Joan Reinhardt Reiss

July 11, 1937 - November 24, 2023

Joan Reinhardt Reiss passed away in San Francisco, at age 86, after an eight year battle with breast cancer. Joan was born in Queens, N.Y. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Queens College, and a Master of Science from the University of Connecticut. She was the ultimate optimist, a truth seeker and a lover of life to the fullest. Continually reinventing herself, Joan worked as a scientist, teacher, political activist/candidate, Director of the Sacramento Mental Health Association, Regional Director of The Wilderness Society, and breast cancer health advocate. She was an accomplished marathon and ultramarathon runner, completing the 100 mile Western States Endurance Run through the Sierras in under 24 hours, and running a marathon in under three hours. Joan was a competitive cyclist and an avid skier. She traveled the world with her husband Mark, visiting over 60 countries around the globe. Joan was active in her synagogue, Congregation Beth Sholom. She loved the arts and frequently went to Opera, Ballet, Symphony and theater performances in the Bay Area. Joan was always up for a party, meeting new people and trying new experiences. Her loss leaves a deep chasm in our hearts, but the memories she gave us will last forever. Joan was married to Mark David Reiss for 64 years, and is survived by him; son, Craig (Cheryl); daughter, Justine; sister, Joyce (Paul); grandchildren, Alana, Reese, Julian and Kellan; and sister-in-law, Florence (Allen), all who tried in vain to keep up with her until the very end. May her memory be a blessing. Drink that espresso, run that race, read that book, ski that mountain, and remember Joan’s motto: “LIFE IS NOT A DRESS REHEARSAL!”

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Joan’s memory to:

Breast Cancer Prevention Partners: www.bcpp.org

Congregation Beth Sholom: www.bethsholomsf.org

Environmental Defense Fund: www.edf.org