Search for celebrities on Ancestry.com!Janet Sawyer
Age 67, passed away July 8, 2003 at Marin General Hospital from complications resulting from a fall. A sixth generation San Franciscan by birth, Janet moved to Belvedere at the age of four. She attended kindergarten in the attic of her Golden Gate Avenue home, which was Belvedere's first kindergarten. She attended high school at Katherine Delmar Burke's High School in San Francisco where she was an avid tennis player. As a junior in high school, Janet was a passionate volunteer for presidential candidate, Adlai Stevenson. On the day he lost the election, in November of 1952, Janet was stricken with Polio. She lived the rest of her full and active life confined to a wheel chair yet pursued many and varied interests which included quilting and embroidery. In 1983, Janet survived additional complications from Post Polio Syndrome and established the Marin Post Polio Support Group. Ms. Sawyer also helped establish the Marin Center For Independent Living and served on the board of directors. She had been honored as 'Volunteer of the Year' by the Volunteer Bureau of Marin, and was featured on the cable production, 'On the Move'. Janet, along with Lynn Montoya, built Laurel Designs, a mail order company specializing in designing and selling clothing and accessories for the physically challenged. Most recently, Janet and Lynn shifted their focus to Yachtdog.com, a line of pet merchandise with a nautical theme. Janet was known for her bright smile, warmhearted, amiable personality and inner strength. Ms. Sawyer is survived by her sister, Pamela Sawyer of Oakland, two brothers, Christopher Sawyer of Carmel Valley and Timothy Sawyer of Cambridge, Massachusetts, as well as three nieces, three nephews and her assistant and companion of thirty years, Lynn Montoya. Donations in her memory may be made to the Marin Center For Independent Living or the Charity of your Choice.
Wanda Wave Boero
Died on July 12, 2003 surrounded by family, after an extended illness. A longtime San Anselmo resident. Wanda is survived by husband Dr. Edward Boero; sons Dr. Gary, Dr. Roger and Dr. Mark Boero; daughters-in-law Boo, Emagene and Jo Boero; grandchildren Mollie Boero, Sally Boero, Sophie Kurnik, Amy Harmon, and Christy Boero; and four great-grandchildren. Wanda also leaves behind sisters Joanne Snapp of Grass Valley and Lois Lee Scronce of Merrill, OR. Wanda was born July 30, 1913 to Lewis and Edith Kandra of Merrill, OR. She was the second of nine children. After graduating from high school at 16, Wanda came to San Francisco for nurses' training at Saint Francis Hospital. She placed first in California on the state nursing exam upon graduating. Wanda marriage Dr. Edward Boero, a dentist, in 1938. The couple moved to Sleepy Hollow in 1945 where they raised three sons among horses, dogs and a menagerie of pets. The three sons also became dentists like their father. Wanda was known as generous, tough, intelligent and straight-talking. She volunteered for 50 years for the Sunny Hills Bargain Box. She was a very prolific and artistic crafts person whose hands were always busy creating things, from hand-tooled leather saddles to wood carvings, to tents to braided wool rugs to doll houses to teddy bears. She cultivated an extensive garden and grew fruits and vegetables served at family dinners. Wanda was an avid horsewoman in her younger years, riding with the group Mounted Maidens of Marvelous Marin. She also took horseback packing trips in the Sierra. She was always ready for a journey. She traveled widely in the U.S. and abroad to Europe, China and Australia. Wanda had a sense of humor, and was extremely hardworking and productive her whole life. She was devoted to the activities of her sons and grandchildren, and had the magical ability to make holidays and every occasion special for kids. She will be deeply missed. A Memorial will be held at the home of Mark and Jo Boero on Saturday, July 26, 2003 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. Contact Mark, Gary or Roger to RSVP. Donations in Wanda's memory may be made to Sunny Hills Childrens Services, 300 Sunny Hills Drive, San Anselmo, CA, 94960 or to your favorite charity.
Peter Harris-Kunz
Passed away at home on June 10, 2003. Born July 19, 1949 in Cambridge MA, raised in New Mexico, and a Marin County resident for over 20 years. An Award-winning poet, he was a recipient of the 1997 Marin Arts Council grant for poetry. Devoted husband of Gillian, loving stepfather of Katherine, he is also survived by his parents Kaiser and Ruth Kunz of Las Cruces, NM, brother Kevin and sister-in-law Barbara Kunz of Albuquerque, NM, and a niece and nephews. Donations in Peter's memory may be made to: The Peter Harris-Kunz Scholarship Fund, The Foundation, English Department, New Mexico State University, P.O. Box 3590, Las Cruces, NM 88003-3590.
Donald Lee
Died peacefully at the age of 86 on July 15, 2003. He was born in San Francisco on October 2, 1916 and moved to San Rafael in 1920. He attended E Street Elementary and San Rafael High School. He graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1938. He was a Captain in the Signal Corps stationed in London during World War II. Donald owned and operated Lee's Radio and Television Repair for more than 50 years. He is survived by his brother, Stanley, of Manteca, five nieces and nephews and six grandnieces and grandnephews. Services will be private.
David Thomas McCue
CORRECTION: In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in Dave's memory to the Leukemia Research Foundation, 820 Davis Street, Suite 420, Evanston, Illinois 60201, 888-558-5385.
Nina Roy
Longtime Sausalito resident, Nina Roy, passed away unexpectedly on July 15, 2003 in Santa Rosa, CA. Born in Indiana, Nina had lived in Marin County for the past 40 years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Roy who died in 1996. Both the Roys were filled with a sense of community service and were actively involved in many aspects of Sausalito. Nina had recently moved to a retirement complex, thoughtfully chosen because it allowed her to bring along her adored miniature dachshund, Hedy Though her first commitment was always to the Sausalito Woman's Club where she was a past president, Nina was a regular volunteer at the local Visitor's Center and at the Library. She was current president of the Sausalito Salvage Shop. To her many dear friends, Nina was that wondrous mix of ethereal beauty and classic elegance matched with a quiet, inner spiritual quality which made her special to know and love. Her graciousness and goodness will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of her company, and most especially by those worked with her. She is survived locally by her stepsons, Raymond and Kevin Roy, step-granddaughter Elizabeth Roy and sister Vera Lempio. Out-of-state family includes sisters Fannie Querry, Jane Davis and Martha Banasiewicz, a brother Robert Hawk, and numerous nephews and nieces throughout the country. Donations may be made to: Sausalito Woman's Club Scholarship or Preservation Society Funds; Marin Humane Society; Sausalito Rotary Scholarship. Arrangements were handled by the Santa Rosa Neptune Society. Friends are invited to attend a Remembrance Gathering on Sunday, July 20th from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Sausalito Woman's Club.
Loredana Gandolfi Saket
Age 55, died in San Rafael Monday, July 14, 2003 after a brave battle of three years with cancer. A devoted English and French teacher in Amman, Jordan for 30 years, Loredana has inspired generations of children and adults. Her unwavering effort to instill in all around her the skill of observation and equipping one's self with the knowledge to make educated decisions will always be remembered. Loredana spent her last few years in San Rafael volunteering in high schools and the Marin Peace and Justice Coalition. Loredana is survived by her loving husband Baha, and her loving daughter and sons Amanda, Malek and Nidal. She is also survived by her mother Nina Gandolfi, her two sisters Graziana and Gloria and her nieces and nephews. Loredana will be greatly missed by her family and many friends in Jordan and the USA. Loredana will be included in the Prayers of the Faithful during Saturday Mass at St. Raphael Church in San Rafael and Sunday Mass at St. Sebastian Church in Greenbrae. Family services and Burial will take place in Jordan. KEATON'S MORTUARY 1022 E Street, San Rafael (415) 453-0571
Robert Skiles
September 18, 1925 - July 8, 2003
Age 77, native of Indianapolis, IN, died at home with his beloved wife at his side in San Ramon, where he resided for the past 18 years. Robert graduated from North Hollywood High in 1944, then he went on to receive his Bachelor's Degree of Science from USC University of Southern CA. Robert served proudly in the US Navy during WWII. He retired from Marketing and Advertising. Robert is survived by his loving family, wife of 29 years, Mary Skiles of San Ramon, daughters, Kim Jefferis of Los Osos and Terri DeSalles of Rancho Murieta, and one cherished grandson, Christopher Williams of La Jolla. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Skiles and Jeanette Fitzgibbons Skiles. Private family services will be held. Donations to Heartland Hospice Services, Inc., 1070 Concord Avenue #270, Concord, CA 94520. Arrangements by Graham-Hitch Mortuary, 4167 First Street, Pleasanton, CA 94566 (925) 846-5624.
Rafael G. Dufficy, Jr., M.D.
Passed away peacefully with his family present on July 14, 2003 at the age of 85. He is survived by Helen, his wife of 64 years; his children, Daniel, Rafael G. III, Robert, Kathleen Conroy, Meg Kang; his sisters, Nancy Fewell and Patricia Byrne; eleven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Raphael's Church. Reception following at the San Rafael Elks Club. Memorial gifts can be made to a charity of choice.
Henry A. Greer
Age 69, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home on July 14, 2003. He was born in San Francisco on August 12, 1933 and attended St. Boniface Grammar School and St. Ignatius High School. After serving in the U.S. Army, he attended San Francisco State University and received his accounting degree in 1959. For the past 26 years he has practiced as a CPA in both Tahoe City and Corte Madera. He also lectured at the graduate school of taxation at Golden Gate University. Henry was fluent in German and Latin. He enjoyed gardening, woodworking and spending time with his family. He leaves behind his wife of 46 years, Ann, his five children, Johanna, Philip, Erich, Matthew and Ellen and his grandchildren, David, Jessica, Amanda, Radley, Ian, Jack, Eli and Anna. Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass on Saturday, July 26th at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick's Church, Magnolia Avenue and King Street, Larkspur, CA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Marin, 150 Nellen Avenue, Corte Madera, CA 94925 or to the American Cancer Society.
Pastor Harold 'Swede' Johnson
Services will be on Friday for Pastor Harold 'Swede' Johnson who passed away in Santa Cruz on July 14, 2003. Born in Tacoma, Washington, he was 79 years old. He was the former pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in Mill Valley from 1961 to 1968. His ministry spanned over 56 years. Pastor Johnson was instrumental in founding both the Good Shepherd Fund and Lutheran Care for the Aging. He leaves his beloved wife of 56 years, Maxine Johnson of Santa Cruz; son and daughter in law, David and Gina Johnson of Novato; daughter and son in law, Susan and David Corso of Santa Cruz; daughter in law Frances Johnson of Scotts Valley and eight loving grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Captain Stephen Johnson in 1977. Services will be on Friday, July 18, at Messiah Lutheran Church (801 High Street) in Santa Cruz, beginning at 11 a.m. Arrangements are under the direction of Benito and Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel. Remembrances are preferred to Messiah Lutheran Church, OR: The Good Shepherd Fund, 1641 N. First Street Suite 102 San Jose, Ca., 95112.
Marc Dominic Oldham
Marc Oldham was tragically killed at the young age of 37, while on a camping trip to his beloved Buck's Lake. Marc is survived by his devoted parents Barry and Rita Oldham of San Anselmo; his loving brother and best friend Adrian; sister-in-law Vickie; young adoring nephews Cameron, Tanner, Parker, Mason and Logan; dear uncles Fran (Marlene) Rowley, David (Jerrine) Rowley, and Derek (Maureen) Oldham. Marc was educated at Short School, Dixie, Hidden Valley, Redhill, and Drake High School, class of 1984. He joined his uncle David at Rowley Performance Marketing where he became a marketing account rep. Subsequently he became the manager of the family business, the very British Mayflower Pub and Grill in San Rafael. His next career change came three years ago when he joined the American Tasting Institute in SF, where he became their national VP in charge of sales and marketing. He had great success there, increasing their sales dramatically. He was a typical Marin County product. He played Little League Baseball and soccer, which he later coached in San Anselmo. He loved boating, both on the bay out of Sausalito, where he kept his boat docked, and also at Buck's Lake. He loved the outdoors, hiked the water district and golfed at San Geronimo. Everyone he met became his friend, whether they were 9 or 90 years old. The world is a sadder place for his passing. Friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass Saturday, July 19, 2003 at 12:30 PM at St. Rita's Catholic Church, in Fairfax, CA. A Vigil Service will be held Friday, July 18, 2003 at 7:00 PM at St. Rita's. Visitation will begin at 6:00 PM at the church. Inurnment is private. Monte's Chapel of the Hills Family Owned and Operated San Anselmo - 415-453-8440
Susan Lee Warden
Died peacefully at age 50 in Napa on July 11, 2003 surrounded by family and friends, after a seven month battle with cancer. She was born in Rochester, New York on August 19, 1952 and was the loving mother of Robin, Cara and Holly Warden, all of Sacramento. Susan was a registered nurse, who received her B.S.R.N degree from Sacramento State University. She is survived by her devoted sisters and brothers, Linda Mitcham, Chrysoula Uicker, Elena Garton, Richard Parnell and Dr. Andrew Patrinellis. Her mother is Dorothy Voland of Auburn. Her father is Charles Patrinellis, and her stepmother is Antiopi Patrinellis, of Lucas Valley. A Memorial Service celebrating her life will be held July 18, 5 p.m. at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, on Church Street, near Highway 49 and Cold Springs Road, Marshall Gold Discovery State Park, Coloma, CA. Flowers may be ordered through Cool Florist, 530-885-7035, or donations may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Foundation.
Elizabeth Morse Wiley
Elizabeth Morse Wiley was born in Brooks County, Georgia, November 1, 1912. The family moved to Plant City Florida in 1917. Her first job at the age of 14 was driving and delivering milk from her mother's four Jersey cows. During the 1930's Elizabeth earned her teaching certificate at Florida Southern College in Lakeland and did social work in Plant City. The lessons of the Great Depression were never lost on her; she believed in thriftiness, a roll up your sleeves -- do it yourself attitude and an upbeat dedication to helping others. Elizabeth began her career as a teacher in the rural community of Arcadia, Florida. She was a popular teacher for generations of fifth grade students, while also managing the school library and music program. Her love of singing also found expression in the alto section of the Episcopalian church choir. A great nature enthusiast, Elizabeth led a Girl Scout troop for many years in Florida. In 1940 she marriage Jack Whitnall and in 1955 gave birth to her daughter, Mary Frances. Following Jack's death in 1970, she retired after 35 years of teaching and marriage again to Richard Wiley, a high school friend. They moved to the Gulf Coast and became active members of the Florida Auxiliary Coast Guard. While not at sea, they crisscrossed the United States in their motor home with the Holiday Ramblers. Widowed again in 1987, she moved to Mill Valley to join her daughter and three grandchildren. She discovered a new life when she moved into The Redwoods Retirement Community. Always a passionate seamstress, Elizabeth found her niche sewing and mending for her neighbors at The Redwoods. She rediscovered choral singing and was a faithful member of The Redwoods choir, pursued watercolor classes, and was noted for her vivacious sense of humor and original fashion sense. Elizabeth was a member of the Outdoor Art Club and Church of Our Savior in Mill Valley. Her motto was: "The secret to happiness is making other people happy." During her final months she moved into the Mill Valley home of her daughter; on May 2, 2003 she died peacefully surrounded by her family. She is survived by her daughter Mary Frances Whitnall and three grandchildren, Mallory, Jack and Henry Moser. A Memorial Service will be held at The Redwoods in Mill Valley on Saturday, July 26th at 2 p.m. Memorial gifts in her name may be made to The Redwoods.
