Search for celebrities on Ancestry.com!Florence L. Foster
Of San Rafael was called home on August 23, 2003. She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph; sons Joseph Jr. and Jack; daughter Joanne Grubb; sisters Margaret Rufino, Eleanor Ficken; brother John O'Conner; great-granddaughter Jennifer Grubb. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law Cyndi Foster and numerous grand children; great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Friends are invited to attend the funeral service on Monday, September 1, 2003 at 11:00 at St. Anselm's Catholic Church, Ross, CA. A vigil service will be held on Sunday, August 31, 2003 at 7:00 P.M. at St. Anselm's. Interment Mt. Olivet Cemetery private. Memorial gifts to St. Anselm's Catholic Church, P.O. Box 1061, Ross, CA 94957 preferred. Monte's Chapel of the Hills Family Owned and Operated San Anselmo 453-8440
Irene P. Harmon
Made her peaceful transition at home at age 75 on August 16, 2003. Her survivors include her devoted husband of 50 years, Lt. Col. Arthur C. Harmon, USAF Ret.; stepmother Maggietta N. Prince; brother Arthur W. Prince; children Brett Harmon, Kim Harmon, Claire Harmon-Hones, and Bruce Harmon; grandchildren Ayo Khensu-Ra and Rashida Harmon; and niece Alison Mitchell and nephew Michael Cartwright, who turned to her as a surrogate for their late mother, her sister Margaret Cartwright. Irene will be missed by a large extended family, numerous close friends and colleagues, and many others whose lives she touched. A native Californian, she graduated from UC Berkeley and completed her training as an occupational therapist at USC. She practiced in Marin County, most recently with Senior Access. Throughout her life she pursued volunteer activities and joined social and community groups such as Social Heritage Group, Inc. and Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. A lifelong music lover, she sang with the choir of the United Methodist Church in Novato. Like the melody of a beautiful song, Irene will be forever remembered by those who loved her. A celebration of her life will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, September 13 at Unity in Marin, 600 Palm Drive, Hamilton Center, Novato. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Alzheimer's Association, American Cancer Society, or March of Dimes.
Dr. John W. Hoag
Age 89, passed away at his Matheson Street home on Friday, August 22nd, 2003. A Healdsburg resident of more than 30 years he is survived by his daughter Elizabeth Cleaveland of Healdsburg and son David Hoag of San Francisco as well as his constant companion, his cat Kate. He's also survived by son-in-law John Cleaveland, his two grandchildren Ben Cleaveland of Pt. Richmond and Rachel Riedy of Fairfax, in addition to Julianna, Rees and Ella Rose Cleaveland and Mark Riedy. He also leaves two brothers, Robert Hoag of Burlington, Washington and Howard Hoag of Seattle Born and raised on a farm in Mt. Vernon, Washington, John graduated from the University of California Berkeley and earned his Doctor of Optometry degree from Cal in 1938. That same year he moved with his wife Carla to Mill Valley and opened an optometry practice. There they raised their family and he was active in the civic affairs, the local schools and Rotary. He continued to practice in Mill Valley until the early 1970s when he and Carla moved to Healdsburg. He was initially drawn to Healdsburg by the lure of grape growing and in the 1970s and 1980s was part owner of a Dry Creek vineyard. John fell in love with Healdsburg developing innumerable friendships. He continued to practice optometry until he was 80 after relocating to Healdsburg remaining involved in civic affairs and Rotary; he was a 60 year member or Rotary International. A widower, John's wife Carla passed away in 1998 after almost 60 years of marriage. Fortunately John was able to travel to Skagit County, Washington earlier this summer together with his daughter and son -in-law to spend time with family members and visit old haunts; it was a very memorable, invigorating trip and one that gave him immense pleasure and joy. His sense of humor, caring and engaging personality will be sorely missed by family and his many friends and colleagues. He always had the unique ability to focus on the very best of other people enjoying their company and friendship. A Memorial gathering in John's garden at the family home on Matheson Street is being planned for relations and friends. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to a favorite, deserving charity.
Julia Poppy
Julia Poppy, a writer of stories enriched by engaging characters and pleasing surprises, a late-blooming painter of vivid watercolors, and above all a woman with a genius for friendship and unconditional love, died peacefully at her home in San Anselmo on August 26, 2003 after a courageous 40-month battle with cancer. She was 76. Born Julia Leonard in Atlanta, Georgia, she embodied the classic characteristics of the Southern belle-beauty and grace with a firm touch of privileged confidence-edged with a distinctly Wild West taste for adventure. Known in her teen years as "queen of the dirt track" for her driving exploits, she lived as if she feared nothing. At the age of eight she starred in snake shows that her oldest brother, George Leonard, staged for friends and family. Clad only in underpants, she appeared with a live snake coiled around each arm and one around her neck. George believed that Julia loved snakes as he did until she set him straight 30 years later. They made her skin crawl, she told him, but, she said, "I never refuse a dare." In her mid-teens Julia wanted to sing with a band. George had formed one but it didn't include a vocalist, so she auditioned for the Emory Aces, the top Big Band in Atlanta, won their hearts, and performed with them for several years. At the height of World War II, Julia marriage Robert Gaston before he left for Navy service in the Pacific. After the war she worked as a fashion model for the leading department stores in Atlanta, taking time out for the birth of two of their three sons. The two eventually divorced, and in 1964 she marriage John Poppy, then a senior editor of Look magazine. For their honeymoon she and John packed her children and her mother into her yellow station wagon and drove to Marin County. In 1969 the Poppy family moved to San Anselmo, where Julia became increasingly active in volunteer work, focusing on the San Anselmo Library. In the 1970s she joined a management consulting firm and helped conduct affirmative-action training for clients including the Las Vegas Fire Department, the County of Marin, and Castle & Cooke. In the early 1980s she became one of the first certified instructors in Leonard Energy Training, an extension of the martial art of aikido developed by her brother George. In 1994 she completed her novel GIRL, a lightly fictionalized memoir of youth in pre-World II Atlanta, and then, despite high praise from her agent and editors, chose not to publish it. She wrote a dozen short stories and, starting with chemotherapy in 2000, a collection of poems. In 2003, after spine cancer surgery, she returned to an earlier interest, painting, and created glowing watercolors that are now being adapted for a series of note cards. The essence of Julia's life, though, was not in her careers but in the joy she gave her friends and her family. "She was one of those rare people," a friend wrote, "who is a source of something vital, some mysterious magnetic field, and when you were in it your motor revved up a little." Another wrote the day after her death, "Her vitality and her wit and her delight at the ways of the world and people prompted her to challenge everyone about what mattered: love, creating something, being a good friend, eating well, taking care of people. She was radiant." Julia is survived by her husband, John Poppy; her sons, Robert Gaston, Wesley Gaston, and Randall Poppy; her grandchildren, Beau and April Gaston; and her brothers, George, Edward, and Wesley Leonard. A Memorial Celebration is tentatively scheduled for 2:00 to 4:00 PM on Sunday, September 7, at the Robson-Harrington House, 237 Crescent Road, San Anselmo. Julia asked that any memorial donations be made to the Friends of the San Anselmo Library, 110 Tunstead Avenue, San Anselmo 94960.
Hollis Ellen Shanks Regan
Hollis Ellen Shanks Regan lost her battle with cancer on August 25, 2003 at the age of 48. Hollis was born on August 3, 1955 in Cleveland, Ohio to Charles and Janet Shanks. She was a graduate of Shaker Heights High School. In 1979, she moved to California to be near her mother. She was a beautician for 27 years and a resident of Petaluma for eleven years. She will be missed most by her 13 year old son Harry Martin Regan, her parents Charles and Janet Shanks, brothers Michael and Tommy Shanks, and her sister-in-law Sue Shanks. She was preceded in death by her husband Marty Regan. Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service on Saturday August 30, 2003 at 1:00 PM at the Fairfax Women's Club, 46 Park Road in Fairfax. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in trust to Harry Martin Regan c/o Citibank Acct. # 40018166229. Keaton's Redwood Chapel 1801 Novato Blvd., Novato 415-897-1151.
Wendel Smith
Wendel Smith 51, of Terra Linda, CA, passed away August 22, 2003. Keatons Redwood Chapel, Novato, 415-897-1151.
Jana Arnold Barto
Died July 26, 2003 in Los Angeles of cancer. She is survived by her husband Charles Hoblitzelle of Los Angeles, her parents Carolyn and Philip Barto of Santa Rosa, her brother and sister-in-law Eric and Diane Barto of Cloverdale, her brother and sister-in-law Peter and Lisa Barto of San Anselmo, and their children Madison and Erin Barto. Jana was born February 25, 1955 in San Rafael. She was a graduate of San Rafael High School and the University of California, Berkeley. Jana was a competitive rower at Cal, and stroked the varsity women's crew to many victories. After college, she started the girls' rowing program at the Marin Rowing Association. She later launched the adult women's rowing program there coaching and then rowing with them to win the 1988 Canadian Open Masters Championship Eight, among other victories. Jana moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in writing, and worked for Warner Brothers as an executive assistant on several TV programs. She wrote three produced episodes of Suddenly Susan. Jana was the bond that held together her extended family and friends, and her kindness, generosity and loving spirit will long be remembered. Friends are invited to gather with her family from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, August 30th at Peter and Lisa Barto's home: 69 Oak Knoll Avenue, San Anselmo. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Audubon Canyon Ranch (www.egret.org), Cal Women's Crew (www.calcrew.org) or the Marin Rowing Association (www.marinrowing.org).
Ruth A. Donohue
Beloved mother of December J. Donohue and Barbara Hilkemeyer, died peacefully in her sleep on August 23, 2003, at her home of 20 years, Mortinelli House. Ruth, 86, was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Charles W. Donohue. A Memorial Service will be held at Montinelli House on Friday, August 29th, 2003 at 11:30 AM. Mount Tamalpais Mortuary and Cemetery 2500 Fifth Ave., San Rafael 415-459-2500
Paul Hansen
Born November 7, 1919, passed away on Sunday, August 24, 2003. Paul was a Native of Novato and attended Grant Street School. He was 83 years old. He was marriage to his loving wife Valerie for 62 years. Paul was the son of the late Christian and Agnes Hansen of Novato. He is survived by this brother Niels Hansen of Novato and daughters: Paula Anderson of Santa Rosa, Christina Flynn of Ogden, Utah and Carol Sjoblom of Sebastopol. He had five grandchildren and one great grandchild. Paul served in the 4255th Army Air Corps for four years. He was a truck driver for 40 years and retired in 1979 from Shamrock Materials in San Rafael after 25 years of service. He was a Novato Fireman for three years and a Volunteer Novato Fireman for thirty years. Paul was also a member of the Native Sons of the Golden West, Nicasio Parlor. Memorial contributions are preferred to Hospice of Marin and the Cancer Society. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Dolores W. Heinen Passed away peacefully Tuesday, August 26, 2003 in San Rafael, at age 74. Dolores grew up in Spokane, WN, and moved to San Francisco in 1953, with her husband Jack. She attended Whitworth College in Spokane. While residing in San Francisco she worked many years for Sherman Clay & Co. in the Piano and Organ Department. After moving to San Rafael in 1965 she continued her organ work as an instructor. Dolores loved gardening, boating, as well as her organ work. She will be greatly missed by her loving husband, Jack Heinen, and her many friends. Private Services will be conducted by the Neptune Society. Joan Elizabeth Koppit A native of Minnesota, passed away August 25, 2003 in Novato, CA. She is survived by her beloved husband Daniel, loving sons, Bryan or Rohnert Park, Scott and Brett of Novato; daughter-in-law Sue Koppit, adored grandchildren, Danny and Monica and her brother Thomas Caulfield of Richfield, MN. A Memorial Service will be held at St. Anthony's Church in Novato, CA at 11:00 AM, Friday, August 29, 2003.
Hollis Ellen Shanks Regan
Hollis Ellen Shanks Regan lost her battle with cancer on August 25, 2003 at the age of 48. Hollis was born on August 3, 1955 in Cleveland, Ohio to Charles and Janet Shanks. She was a graduate of Shaker Heights High School. In 1979, she moved to California to be near her mother. She was a beautician for 27 years and a resident of Petaluma for eleven years. She will be missed most by her 13 year old son Harry Martin Regan, her parents Charles and Janet Shanks, brothers Michael and Tommy Shanks, and her sister-in-law Sue Shanks. She was preceded in death by her husband Marty Regan. Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service on Saturday August 30, 2003 at 1:00 PM at the Fairfax Women's Club, 46 Park Road in Fairfax. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in trust to Harry Martin Regan c/o Citibank Acct. # 40018166229. Keaton's Redwood Chapel 1801 Novato Blvd., Novato 415-897-1151.
George Roger Emehiser
George Roger Emehiser died unexpectedly on August 9, 2003 in Novato at the age of 63. George was born in Coeur d' Alene, Idaho on November 3, 1939. He marriage his wife Joyce in 1962 and they moved their young family to Marin County in 1967. George worked for the City of San Rafael for thirty years and retired to Florida with his wife Joyce. He loved plants, especially raising them. George was a true humanitarian, he was very kind to those with great misfortune. He is survived by his loving wife of forty years, Joyce of Titusville, FL; his son, Roger of Novato; his brother, David Emehiser of Santa Rosa; and his sister, Dixie Galvez of Apple Valley, CA. Friends are invited to a graveside service at 2:00 PM on Thursday August 28 at Valley Memorial Park, 650 Bugeia Lane, Novato. Memorial contributions are preferred to your favorite charity. Keaton's Redwood Chapel, 1801 Novato Blvd., Novato 415-897-1151.
Trisha Millerick
Passed away August 22, 2003 in Santa Rosa at age 65. She is survived by her daughter Tamara Limonczenko; grandchildren Dylan and Miranda; brother Michael Chernus; sister Jae Bush; nephew Alex Bush; and mother Bernice Peck. Trisha was preceded in death by her son Michael Millerick. A native Californian, Trisha has been a Marin and Sonoma County resident for many years. Arrangements under the direction of Neptune Society - Santa Rosa.
Frances "Peggy" Morones
Frances "Peggy" Morones went to be with our Lord Tuesday August 19, 2003. She leaves behind a stepson, Rick, two granddaughters, and two great grandsons. Frances "Peggy" touched the lives of many people and will be missed throughout the City of Novato and beyond as she joins her beloved husband Salvador. Memorial Mass to be held Thursday, August 28th, 2003, at 10:30 AM at Our Lady of Loretto Catholic Church, 1806 Novato Blvd., Novato. Keaton's Redwood Chapel 1801 Novato Blvd., Novato 415-897-1151.
Alan Patrick Fredrick Murphy
December 7, 1921 - August 22, 2003
Alan passed away peacefully early Friday morning after a long and courageous battle with prostate cancer and heart disease. He was 81 years old. Alan was born in India, the eldest son of Terrence and Grace Walsh. He joined the British Army as a Trumpeter in the Royal Artillery in 1937. He served in India, The North West Frontier and all over the Middle East. His regiment was part of the British 8th Army and took part in action at El Alamein and Monte Casino. He was proud to serve during WWII under Montgomery. He returned to India in 1945 and was posted to the United Kingdom in 1947 where he met his beloved wife Jean. During a career that spanned almost forty years he served in Hong Kong, Korea, Suez, Cyprus, Germany and Northern Ireland. He was decorated eleven times and was one of few soldiers to be awarded the North West Frontier Medal. Alan retired from the Army in 1976 having attained the rank of Major (Quarter Master). He and Jean retired to Wales in 1976 and lived in a two hundred year old cottage before moving to Novato in 1987 to be near his beloved only daughter and her family. Alan was a keen and gifted sportsman, particularly on the golf course. He proudly wore a tie which is awarded by the Royal and Ancient Golf Society for achieving four "holes in one". He also played field hockey and tennis for the British Army. He is survived by Jean, his devoted wife of fifty five years, daughter Geraldine Lopez, son-in-law Arsenio, granddaughter Jessica and grandson Nick; also by his younger brother Kevin, who lives in Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, UK. His sister Claire preceded him in 1982, she lived in Stockton, Ca. In his own words "He has gone to the big parade ground in the sky". He was a unique character with a great sense of humour and will be sorely missed by his family and many friends both in Britain and his new home, California. A Mass to celebrate the life of Alan will be held on Wednesday August 27th at St. Vincent's Church in Marinwood at 2:00 PM. Following the service, reception will be held at the home of his daughter. Donations in his memory to the charity of your choice. Keaton's Redwood Chapel 1801 Novato Blvd., Novato 415-897-1151
Virginia Archambault Cary
1918-2003
Virginia Cary passed away August 20, 2003 at the Smith Ranch Care Center after a short illness. Virginia is survived by her loving husband, Robert S. Cary, whom she marriage 66 years ago, and by her brother, Gordon Archambault, her sons, Todd and Keith, daughter, Lynn, and their families that include twelve grandchildren and great grandchildren. Virginia was born in San Francisco where she graduated from Miss Hamlin's School and later attended Stanford University. She was a resident of Ross since her marriage in 1937. She enjoyed the study and appraisal of art and antiques in addition to working in her garden, entertaining and traveling. However, her greatest joy was her family. Private services will be held at the Mount Tamalpias Cemetery, 2500 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael.
