Gerda S. Koppel passed away at the age of 90 on Nov. 6, surrounded by family.
She was born in Germany in 1924 to Gustav and Lilli (Freudenheim) Gumpel. Her family moved in 1937 to San Francisco where she attended Lowell High School. While living at the A.E. Phi Sorority at U.C. Berkeley, she met her future husband, Matthew Koppel. They raised their three children in Millbrae, where Gerda lived for over 50 years. Later in life she moved to a senior facility in Saratoga.
She worked on and off as a legal secretary. As a homemaker, she worked diligently, cooked well, and provided tremendous support to her children.
Gerda enjoyed sports including horseback riding, swimming, skiing, waterskiing, tennis, golf and lawn bowling. A member of the Millbrae Racquet Club, she was a nationally ranked tennis player.
She was a woman of many talents. She spoke English, German, French and Spanish; she played the piano and accordion; and she used her computer and cell phone until she was 90.
She assisted in the efforts of various philanthropic organizations including Hadassah and the Children's Home Society.
After her husband passed away in 1987, she started to travel internationally, to Europe (where she hiked in the Alps), the Middle East and Tahiti.
Gerda, an avid bridge player later in life, participated in bridge groups in San Mateo and San Jose.
Notable activities included walking across the Golden Gate Bridge on opening day, May 27, 1937; horseback riding in a parade on Treasure Island during the Golden Gate International Exposition of 1939; and serving as the commencement speaker at her Lowell High School graduation ceremony.
Gerda was a loving mother and grandmother. She was gracious and humble, active, elegant and fearless. She was a champion at heart, not just on the court or at the bridge table. Her family loved her dearly. Though her sun has set, it is impossible to forget its light and all it has offered. She will be greatly missed by family and friends.
Gerda was predeceased by her parents Lilli and Gustav Gumpel, her husband Matt Koppel, and her brother Hank Gumpel.
She is survived by her children Karen Bergen (Ira Greenberg) of Sunnyvale, Gary Koppel of Oakley, Roger Koppel (Zerlyn Ladua) of Alameda; by her grandchildren Benjamin Bergen (Frances Ajo) of San Diego, Joshua Bergen (Seila Pineda Sanchez) of Spain, Ray Koppel of Alameda, Ross Koppel of Alameda; by her great-grandchildren Eva Bergen Pineda and Matthew Ajo Bergen; by her sister-in-law Jene Gumpel of Washington; and by nine nephews and nieces and their families around the country.
Her funeral service was held on Nov. 10th at Home of Peace Cemetery in Colma. Contributions in her memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, Hadassah, or the charity of your choice.