Jeannie Sternberg, 71

She was born on February 19, 1952 in Brooklyn, New York. Jeannie grew up in Valley Stream, Long Island, where she graduated from Valley Stream South High School in 1970.

Jeannie attended Tufts University, and majored in Art History, graduating with honors in 1974.

Along the way, she spent a semester at Smith College and a year as an exchange student at Dartmouth College. There, she was among the first cohort of women while the College transitioned to co-education. At Dartmouth, she met her husband and life partner of 50 years, Andy Krakoff.

Following college, Jeannie attended law school at the University of California, Davis. After law school, she served as a law clerk to the Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court, the late Rose Elizabeth Bird. That experience laid the groundwork for her lifelong career defending and protecting the Constitutional rights for men and women on California’s death row.

Jeannie pursued her work with fierce determination, unmatched intellect, and a compassionate interest in the lives and causes of her clients’ actions. Throughout her long career, she mentored countless attorneys and served as a true example of effective capital defense and advocacy.

Jeannie lived a rich life beyond her legal work. With her husband and two children, Michael and Emily, she loved hiking and camping in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, reading, watching movies (her favorite was “Casablanca”), walking the family dog, and just spending time with friends and family.

Jeannie especially enjoyed baking, finding time to bake not only for her family, but for her co-workers’ special occasions. She had particular success at the Martinez “King of the County” barbeque contest, winning awards for her “Chef Choice” dessert entries on numerous occasions.

In 2020, Jeannie was diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer. She faced this terrible disease as she did with all things in life…with courage, grace and tenacity, but without self-pity.

Following her diagnosis she retired from her position as a Supervising Deputy State Public Defender.

In 2021, Jeannie and Andy relocated to their dream home on the island of Maui. Together, they enjoyed the beauty of Maui despite fighting this terrible disease.

Jeannie is survived by her husband, Andy Krakoff; and two children, Michael and Emily; a brother, Richard Sternberg of Hartsdale, New York; sisters-in-law, Judith Calder and Linda Silverman; brothers-in-law, David Krakoff and Richard Silverman; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Jeannie’s life was a light to all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in her memory to Women Helping Women, 1935 Main St., Suite 202, Wailuku, Hawaii, 96793, womenhelpingwomen.org or Planned Parenthood, plannedparenthood.org.

Online condolences may be made at: Nakamuramortuary.com.