Search for celebrities on Ancestry.com!Frances Van Ummersen
Passed away on April 3, 2003. Her husband Charles and son Lincoln preceeded her in death. Her daughter, Gretchen Van Meter, son Charles, son-in-law Jack Van Meter, daughters-in-law Barbara and Frances and five grandchildren survive her. A private Memorial Service will be held by the Neptune Society. Donations in her memory may be made to Hospice of Marin or the Osher Marin Jewish Community Center.
Linda Marie Chelini
Linda died on Thursday, March 20th, 2003 unexpectedly at home in her sleep. She is survived by her loving father, George; sisters, Trish and Laura; and her loving son, Joey 13 years old. She was born in San Francisco, moved to Marin when she was seven years old, attended Neil Cummins Grammar School and Redwood High School. Linda was an animal lover. She also was a wonderful artist and loved spending time in the redwoods. She will be sadly missed by family and friends. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Marin and to the Humane Society.
James F. Dominey
Entered into rest Friday, March 28, 2003, at the age of 41. Born and raised in San Francisco, James graduated from West Portal Lutheran School and St. Ignatius College Preparatory, and attended San Francisco City College. Loving son of Jean and Fred Dominey of San Francisco, brother to Judy Henn and Cathy Sigillo of San Francisco, and Deborah Henn of Lake Tahoe, brother-in-law to Edward Henn, Joseph Sigillo, and Howard Henn. Loving uncle to Alicia and Brittney Henn. During the last 15 years, he lived and worked in Marin County where he had many, many friends. He had a passion for cooking, entertaining, and traveling and will always be remembered for his lively, outgoing personality, devotion to his family, and loyal friendships. He will be missed by all who knew him. A Memorial Service will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery, 1000 El Camino Real, Colma, CA 94014 on Friday April 4, at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to West Portal Lutheran School, 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard, San Francisco. Arrangements by BAY AREA CREMATION & FUNERAL SERVICES 415-508-0823.
Joseph Edward Foster
Of San Rafael passed away on March 29, 2003 after a lengthy illness. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia Foster and his mother, Florence Foster of San Rafael. He was the loving father of three daughters, Jeanneann Grubb of Klamath Falls, Oregon, China Lamers of San Rafael and Jade Paterson of Bodega Bay and uncle to John Grubb, James Grubb, Julie Gregg and Janelle McCully. He is also survived by his five grandchildren, Jeffrey, Jan, Joey, Matthias and Ian. He was also the dear friend of Donna (nice lady) Ito and Robert Ito of Rohnert Park. He was born on January 29, 1938 in Ross. He was baptized at St. Anselm Church where he was later an alter boy and confirmed. He attended Drake High School and later joined the Marines. He was a journeyman auto mechanic for 35 years. He was always our anchor and his wonderful sense of humor will be sorely missed by his family and all those who knew him. Services will be held at St. Anselm Church, 97 Shady Lane in Ross on Tuesday, March 8th at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Guide Dogs for the Blind, 350 Los Ranchitos Road, San Rafael, CA 94903.
Leslie Alan Lowenthal
Les Lowenthal, internationally known dog-show judge and driving force with the Mill Valley Lions Club for 50 years, passed away quietly in his sleep March 28, 2003, at Kaiser Hospital in San Rafael, from complications with cancer. An avid sportsman, Les died five days short of his 82nd birthday, and just one month after catching a prize 60-pound, 5'3" sturgeon in San Francisco Bay. Les was born in Sacramento in 1921. He graduated from Galileo High School in San Francisco and attended Cal Poly State College as an engineering student. He marriage Nancy Dougall of San Francisco 19 days before he entered the Army in 1942, and served as a flight mechanic in the Army Air Corps during World War II. After the war he ran an appliance repair business in Mill Valley for 35 years. A Mill Valley resident since 1939, Les was an active community volunteer and served on the Mill Valley reserve police force during the 1950s. As a member of the Mill Valley Lions Club, he helped build the original playground in Boyle Park and spearheaded numerous other community projects. He held several positions with the service club including president, secretary and Lions Club News Bulletin Editor and won several awards for his entertaining commentary. Les was also a member of the Cupertino Rotary Club and recently received the Paul Harris Fellow Award from Rotary International. A key player and past president of the American Chesapeake Club, Les was a much sought-after dog-trial judge in the United States and in Canada. At the time of his death he was the Western Regional Director of the American Chesapeake Club. He also established the West Coast Chesapeake Bay Retriever Rescue service with his wife Nancy. Last year, he and Nancy received the American Chesapeake Club Lifetime Achievement Award. Les lived life to the fullest and was always on the go seeking out new adventures and making new friends. He especially loved entertaining friends and spending time at the Lowenthal family home on the Smith River. His ribald sense of humor and his calm wisdom attracted people of all ages and he leaves behind a multitude of friends and a close, loving family who will miss him deeply. As one family friend said, "Most men never get the big fish, and a lot never even get on the boat; but Les did both, and with a flourish, right up to the end." Les is survived by his wife of 60 years, Nancy Lowenthal, and his three sons and daughters-in-law: Bruce and Carolyn Lowenthal of Los Gatos; Barry and Kathleen Lowenthal of Woodacre; and Richard and Ellen Lowenthal of Cupertino; six grandchildren; and two Chesapeake retrievers. A Memorial Gathering will be held at the Golf Club House, 267 Buena Vista Avenue in Mill Valley on Tuesday, April 8 from 4 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the Chesapeake Bay Retriever Rescue Fund in care of Camille Drugé, P.O. Box 104, Alviso, CA 95002.
Peter J. Andersen, Sr.
Peter John Andersen, Sr., born June 26, 1912, died February 21, 2003, at the age of 90 years. Mr. Andersen immigrated from Tversted, Denmark with his mother and two brothers. As a young man he started a career in heavy construction during the building of the Golden Gate Bridge. In later years he was responsible for the supervision of construction projects which included building the Pearl Harbor Dry Docks during World War II, Grand Collie Dam and portions of Highway 80 through the Sierra Nevada. He pursued a second career as a navigation officer in the Merchant Marines. He saw action during the bombing of Pearl Harbor at the time of the Second World War and in the Vietnam conflict. He resided for 53 years in the Fairhills and Peacock Gap areas of San Rafael before retiring at Villa Marin in 1998. He is survived by his wife Irmgard H. Andersen of Villa Marin and son Peter J. Andersen, Jr., of Belvedere.
Orilla (Bonnie) Casper
Long time Marin County resident, Bonnie Casper, age 93, died on March 22, 2003 on Vashon Island, WA after a long illness with Alzheimer's. She was born in Glencoe, New Mexico, eldest daughter of early Ruidoso Valley settlers, and great niece of the Coe brothers who fought with Billy the Kid in the Lincoln County War. She grew up in the horse and buggy days, saw us land on the moon, and her grandchildren become computer junkies. She graduated from the University of Oklahoma, became a teacher, and started teaching in a one-room former chicken house. During World War II, she moved with her family to Marin becoming a welder at Marin Shipyard and helping to build tankers at the rate of one per week. Later becoming a businesswoman in San Anselmo, she was better known to her friends as an enthusiastic folk and ballroom dancer. Her husband, Adolph, precedes her in death. She is survived by her son Bill (Kathy) Casper, and daughter Helene (Bob) Herman, grandchildren Stephanie (Chris) Nurding, Sylvia (Scott) Green, Richard Casper and Nicole Herman, great-grandchildren Alexander and Jeremy Nurding. Interment private. The family suggests donations to the Alzheimer's Association or Hospice.
Helen W. Cassidy
Passed away on Sunday, March 30, 2003 at her home in Novato at the age of 82. Helen was born in Jones, Oklahoma, September 29, 1920. A graduate of the University of Oklahoma, Helen worked as a registered nurse for 25 years. She was a resident of Novato for 42 years. Her husband Tom passed away in 1991 after 45 years of marriage. With a passion and gift for gardening, Helen completed her Master Gardener Certificate from Clemson University in 1998. She was a member of Garden Clubs in both Novato and South Carolina and a member of the Audubon Society. An avid reader with a penchant for Shakespeare, Helen also participated in a local book club. She was an expert on Native American Customs and Folklore and served as a docent at the Miwok Museum. Her calm, spiritual nature and her wisdom will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Mrs. Cassidy is survived by her relatives: daughters Carol (Ray) Wiggs of Belfair, WA and Barbara (Don) Herriott of Florence, SC and son Harry Cassidy of Renton, WA. Her grandchildren: Daniel and Darrin Stevens of Belfair, WA, Dana Herriott of Florence, SC and Matthew Herriott of Norfolk, VA. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, April 3, 2003 at 11 a.m. at Keaton's Redwood Chapel, 1801 Novato Blvd., Novato. Memorial Contributions preferred to The Miwok Museum, 2200 Novato Blvd., Novato. Keaton's Redwood Chapel 415-897-1151
James F. Dominey
Entered into rest Friday, March 28, 2003, at the age of 41. Born and raised in San Francisco, James graduated from West Portal Lutheran School and St. Ignatius College Preparatory, and attended San Francisco City College. Loving son of Jean and Fred Dominey of San Francisco, brother to Judy Henn and Cathy Sigillo of San Francisco, and Deborah Henn of Lake Tahoe, brother-in-law to Edward Henn, Joseph Sigillo, and Howard Henn. Loving uncle to Alicia and Brittney Henn. During the last 15 years, he lived and worked in Marin County where he had many, many friends. He had a passion for cooking, entertaining, and traveling and will always be remembered for his lively, outgoing personality, devotion to his family, and loyal friendships. He will be missed by all who knew him. A Memorial Service will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery, 1000 El Camino Real, Colma, CA 94014 on Friday April 4, at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to West Portal Lutheran School, 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard, San Francisco. Arrangements by BAY AREA CREMATION & FUNERAL SERVICES 415-508-0823.
Richard David Moeller, Jr.
Real estate broker and amateur golfer has died. He was 52. Rick, an avid golfer since age four, died on March 26, 2003. He was born in Providence, RI, the son of Gwendolyn L. Moeller and the late Richard D. Moeller. He lived in the Bay Area all of his adult life. He is survived by his beloved daughter, Katherine Claire Moeller and his sisters, Sandra Peterson, Charlotte Vaughan, and Pamela Copeland. Memorial gifts may be made to the Nature Conservancy, 201 Mission Street, 4th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105. Rick will be remembered for his endless energy and enthusiasm for life; his spontaneous sense of humor, kindness of heart, and generous spirit. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends, and everyone whose life he touched. “Hit ‘em stiff and God bless.”
Benjamin Ward White, 1921- 2003
Benjamin W. White, 82, passed away suddenly March 28, 2003 at his home in Davis, California. Born and raised in New York and Maryland, he graduated from Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania. After serving in the U.S. Army during WWII, he received his Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Michigan where he met his late wife Martha. He worked at MIT in the '50's and '60's, and then moved with his family to Tiburon, California in 1967. Ben spent the remainder of his career as a Psychology Professor at San Francisco State University. Since February of 2000 he lived at the University Retirement Community at Davis. Ben White will be remembered for his intelligence, his kindness and compassion, as well as his dry sense of humor. He was an active member of the Society of Friends, and involved with several volunteer groups. He is survived by his son Chris White, his daughter Stacey White, his daughter-in-law Diane Heininger, his daughter-in-law Kirsten Street, and his best friend Dorsey Tweedie. He touched many lives, and we miss him very much. A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, April 8th at 2 PM in the University Retirement Community's auditorium, 1515 Shasta Drive, Davis, California 95616.
Charles "Bill" William Kopf, A Resident of Corte Madera
Passed away peacefully, at home, Friday, March 28, 2003. He was a navigator in the 15th Army Air Force during WWII and he remained a navigator, as a reservist, with the Military Air Transport Service at Travis AFB. He was a Lt. Colonel. Born in Bisbee, AZ he received his engineering degree from the University of Arizona. After being a manufacturers representative he, along with a partner, formed their own manufacturing company in Southern California, which is still in business today. He loved to hike, read, and swim. He was a member of the Marin Rod & Gun Club, the Buzzin Boots Square Dance Club, and the American Legion Post 313. He is survived by his wife Bertha of 51 years, and two sons Michael and Ronald. A Memorial Service will be held at American Legion Post 313 in Larkspur on Saturday, April 5, 2003 at 1:00 p.m.
Bradford T. Neff
Age 51, born and raised in San Francisco died accidentally on March 25, 2003. He is survived by his loving wife Catrina, his children Nicholas and Mimi, loving mother Kathleen Neff; sister Tine; brothers Mike and Louie; mother-in-law Ellen Young; father-in-law Bill Young; mother-in-law Loretta Young; brother-in-law Scott Young and many loving nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father Louis, Sr.; and his brother-in-law Craig Young. Bradford had a zest for life, an incredible sense of humor and wonderful wit. He lived a life of integrity and Brad's love of his family was genuine and reciprocal -- a joy to behold. Bradford was very devoted to his family, their activities and their happiness. Bradford was an upstanding member of the Walnut Creek community, especially dedicated to youth sports. He was a respected and dedicated coach and manager of Nicky's baseball and Mimi's softball teams. He will be missed by many. A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2003 at 1:00 p.m. at St. John Vianney's Church, 1650 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek, CA. A reception will be held immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Neff Children's Fund, c/o Tine Hardy Vernor, 18 Franciscan Ct., Danville, CA 94526.
Carsten P. Rabehl
Died in San Francisco, Monday, March 24, 2003. Born in Grand Forks, ND, he graduated from Novato High School in 1971. He received a BA in Liberal Arts from Mankato State University, Mankato, MN in 1992. He is survived by his wife, Zifen Rabehl; daughter, Kiersten Jade Rabehl; stepdaughter, Annie Chen all of Benicia; his mother, Beverly Rabehl; brother, Richard Rabehl of Sonoma; and sister, Mimi Pallas of Petaluma. He was 49 years old. Friends are invited to attend Funeral Services, Wednesday, April 2, 2003 at 1:00 p.m. at ADOBE CREEK FUNERAL HOME, 331 Lakeville Street, Petaluma. CHEDA & LYONS- 707-789-9000
Robert Avery Whitney
Died peacefully Sunday March 30, 2003 at his home of four years in Corte Madera, California. Born in Buffalo, NY in 1912, he resided in West Orange, NJ, New York City, NY and London, England. He was a management consultant to over 300 firms, publisher and author of the Instant Manager. He was Founder and Director of the First International Distribution Congress in Milan, Italy 1956, which directly led to the founding of the European Common Market created by the Treaty of Rome, 1957. He will be sorely missed by all those whose lives he touched. He was energetic and enthusiastic about life, a religious man who sought to share his observations, innovations and ideas with those around him. He is survived by his wife Marie Therese Whitney-Thone, children Grace Ann, Marguerite, Barbara Griffith, Robert Avery, John David and Virginia Bradley. Services will not be held. At the family's request, and in lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Hospice of Marin, 150 Nellen Avenue, Corte Madera, CA 94925.
