Helen Nunberg, a dedicated physician from Santa Cruz, passed away on March 15, 2025, at the age of 71 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Known for her courage and humor, Nunberg left behind her husband, Scott Bongiorno, and her children, Yuri and Leah, along with their spouses, Nell and Dairien, and three grandchildren, Neavie, Sarai, and Ami. Her family and friends remember her as a kind, wise individual who was deeply committed to helping others.
Growing up in a community of Yiddish-speaking Holocaust survivors in New York City, Nunberg was instilled with values that emphasized justice and universalism. She graduated from the Bronx High School of Science and spent two years at Bennington College before completing her Bachelor’s degree in Biology at the University of Rochester. She earned her medical degree from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, driven by a desire for financial independence and a passion for helping others.
After fulfilling her scholarship obligations with the National Health Service Corps in underserved clinics in Puerto Rico, Nunberg settled in Santa Cruz in the early 1980s. She became a prominent figure in primary care, working at facilities such as the Westside Community Health Center and the Santa Cruz Women’s Health Center. Her contributions during a transformative period in healthcare included working alongside early HIV care providers and later establishing her own practice.
At the age of 50, Nunberg expanded her expertise by obtaining a Masters in Public Health at UC Berkeley, focusing on healthcare policy. She was particularly active in the early days of the California Medical Marijuana Program, evaluating patients and gathering data that contributed to the understanding of medical marijuana’s impact.
In addition to her practice, Nunberg was a sought-after lecturer, sharing her knowledge on topics such as medical research and substance use disorders with medical professionals and university students alike. Her teaching style was engaging, and she made complex subjects accessible to a wide audience.
Throughout her life, Nunberg was deeply appreciated by her patients. One notable tribute described her as “super smart, forthright, warm, kind, caring,” emphasizing her ability to treat patients with respect and empathy. Her dedication to her work and to her patients left a lasting impression on many.
Nunberg was also a devoted family member, celebrating her children’s achievements and enjoying time with her grandchildren. Friends noted her zest for life, her knack for organization, and her ability to distill complex issues to their essence. She found joy in simple pleasures, from calming infants to tending her garden.
In memory of Nunberg, her family encourages donations to America SCORES Bay Area, a program that her children helped develop. Information on supporting the program can be found at their website.
A Celebration of Life honoring Helen Nunberg is being organized for those who wish to pay their respects. Friends and family can find more details by contacting [email protected].
Helen Nunberg’s legacy as a compassionate physician and a cherished friend will be remembered by all who knew her. Her commitment to her family, her patients, and her community exemplified a life well-lived.
