Ann Gilbert

Born in Szydlowiec, Poland on July 20, 1924
Departed on December 13, 2008. Resided in Cedar Rapids & Los Angeles, California.

Memorial

Ann Gilbert (Chana Zylberstajn), 84, of Cedar Rapids and Los Angeles, California, died Saturday, December 13, 2008. Services: 10:00 a.m. Sunday at Temple Judah by Rabbi Aaron Sherman. Burial: Eben Israel Cemetery.

Ann is survived by her husband, Fred of 62 years; a son, Jack Gilbert of Albany, CA; and two daughters, Doris (Gary) Gilbert-Stieger of San Francisco, CA, and Lena Gilbert of Springville.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers and sisters, who all perished during WWII.

Ann was born on July 20, 1924 in Szydlowiec, Poland to Josek and Laja Zylberstajn. Ann was a Holocaust survivor. She spent over four years in concentration camps and was liberated in April, 1945. She married Fred Gilbert (Felek Gebotszrajber) on January 2, 1946 in Scwabisch Hall, Germany. Ann was a consummate homemaker, an accomplished seamstress and devoted to her family. She and Fred lived in Cedar Rapids from 1949 to 1986 where she was an active member of Temple Judah and in the community. She was a lifetime member of Hadassah. From 1986 to 2003 Ann and Fred lived in Los Angeles, California where she was a much sought after seamstress to film and motion picture stars. Ann and Fred were also very active in the survivor community. They were regular speakers at the Simon Wiesenthal Center - Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles. She and Fred lectured frequently about their experiences. In 2003 she and Fred returned to Cedar Rapids to be near to Lena. Ann remained a constant source of inspiration and will be greatly missed.

Instead of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Holocaust fund of Temple Judah or to the Simon Wiesenthal Center - Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles.

Service

Cemetery