Sandra Berke-Jordan, 70; costumer honored for labor union work

Sandra Berke-Jordan, 70, president of the Motion Picture Costumers, IATSE Local 705, died of natural causes Sunday at home in Van Nuys.

Born July 29, 1937 in Brooklyn, N.Y., Berke-Jordan was a motion picture costumer for more than 30 years. Among her credits are “The Godfather: Part II,” “Heaven’s Gate,” “The Deer Hunter,” “Splash” and “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure.”

In 1992, Berke-Jordan accepted the position of assistant business representative of the Motion Picture Costumers, and, beginning in 1993, she served two terms as the union’s business representative. After leaving that post in 2000, she served as the union’s president for three elected terms, a position she held until her death.

During her presidency, Berke-Jordan served four consecutive terms on the California Film Commission, representing the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). She was a trustee and director of the Motion Picture Industry Pension and Health Trust Funds from 1996 to 2006.

In 2003, the Coalition of Labor Union Women recognized her for contributions to the lives of working women and men, and she also was honored by the Harry Bridges Institute for her dedication to the labor movement.