Joan Levy Zentner

Joan Levy Zentner, philanthropic supporter of local arts and cultural organizations and environmental causes, loving friend to countless many and devoted mother, died of breast cancer at the age of 96 on Tuesday, May 17, 2022.

Born Joan Sarah Levy in 1926, Joan was a 4th generation San Francisco native of mixed German and Russian Jewish heritage. Joan attended the progressive grade school, Presidio Hill School where the poet and teacher Flora J. Arnstein, author of Adventure into Poetry, would have a lasting creative influence on her and her legacy.

Joan went on to graduate from Lowell High School and completed her BA in International Studies at UC Berkeley in just two years. During college, she worked at I. Magnin in San Francisco while also trying to carve out a very different life path. One of Joan’s longstanding dreams had been to follow in the footsteps of her childhood hero, Amelia Earhart. At the start of WWII, Joan enrolled in The Women Fliers of America Program in Oakland, becoming one of “The Oakland Girls.” Unfortunately, her flight training was cut short by her parents when they saw Joan’s photo featured in The Oakland Tribune article about this novel pilot training program for women.

Joan’s drive and innate talent in art and design soon led her to pursue a career in architecture where she worked as a draftsperson at a prominent San Francisco architecture firm. Confidence in Joan’s ability was so strong that the lead architect invited her to design a stylish single family home in Kent Woodlands, Marin County.

Joan’s life went on to include three whirlwind marriages spanning Rio de Janeiro, Sacramento and San Francisco, two daughters, five step-children and many beloved canine companions. Joan relocated to Marin County in 2019 where she continued to host friends and family and make new friends. Joan’s bright spirit, seasoned perspective and keen wit are missed by all. Donations on Joan’s behalf may be made to: The San Francisco Symphony Education & Community Programs Fund: https:// www.sfsymphony.org/Donate-Volunteer/Donate or The Marin Audubon Society: https://marinaudubon.org/ donate/