Santa Cruz Physician Helen Nunberg Passes Away at 71

Dr. Helen Nunberg, a respected physician from Santa Cruz, California, passed away at the age of 71 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Her family shared that she approached her illness with both courage and a sense of humor, exemplifying the spirit that characterized her life and work.

Born in 1953, Helen was raised in a community of Yiddish-speaking survivors of the Shoah in New York City. Her upbringing, influenced by socialist values, instilled in her a commitment to justice and universalism. Helen’s early education included graduating from the Bronx High School of Science and attending Bennington College in Vermont, where she studied literature. Her journey took her on a gap year cycling through Europe before she pursued a career in medicine.

Helen completed her Bachelor of Arts in Biology at the University of Rochester and earned her Medical Doctorate at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. She dedicated her early career to serving underserved communities, fulfilling her National Health Service Corps scholarship by working in health clinics in Puerto Rico. In the 1980s, she settled in Santa Cruz with her family, where she provided primary care at a number of local health centers, including the Westside Community Health Center and the Santa Cruz Women’s Health Center.

Throughout her career, Helen was an advocate for patient care and public health. At the age of 50, she earned a Master’s in Public Health from UC Berkeley, focusing on healthcare policy. Following the enactment of the California Medical Marijuana Program Act in 2003, she shifted her focus to evaluating patients for medical marijuana recommendations. Helen conducted research that contributed significantly to the understanding of this population, publishing papers that are still cited in contemporary studies.

Helen also enjoyed teaching, sharing her expertise with medical professionals and students on various topics, including substance use disorders and the U.S. healthcare system. Her dedication to education and patient care continued until her retirement in 2019.

Patients often expressed their gratitude for her care. One note highlighted her intelligence, warmth, and dedication, stating, “Dr. Nunberg takes interest in me as a whole person and listens intently without judging.” Such sentiments reflect the profound impact she had on those she treated.

Family and friends remember Helen as a devoted mother and grandmother. She is survived by her husband, Scott Bongiorno, and their children, Yuri and Leah, along with their spouses, Nell and Dairien, and her grandchildren, Neavie, Sarai, and Ami. Helen cherished her family, celebrating their achievements and nurturing their talents.

Helen’s contributions extended beyond her professional life. She was known for her joyful spirit, fairness, and dedication to social justice. Friends recall her ability to distill complex issues into their essence and her love for engaging conversations.

In memory of Helen, donations can be made to America SCORES Bay Area, an organization she supported through her children’s involvement. A celebration of her life will be held, with details available by contacting her family at [email protected].

Helen Nunberg leaves behind a legacy of compassion, dedication, and a commitment to bettering the lives of others. Her family and community will remember her as a truly special person whose influence will endure.