Search for celebrities on Ancestry.com!Gregory C. Gocher
September 9, 1951 - June 20, 2003
Died at his home in San Rafael. He is survived by a son, two daughters, a grandson, his mother, and four sisters. Private family services to be held. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Homeward Bound. For information, call 415-427-2114.
Margaret Sellers Miller
Died on June 20, 2003, after a long illness. She is survived by her husband Gerald Miller, her two daughters, Pamela Grossman of San Jose and Paula Miller Maxfield and her husband William of Santa Cruz, her brother Robert George Sellers of San Rafael and her grandchild Savana Maxfield. Margaret graduated from San Rafael High School in 1955, where she was editor of the school paper "The Red and White". She continued her education by graduating from San Jose State University, where she was a member of the Chi Omega Fraternity. She enjoyed spending time with her family and travel. She was 65 years old. Friends are invited to attend the Funeral Service on Wednesday, June 25, 2003 at 7:00 PM at Monte's Chapel of the Hills, 330 Redhill Avenue, San Anselmo, CA. Visitation will be Wednesday at 6:00 PM. A private family Interment will be held on Thursday. Memorial gifts may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, 150 Grand Avenue, Oakland, CA 94612. Monte's Chapel of the Hills Family Owned and Operated San Anselmo - 415-453-8440
Jane Burgin Ennis
Born April 18, 1916 in Memphis, Tennessee, died June 17, 2003. Jane and her older sister, Martha, enjoyed a wonderful childhood in their lush, Southern environment. Younger brother Robert was born to parents Janie Sullivan and Robert Augustus Burgin nine years later, after the family moved to Knoxville. Voted Knoxville's most beautiful baby, Jane grew into a talent and beauty contest winning teen, whose prize of a trip to New York sparked her love of travel. Always the scholar, Jane loved her studies at the University of Tennessee, especially German, Latin, French, English literature, and chemistry. She was the captain of the women's rifle team and was an excellent golfer. Jane's dance card was always filled, but after graduation, a young MIT electrical engineer, Bruce James Ennis, won her heart. Bruce went on to design power plants in his position with Burns and McDonnell in Kansas City. Bruce's father, Frank Ennis, was a friend of Harry Truman. Jane and Bruce had two children, Bruce, Jr. and Elizabeth Jane. Among her many interests, Jane established the youth choir at 2nd Presbyterian Church and did makeup and costumes for church plays. The family vacationed annually around the country, and especially enjoyed the Great Smoky Mountains and Lake of the Ozarks. Jane was a Cub Scout den mother and a Girl Scout leader. A talented oil portrait painter, Jane also painted a mural of the Acropolis in her home, combining her love of Greece and her painting skills. She loved gardening, and grew prize-winning roses. Jane lectured on Greece, and served as president of the Art Study Club of the Nelson Atkins Museum. A dedicated parliamentarian, Jane also presided at the Kansas City Museum of History, and the Browning Society. She was an active member of the DAR. Jane loved classical music, and attended the Beethoven festival in Germany. She toured Japan in cherry blossom season with her daughter Elizabeth, a flight attendant with TWA. Jane was especially proud of her son Bruce, one of the country's most respected lawyers, who argued some thirteen cases before the Supreme Court. She was delighted to become a grandmother with Bruce and Emily's sons, Alexander and Bradley. In later years, Jane lost much of her sight, but still managed to maintain her beautifully furnished home in Kansas City, full of books and wonderful memories. She moved to San Rafael, CA in 2000, and was much admired as a patient, dignified senior in the final phase of her remarkable life. She passed away on June 17, 2003, with Elizabeth at her side. Jane is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Ennis-Thomas and son-in-law James Thomas of Corte Madera, California, daughter-in-law Emily Ennis and grandsons Alexander and Bradley Ennis of Washington, D.C., and brother-in-law Ken Ennis, and nieces, nephews, and step-grandchildren and great granddaughters. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Bruce J. Ennis Foundation, c/o Jenner & Block, 601 Thirteenth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005-3823.
Joseph Francis Carr
In loving memory of Joseph Francis Carr who was born September 8, 1924 in Milwaukee, WI and passed away peacefully in Novato on June 17, 2003 at the age of 78 after a lengthy battle with Alzheimers Disease. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Eva K. Carr; his sons: Thomas Carr and wife Maryanne, Timothy Carr and wife Laurie, and daughters: Terri Nadell and husband Mark; grandchildren: Tamara Doerr, Kimberly Carr, Lindsay, Megan and Christopher Nadell and Jody, Loni and Jacquelyn Carr; great-grandchildren: Jacob and Braden Doerr, Darian Carr and Seth Carr. Mr. Carr served under the command of General Douglas McArthur recapturing the Philippine Islands during WWII. He was an executive at Fireman's Fund Insurance Co. until his retirement after 37 years of service. Joe had a great life and was devoted to his family and friends and he will be deeply missed. The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff at both the Adobe House in Petaluma and Pleasant Care in Novato for the compassion, caring, and love they showed Dad. The family's journey during the last two and a half years would have been unbearable without their love. Friends are invited to visit on Sunday, June 22nd from 12 Noon to 4 p.m. at Keaton's Redwood Chapel, 1801 Novato Blvd., Novato. A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, June 23rd at 11 a.m. also at Keaton's. Burial will follow at Valley Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions preferred to your charity of choice. KEATON'S REDWOOD CHAPEL 415-897-1151
Mildred Violet Kaeppel
Passed away June 18, 2003 in Modesto, CA. She was born December 16, 1915 in Lynn Haven, Florida. She received a B.A. in Music from Newcomb College, Tulane University and a lifetime teaching credential. Mildred was a violinist with the New Orleans Symphony before marrying Al and continued her music throughout her life playing violin with various groups and singing in her husband's church choirs (he was an organist and choir director.) She marriage Alfred Kaeppel, June 8, 1944. They just celebrated their 59th anniversary. They spent most of their marriage life in the Bay Area, living 12 years on Alcatraz Island; then 40 years in Terra Linda, and moving to Modesto a year ago April. She is also survived by her daughter Kathe Poteet of Oakdale, CA. She was a housewife and mother, taking a special interest in helping support the art and music programs in the Dixie School District. She was an active member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority for almost 40 years. In Marin, she was a member of Gamma Beta Master chapter in Novato and joined her daughter's chapter, Laureate Iota Nu when she moved to Modesto a little over a year ago. Mildred was also a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in San Rafael and the St. Anne's Guild. Special remembrances may be made to the National Parkinson's Foundation, Development Department, c/o Dianne Gross, 1501 N.W. 9th Avenue, Miami, FL 33136. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, June 24, 2003 at 2:30 PM at Monte's Chapel of the Hills, 330 Redhill Avenue, San Anselmo, CA. Interment will be private at Mount Tamalpais Cemetery, San Rafael, CA. Monte's Chapel of the Hills Family Owned and Operated San Anselmo - 415-453-8440
Robert R. Moyle
A Memorial for Robert R. Moyle, 87 was held for family and friends at 11 AM on May 31, 2003 at St. Joseph's Cultural Center in Grass Valley, California. Private Inurnment will follow at a later time. Mr. Moyle, who died peacefully in his Grass Valley home on May 22, 2003, was born in 1916 in Orange Cove, California. He grew up in the Sierra Nevada Foothills and San Joaquin Valley, attending schools in Cutler and Orosa. Bob lived through the Depression with his mother Clementine, served in the U.S. Army Artillery, and marriage Geraldine L. Gibson, a former U.S. Navy Wave, in 1945. He worked a variety of jobs including lithography, ship construction, bartending, and finally a 27-year career with P.G.&E. in Northern California. From 1955 to 1976, Bob and Gerry lived and raised their family in Forest Knolls, California, and then retired to Lake of the Pines near Grass Valley in 1976. After the unexpected death of his wife Gerry in 1992, Bob settled near his daughter in Reno, Nevada. He returned to Grass Valley and his beloved Sierra Nevada Foothills only six weeks ago. At various times, Mr. Moyle held membership in the American Legion, Lions Club and the Masonic Order as well as community service such as the Lagunitas School Board. Bob loved traveling with his wife Gerry and was an avid gardener, especially vegetables. He also enjoyed marine and freshwater fishing, woodworking, refinishing old furniture, and puttering and "fixing things" in his shop. Survivors include his daughter Diane Phenix of Grass Valley, California, and his son Phillip Moyle of Spokane, Washington; five grown grandchildren; and four budding great grandchildren. Bob was a loving and devoted husband, a wonderful father, a proud grandfather and great grandfather, and a good friend to many. He will be missed by all who knew him. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of the Foothills, 12399 Nevada City Hwy, Grass Valley, CA; 530-272-5739.
Henry Ng
Died June 13, 2003 in Corte Madera at the age of 79. He was born in Locke, CA. December 20, 1923. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard during WWII. Henry retired from the Merchant Marines in 1989 and was also a fifty year member of the Masters, Mates and Pilots, with the rank of Captain. He attended San Francisco State University and graduated in 1994 with a B.A. in Chinese. Henry is survived by his wife, Haruye Ng; daughter, Wendy Ng and her husband Roger Jue; son, Lester Ng and his wife Yolanda; grandchildren, Justin, Olivia, Natalie and Aidan; sister, Alice Lim; niece, Barbara Quan; nephew, Russell Lim; and his cousins, Florence Luke and Priscilla Hall. Private family services were held at Sunset View Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Berkeley Chinese Community Church Senior Group, 2117 Acton Street, Berkeley, CA 94702. SUNSET VIEW MORTUARY 510-525-5111
Lucille M. Herrera
Entered into rest peacefully with her family beside her on June 17, 2003 at the age of 80. Beloved wife of Alexander M. Herrera for 51 years. Loving mother of Alexander (Sandra) Herrera, David Herrera, Steven (Isabel) Herrera and Maryann (Daniel) McCarthy. Adoring grandmother of Victoria Herrera, Daniel McCarthy, Lauren McCarthy, Adam Herrera, Marina Herrera and Hanna McCarthy. Daughter of Joseph and Mary Clemente and sister of Louise Clemente. Cared for by her loving sister-in-law Yolanda Herrera. She leaves loving nieces, nephews, godchildren and friends. Long time member of the St. Elizabeth's 50+ Club, past-president of the ICA and St. Elizabeth Mother's Club. Friends may visit between 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Sunday, June 22nd, 2003, Garden Chapel, 885 El Camino Real, So. San Francisco, where a Vigil Service will be offered at 4:00 PM. Funeral Mass will be offered at 11:00 AM, Monday, June 23rd, 2003, at St. Elizabeth's Church, 449 Holyoke, San Francisco. Committal Holy Cross Cemetery. Contributions may be made in memory of Lucille M. Herrera to Hospice of Marin, 150 Nellen Avenue, Corte Madera, CA 94925. GARDEN CHAPEL FUNERAL DIRECTORS 650-583-2510
Ardis Peterson
Ardis Peterson died peacefully June 19, 2003 from a sudden and rare blood disease. She was 63. Born and raised in New York by first-generation immigrant parents from Sweden and Germany, Ardis attended Augustana College in Illinois and earned a graduate degree in Psychology from Ohio State University. She marriage college classmate Mike Peterson in 1965. The couple moved to California three years later where Ardis began a long and fulfilling teaching career in Developmental Psychology at Contra Costa College, choosing to continue to teach part time until last year. She was much-loved by both students and colleagues as a great teacher and loyal friend. The Petersons have lived in Larkspur, Novato and San Rafael since Ardis and Mike's arrival in Marin 35 years ago. Ardis leaves very dear friends from all of these places, where her outgoing nature and friendliness touched many lives. Ardis had an inspiring passion for life and was a whirlwind of activity right up to the time of her passing. She loved the outdoors and walking, jogging, cross-country skiing, and gardening. She was a voracious reader and constant patron of the symphony, opera and theater. An avid hiker, she served as a volunteer for the Mount Tamalpais Interpretive Association, and in recent years tutored disadvantaged youth in San Rafael. In her last years she was active with her church altar guild, and took courses in Spanish and Italian. Proud of her Scandinavian heritage, Ardis was fluent in Swedish and Danish, and lead Elderhostel tour groups for seniors in Europe every summer for 20 years. She was a tireless world traveller, taking time often to visit family and friends overseas. Ardis was a compassionate animal lover, dog owner and strong supporter of animal protection. Diagnosed with breast cancer in December 1999, Ardis made many dear new friends through her support group, inspiring them and family with her fighting spirit and brave recovery from the disease. Ardis leaves her husband and three sons Justin, Matthew and Stefan, all deeply grateful for her constant love and support, and forever touched by her enthusiasm for life. A Memorial Service will be held at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Belvedere on Saturday, June 21st at 10:00 a.m. The Petersons ask that in lieu of flowers donations be made to St. Francis Animal Protection Society in Marin, World Vision, the American Cancer Society, or the St. Stephen's Memorial Fund.
Geraldine Frances Riordan
Geraldine Frances Riordan, born to Rodger and Louise Springer in LaVita Colorado on October 21, 1915, died June 17, 2003 in Palm Springs at age 87 She and her mother moved to Arizona when she was about 12. Geraldine then moved to Pasadena, California in 1934 at age 19 where she worked as a nanny/housekeeper to work her way through beauty college. Around 1936, Geraldine opened her first beauty shop in Pasadena with her friend Roberta and stayed in her profession until she retired in 1980. In 1940 she marriage Emmett J. Riordan of San Francisco. They moved to Oregon where their first son Michael (of Palm Springs, CA) was born. Returning to California they settled in Marin County and their second son Robert (of Novato, CA) was born, then their daughter Joan Riordan-Glennon (of Salinas, CA) In 1951 they made their family home in the original Frustuck family home on Valley Road in Fairfax. Her mother Louise joined them in 1952 and until her death in 1969, was a wonderful and positive force in the family. Geraldine remained in the family home for four years following her husband's death in 1993. She then moved to San Rafael where she lived until February, 2003 when she moved to Palm Springs with her son Michael. Geraldine was an avid gardener, was tireless and took great pride in improving her family's home. She was a fabulous cook and loved to give parties. Geraldine also loved working in many mediums and crafts and was a prolific artist. She enjoyed oils, acrylics and ceramics but loved china painting most of all. Geraldine's truest love and passion were her three children. She often reminisced with great joy and bursting pride about life as her children were born, went off to school, college, were marriage and had families of their own. Her love and devotion to her children were absolute and unconditional. Geraldine always said she was also blessed with three beautiful granddaughters, Robin Shaw of Pacific Grove, CA, Michele Riordan-Tuttle of Cotati, CA and Melanie Riordan-Speckman of Cotati, CA. And that God further blessed her with three great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Camille and Ryan. Geraldine was also preceded in death by her beloved brother, Chester Springer of Colorado. Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, June 23th, at Keaton's Mortuary, Novato. Funeral procession from Keaton's at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 24th with services at Valley Memorial Park, Novato. A Celebration of life will follow.
Harold "Hal" Hyde
Hal Hyde passed away at his home on June 14, 2003 as a result of a lengthy battle with pancreatic and liver cancers, but his great spirit will never be forgotten. Hal was born in Lewiston, ME, May 8, 1932, and died in Corte Madera, CA, June 14, 2003. In-between, Hal graduated the University of Maine with a dual degree in English Literature and History, served as a Special Agent in the US Army Counter-Intelligence Corps in Japan and Korea during the Korean War, met the love of his life while stationed in Japan, marriage her upon their return to the States, had a son, returned to school while working full-time as an insurance claims adjuster and earned his law degree from Golden Gate University Law School in 1963. He immediately went into private practice as a criminal and domestic law attorney, and was Senior Partner at Hyde & Young, Attorneys-at-Law, until his retirement in 1980. He was also active as a committee member and Chairman of the local Cub Scout and Boy Scout Troops, and remained a lifelong member of the Bay Area Counter-Intelligence Veterans Club. In addition, Hal was a 32nd Degree Freemason in the York and Scottish Rites as well as a Shriner. He maintained dual memberships with the Ashlar Lodge, ME, and the Fairfax Lodge, CA. He was very proud and happy to be honored this year by his brethren at the Fairfax Lodge upon his 50th anniversary as a Freemason. Hal was a kind, thoughtful, industrious and generous human being who loved his family and friends with great devotion... but had no qualms about playing elaborate practical jokes on them whenever possible. He loved a good party and entertained his friends with style and great humor over the years. He was the life of the party, and will be sorely missed. Among those who will love Hal always are his wife of 47 years, Marilyn Hyde, son Darrell, daughter-in-law Stephanie, grandson Ian, sister Nancy Hyde McNamara, and uncle Bill Robinson in Maine. The family asks that any charitable contributions be made to Hospice of Marin, in thanks for their great care during the last weeks of Hal's life. A Memorial Service will be held at the Fairfax Masonic Lodge, 1122 Magnolia Avenue, Larkspur on Friday, June 27th, 2003 at 4:00 p.m.
Mary Loos
It is with great love and sadness that the family of Mary Loos announces her passing on June 12, 2003, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Mary was a longtime resident of Greenbrae, CA. She earned a Master's degree at Sonoma State University and taught ESL students at the College of Marin. She enjoyed swimming, scuba diving, traveling and spending time with her family. Mary was the loving wife of Dr. Larry Loos, mother of Brad and Mark, mother-in-law of Kim and Lynne, and grandmother of Alexandria. She will be sorely missed. Memorial Services will be held on June 21, 2003, at 2 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church in Mill Valley. Donations may be made to either the American Cancer Society or Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Judith Anne Pagan
Passed away peacefully in the evening of May 3rd, 2003 at Kaiser Hospital in Terra Linda in the company of her brother, Gordon Sebastian, her former husband, Martin Pagan, and her companion, Kenny Mueller, after struggling with many health problems for several months. Judy was born in central Illinois on June 24, 1929, and after graduating from the University of Illinois she moved to San Francisco in 1951. Soon after her arrival she began elementary school teaching in South San Francisco and continued until disabilities forced her to retire in 1973. Despite being plagued by various chronic and acute health problems and having limited financial resources, Judy's exceptional ability to rise above it all enabled her to have an extremely active social life, and there seemed to be no limit to the charm, wit, generosity and love that she shared with her abundance of dear friends. Forgiveness was an intrinsic quality of her character, and she bore no ill will towards anybody. For those who knew Judy, the memories will be greatly appreciated, her humor and laughter deeply missed, and her loss profound felt. She is survived by her younger brother, Rev. Gordon Sebastian and his family of Wilson, North Carolina. A Memorial Service will be held at The Unitarian Church in San Rafael on Sunday, June 22nd, at 2:30 p.m. For information concerning the Memorial please call, Kenny Mueller at 415-479-0611 or 492-1923. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to one's favorite charity organization.
David Smith
Life long resident of Mill Valley, journeyed home on Friday, June 13, 2003 at the age of 84. Born on April 13, 1919 in Lettsworth, Louisiana to Charlie and Oliva McDonald Smith. He came to Marin County after being discharged from the Army in 1942. He was a member of the Carpenter's Contracting Union Local #35 retiring after 52 years of employment. He was a lifelong member of Marin Rod and Gun Club. He leaves in passing his immediate family of three daughters, Ella L. El-Amin of Antioch, California, Diane Dumetz and Carolyn Jeffery of San Francisco; one son-in-law, Paul Dumetz, three grandsons: Paul, Jr., David and Michael Dumetz; four granddaughters: Carrie Jeffery-Williams, Dionne Jeffery, Tina El-Amin and Trena Wilson; grandson-in-law, Jashae Williams; and two great-grandchildren, Alijandra Dumetz and Jashae Williams Jr. He also leaves to mourn four sisters: Ada Williams of Oakland, California, Semena Carter of San Francisco, Charlceana Plott, of Botchelor, Louisiana and Inez Brooks of Batan Rouge, Louisiana; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. As he wished, following cremation his ashes will be scattered at sea.
