Serena Kokjer Greening

1939 - 2020

Passed away on December 4, 2020 at her home in San Francisco. Serena is survived by her step children Michelle Schmitt ( Henry), Robert Jr. ( Renee), Michael ( Teresa), Patrick, Kelly Kopatsis ( Anthony); grandchildren Eric and Alex Schmitt, Rory and Claire Greening, Lauren, Natalie and Erin Greening, Jack and Grace Greening, Katie and Tony Kopatsis and great granddaughters Charlotte Sue Schmitt & Samantha Claudine Schmitt. She is also survived by her sisters Linda and Janet Strazzulla and by her nephew, Jeffrey Sheedy.

Her husband, Robert, to whom she was married for thirty two years, died in 2014. She was previously married to J. Scott Kokjer for twelve years. Serena was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the first of four daughters to Dominic and Sarah Strazzulla. Her sister Joan is deceased. She graduated from Belmont High School in Belmont, Massachusetts, and from Pine Manor College in Chestnut Hill, MA and Chamberlain School of Merchandising, Boston, MA. In 2015 she received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Pine Manor College in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.

Upon graduation Serena began a successful retailing career starting at Filene’s Department Store in Boston and then with Emporium Capwell in San Francisco, where she worked more than thirty years. Beginning as an assistant buyer Serena was promoted through the ranks to key merchandising and merchandising technology executive positions. On one occasion she was the first woman to have achieved that executive level within the company. In 1987 Serena was promoted to Corporate Vice President of Carter Hawley Stores, Inc., Los Angeles, the parent of Emporium Capwell. She held that position until 1996 when the corporation was acquired by Macy’s.

In 1996, Serena accepted a position as merchandising technology vice president at Duty Free Shoppers, DFS in Head Quartered in San Francisco. She and Bob relocated back to San Francisco and settled on Nob Hill.

In 1999 Serena became a mortgage broker after acquiring her real estate broker’s license and her California and national mortgage broker’s licenses. She has been associated with Home Street Bank, Bank of America and Wells Fargo.

Her philanthropic work included: Trustee of Pine Manor College, Chestnut Hill MA. Chairperson from 2011 to 2020, Real Estate Leadership Council EARN San Francisco 2006- 2020, Board of Directors Weigard Center Los Angeles- 900 bed homeless shelter.