Lasting Memories

Elizabeth Reinhart
1926-April 20, 2006
Menlo Park, California

Elizabeth "Betty" Reinhart, a 50-year resident of the Menlo Oaks neighborhood in Menlo Park, died May 20 at Stanford Medical Center. She was 80.

Born in San Mateo, she was the daughter of Charles N. Kirkbride, San Mateo's first city attorney and early civic leader, and Mabel S. Kirkbride. She graduated from San Mateo High School before heading to Missouri to attend Stephens College for two years. She completed her education at Stanford University in 1948. She met Robert "Bob" Reinhart at a Stanford folk dancing group, and they were married in 1953. Mr. Reinhart died in March of this year.

When her three children were growing up, Ms. Reinhart balanced motherhood with work as a family property manager and as a volunteer for the Bay Area Girl Scouts, American Association of University Women and other organizations. She also spent many happy hours cultivating her garden, family members say. She was one of the first members of the Palo Alto Co-op, a booster of public education, and was a supporter of the San Mateo and Menlo Park historical associations.

She is survived by her daughter, Ann Reinhart of Los Angeles, sons Mark of Chico and Rodger of Pescadero; a brother, Harold Kirkbride of San Mateo; and seven grandchildren.