Writer Gail Feinstein Forman mourned

SDJW staff report

SAN DIEGO — Gail Feinstein Forman, 64, an author and educator who wrote frequently for San Diego Jewish World about movies, books and a variety of other subjects, died July 29 at her home following a battle with cancer.  She is survived by her husband, Jack Forman, and brother Mark Feinstein.

“I was always impressed by Gail’s perceptiveness and the care which she invested  into her reviews,” commented San Diego Jewish World editor Donald H. Harrison.  “She always turned in a superior product, even when cancer was robbing her of her physical stamina.   Additionally, Gail always remained upbeat.   She was a brave and inspiring woman.”

Feinstein Forman taught ESL (English as a Second Language) college-level classes at San Diego City College and tutored ESL students at San Diego Mesa College. She also taught Adult Education ESL classes in the San Diego Community College District. In addition, she was the author of five books written for teachers and students of ESL:  It All Started in Kindergarten and Burning Beds and Mermaids (Prentice-Hall, 1993), both based on the essays of best-selling author Robert Fulghum; the other three books were entitled American Lives and were part of a series of biographical profiles representing the ethnic diversity of American history she wrote for beginning, intermediate and advanced students.

Each book included 15 profiles, including such luminaries as Thomas Jefferson, Walt Whitman, Frederick Douglass, Emma Lazarus, and Bruce Lee.

Gail Feinstein Forman was buried July 31 at El Camino Cemetery in San Diego.The family suggested donations in her memory be made to the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS), 333 Seventh Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, N.Y., or to San Diego Hospice/ Institute for Palliative Medicine, 4311 Third Avenue, San Diego, or to a charity of one’s choice.