Leah Taifer Brickner passed away peacefully on June 6, 2025, after a valiant battle with Parkinson's disease and related complications, with her family at her side.
A dedicated and loving wife and mother, she is survived by her husband David, sons Michael and Matthew, brothers Daniel and Joshua, stepsons Tom and Jason ,and step-grandchildren Will, Calvin, Molly, and Cailin.
Leah was born in Weymouth, Massachusetts, to Mark and Rita Taifer, the second child, coming between her brothers, Joshua and Daniel. She spent her childhood years in Canton, Ohio, before moving with the family to West Orange, New Jersey, where she attended middle and high school, joining the pep team as an ace baton twirler.
Leah attended Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania, entering in 1969 and graduating in 1973 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
The family eventually moved to Long Beach, California, and soon thereafter, Leah entered Western States College of Law in Fullerton, California. There, with her exceptional aptitude for law, she excelled, serving on the Law Review and graduating with honors.
Soon after graduation, she secured a position as an Orange County Superior Court legal research attorney, where, with her keen intelligence and uncompromising thoroughness, she enjoyed a rewarding and distinguished 30-year career.
Leah married David (later Judge) Brickner in 1980, leading to a happy and fulfilling marriage of 44 years. In addition to her three beloved step-sons, Jason, Tom, and Warren, they were blessed with two sons, Michael and Matthew, to whom she devoted her boundless motherly skill and love.
After her family, Leah’s joy was her generous and unflagging support of Jewish institutions and charities, including the Hebrew Academy of Huntington Beach, the Tustin, Yorba Linda, and Camarillo synagogues, and many others.
Leah’s many friends and colleagues, while remembering her beauty, intelligence, generosity, vivacious personality, and quick wit, will wish her well as she is laid to rest on June 11th at Pacific View Memorial Park at 12:00 p.m.
R.I.P., my darling, my love, my best friend.
Dave