Helene Wenzel, a native of Brooklyn, New York, passed away on February 4, 2026, at her home in San Francisco.
After completing her BA at Barnard and her PhD in French at UC Berkeley, she taught women’s studies at San Francisco State University and Yale University before changing direction and earning her law degree at New College of California. Helene put French literature in conversation with feminism in her studies and teaching.
She then dedicated her career to estate planning and elder law, specializing in the challenges faced by people in the LGBTQ+ community. With her wife of thirty-seven years, San Francisco Bay Times designer and contributor Abby Zimberg, she supported many LGBTQ+ and women-serving nonprofits among others.
In a 2021 video about LGBTQ+ seniors and aging produced by
Desperado Film, Helene shared information about her life and work. This summary in her own words may be viewed, starting at the 6:53 point, at: https://bit.ly/4b6Y0AM
In lieu of flowers, you may donate to the social change charity of your choice.
A celebration of life is being planned.
In Memoriam
Published on February 26, 2026
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