating, Leah ultimately went on to clerk for Justice Thomas Tongue of the Oregon Supreme Court for 13 years.
In 1935, Leah moved to Seattle to work for Bloch’s Shoes, and it was in Seattle where she met her husband Louis. Leah was on her way home from work one day when a car pulled up alongside. A friend, who happened to be on a double date, offered Leah a ride. Her friend and his date were in the front, and Louis and his date were in the back. Leah accepted. She took the only space available — on Louis’s lap. The rest is “history,” as Louis wrapped his arms around Leah and on the spot told her, “You fit in my arms, I’m going to marry you.” The two were married for 65 blissful years until Louis’s passing in 2002.
After marrying, Leah and Louis returned to Salem where they raised their three sons: Stephen (1941), Michael (1943), and Laurence (1949). A wife and a mother of three, Leah was still an independent woman — she had a firecracker spirit and a big heart that belied her slight 5’0″ frame. Leah was a modern, working woman, yet she never forgot the traditional values instilled by her family. She was active for many years with B’nai B’rith Women, where she received a tribute plaque for her 25 years of service. Leah also volunteered at The Jewish Day School, where her granddaughters had attended school, to teach knitting and crocheting.
Leah is survived by her sons Laurence (wife Valerie and beloved granddaughters Jessica and Marni), Steve (wife Barbara and grandchildren Jennifer, Jodi and Jason), and Mike (wife Beth and grandchildren Haviva and Adam), and 10 great-grandchildren.
Burial services were held at Herzl Memorial Park on January 19. Please make donations in loving memory of Leah to Hadassah Hospital medical research, UW Medical School research, American Heart and Lung Association, or the organization of your choice.