Ellen Pinnas, 68, died July 12, 2010.
Born in New York, Mrs. Pinnas graduated with a B.S. in biochemistry and an M.A.T. in biology from the University of Chicago. She taught science at the high school and college levels. She later volunteered at her children’s schools in leadership positions including principal of Beth El Preschool (in San Diego) and PTA president and curriculum developer at Tucson Hebrew Academy. She worked as a research administrator and office manager for the Allergy and Asthma Center of Arizona with her husband.
Survivors include her husband, Dr. Jacob Pinnas of Tucson; daughters, Michelle (Amir) Wolfe of St. Louis, Mo., Deborah (David) Friedman of St. Louis, Laura (Paul) Sagerman of Tucson, and Shira (Chang) Liu of San Francisco, Calif.; and eight grandchildren.
Services were held at Evergreen Mortuary with Rabbi Robert Eisen, Rabbi Emeritus Athur Oleisky and Cantor Ivor Lichterman officiating. Interment followed in the Congregation Anshei Israel section of Evergreen Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Congregation Anshei Israel Louise Haber Preschool/Kindergarten Scholarship Fund, 5550 E. 5th St., Tucson 85711, or Pima County Parklands Foundation, 16721 E. Old Spanish Trail, Vail, Ariz. 85641.
