Saloma Elizabeth Fisher

Saloma Fisher passed away peacefully on June 23, 2020, at age 90. Never one to be separated for long from her beloved husband, A. Robert Fisher, she followed him just four months after his passing. Her family and friends remember her as a warm and generous mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend with an enthusiasm for life and adventure. She always had a sparkle of fun and mischief in her eye and was famous for her inimitable sense of style, gourmet meals, and spectacular parties.

Saloma was born in Beverly Hills in 1929 to Fred Applegate and Virginia Leavitt Applegate, the youngest of three children. Fred joined Warner Brothers at the end of the silent era, and as evolving technology made filming a movie more complex, he effectively invented the job of script supervisor. As the daughter of a key film contributor, young Sally was exposed to the glamorous side of Hollywood, meeting starlets and being courted by movie stars. She developed an interest in acting, dancing, and singing that stayed with her throughout her life.

In 1950, Saloma married Carl Rudolph Fischer, a naval officer stationed on Guam. As a Navy wife she participated in local theatrical productions and tried her hand at nightclub singing. When the marriage ended, she moved back to Beverly Hills with her young son Gary. There she lined up singing engagements and began to develop her skills in publicity. In 1955, her childhood neighbor Rodney Friedman invited her to visit him in Berkeley and introduced her to fellow architect Bob Fisher. Bob and Saloma were married in December of 1955 and remained inseparable for the next 64 years.

Saloma was always willing and able to take on any task that would help Bob professionally or personally. When Bob and Rodney founded their architecture and design firm, Fisher Friedman Associates, Saloma helped raise the visibility of the fledgling firm by tackling its public relations, making sure that the firm’s projects were noticed by the press and encouraging the firm to apply for awards and honors. After the couple bought their Knarr sailboat Lykken and moved to Belvedere in 1966, Saloma turned her public relations skills to the Knarr Fleet, always adding a twist to a press release that was sure to catch the eye of the sports editor. She organized memorable parties for the Knarr Fleet and the San Francisco Yacht Club, where she was an enthusiastic contributor to Auxiliary events. She put her musical and dance training to good use in the club’s theatrical extravaganzas. Her effervescent personality and sense of fun are greatly missed.

Even at the end of her life, Saloma always looked elegant and fashionable, but she was never stuffy and was always ready for a good time. Her gourmet meals were a marvel, and she gardened with the same sense of style that she brought to all her activities. She was a loving mother and grandmother who always had time for fun with the youngsters and organized lively family celebrations.

Saloma leaves behind sons Gary Fisher (Alex Zaphiris), Rick Fisher (Debbie) and grandchildren Rachel, Nicholas, Karin, Michael, Miles, Aero, Robbie, and Zoe Fisher. In addition to husband A. Robert, her brothers John and Fred predeceased her. A celebration of her life will be planned once large gatherings can safely be held.