Search for celebrities on Ancestry.com!Sara Ann Liftchild
Memorial services for Sara Ann Liftchild, 69, are pending. She died August 1, 2003 at her Citrus Heights residence. Born in 1934 to Spencer and Mildred Liftchild, she grew up in Oakland and spent her summers in Healdsburg on the Russian River. She graduated from Anne Arundel Community College in Maryland with an A.A. degree in multimedia. She marriage William E. Dorffi, a career military officer in 1955. During their years together, Ms. Liftchild raised their three daughters and was active with the Officers' Wives Club. During the 1980s, she established a medical supply software company in Marin County. In 1994, she retired as officer manager from San Francisco Ambulance. Ms. Liftchild was an active member of the Red Hat Society and was very involved with the Lakeview Village Mobile Home Park Ladies Club as well as their bridge and book clubs. She was also an active volunteer with the Citrus Heights Women's Center. Prior to moving to the area, she was active with the Santa Rosa Miniature Society, serving as President. Ms. Liftchild loved collecting miniatures and doll houses, decorating, traveling and scrapbooking. She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law: Roxanne and Bruce O'Moore of Roseville, Lynne Dorffi of Lancaster and Christina and Jerry Charbonnau of Carmichael. Ms. Liftchild is also survived by her two granddaughters, 11-year-old Chelsea, whose initials are C.E.O. at her grandmother's insistence; and eight-year-old Kelly, who has adopted her grandmother's Bichon Frise puppy named "Chuck." She is buried next to her parents, longtime Folsom residents Spencer and Mildred Liftchild, at Mt. Vernon Memorial Park. Memorial contributions can be sent to the Citrus Heights Women's Center, 7205A Auburn Boulevard, Citrus Heights 95610.
Alex Dean Mauroni
Passed away August 12th, 2003 in Napa. Son of Merl and Adele Mauroni of Sonoma, Father of Bryan Dean and Alexis Deanna Mauroni of Novato, Brother of David Bryan Mauroni of Novato. A painter, Tape and Textured for several years. A graduate of North Marin High School. A three year resident of Sonoma and Native of Marin, age 46 years. A Celebration of his Life will be held at 1:00 PM on Sunday, August 24th, 2003 at the Del Rio Club House at DeAnza Moon Valley Mobile Home Park, 5th Street West, Sonoma. Private Inurnment-Sonoma. Duggan's Mission Chapel Mission Cremation Service 525 West Napa St. Sonoma 707-996-3655
Zoila E. Haugen
Our dearly beloved Zoila Esperanza Haugen died Monday, August 11, 2003, after a 14-year battle with Lymphoma. Born October 23, 1920 in Nicaragua, Zoila was raised in El Salvador, Central America with four brothers and four sisters. She was the eighth child of Fernando Cornejo, Attorney, and his wife Zoila Flor Medal. During World War II, Zoila Esperanza emigrated with her daughter, Melania to San Francisco, a city she never wanted to leave. For 47 years she lived in the Sunset District with her husband Carl H. Haugen, who preceded her in death (1906-1991). A loving wife and mother, a source of beauty, love, strength and encouragement, we will cherish her always. Zoila leaves a daughter, Melania Barry, a granddaughter Carolyn Matthews (Washburn), a great-grandson Gregory H. Matthews, cherished sister Christina Mataragas and family, S.S.F., her husband's sisters Myrtle Haugen of Washington, Ruth Ellingson of North Dakota, youngest sister Yolanda Bonilla and family of El Salvador, The Harold Antonini family of S.F., as well as adored cousins, nieces and nephews in Oregon, Massachusetts, Florida, Mexico and Central America. May God Bless and keep you safe and without fear. Michael Rocks, Pastor of Bethel Baptist Church, Novato will speak at the Memorial Service, 1p.m. Friday August 15, 2003 at Duggan's Serra Mortuary, 500 Westlake Ave. Daly City CA 94014 Viewing Thursday 4:00-9:00 p.m.
Paul Francis Lindquist
Passed away Saturday, August 9, 2003 at Novato Community Hospital due to complications of a stroke. He was 54. A native of Milwaukee Wisconsin, Paul had also spent time in San Diego and Denver. Paul attended Catholic Schools thru his first year in college, which he left to become a baker. He loved to travel and spent time in many cities baking and then moving on. He is survived by his parents, John and Lois Lindquist of Novato, seven sisters and three brothers in various parts of the country. Friends and family are invited to attend a Service on Saturday, August 16, 2003 at 10am at Keaton's Redwood Chapel, 1801 Novato Blvd., Novato. Burial will be private. Keaton's Redwood Chapel 415-897-1151
Charlotte E. (Dal Bon) Costes
Charlotte E. Costes passed away peacefully at the age of 86 on August 9, 2003 at the Rafael Convalescent Hospital. Charlotte, born to Rose and Carlo Cornejo in LaPaz, Mexico in 1918, moved to San Francisco at the age of seven. She graduated from Poly Technic High School. Husband, Andy Costes, a French immigrant of San Francisco, whom she met at a San Francisco Tea Dance in 1938, preceded her in death. Her love of dancing led her to meet and marry Leo Dal Bon of San Francisco when they met at a Sons of Italy dance in San Francisco. They resided in Sonoma until 1996 when he preceded her in death. Charlotte was a fun loving person with a twinkle in her eye. She enjoyed dancing, swimming, and being with her family and friends. She leaves two sons, Gilbert Costes of San Francisco, Rich Costes and daughter-in-law, Trudy Costes, of Novato, two grandsons, Jason Costes of Manhattan Beach and Rick (Beverly) Costes of Los Angeles. She will be missed in our hearts and always remembered. Donations in Charlotte's memory may be made to the Rafael Convalescent Home, 234 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 16, 2003 at Keaton's Mortuary, 1022 E Street, San Rafael, 453-0571. KEATON MORTUARY 1022 E Street, San Rafael 415-453-0571
Lauren Norman Elkin Jr.
Lauren Norman Elkin Jr. was laid to rest beside his beloved wife Jean on July 18, 2003 at Bahia Memorial Park. He peacefully slipped away into God's hands on July 14, 2003 at his home in Novato, California. His departure was unexpected and he is being tremendously missed by the loved ones he left behind: son Lauren Elkin III and his wife Claudia, grandsons Michael and Lauren Elkin IV, daughter Linda Elkin, brother Lee Scoggins, niece Corrine Church, great nephew Robert Stansfield, and his two cats TC and Izzie. Lauren Elkin Jr. was born in Phoenix, Arizona on August 17, 1920. Early in his life he found himself shuttled among relatives. This experience made him vow that his family and friends would always have a place to belong. Lauren grew up in the Imperial Valley of California and graduated from Brawley High. His father's photo studio gave him the opportunity to see various movie sets where he developed his phenomenal memory for stars of that time. He became a living history book to all who knew him. In 1939 Lauren joined the Army Air Corp. With the advent of WWII, he found himself opening new bases in California for Hudson bombers. He was later assigned to the 3rd Air Division in England. He received the Legion of Merit for his work there. He retired from the Air force after 21 years of service. Lauren marriage his wife Jean on June 2, 1946 and enjoyed 55 loving years with her. The reason for their successful union was due largely to the fact that neither one of them could ever do enough for the other. They were often thought of as one by their church because of the support they gave each other. Together they started a military food brokerage in 1960 called L.J. Elkin, which is still in existence today. Lauren still was active in the company up until his passing. Life was not all work for Lauren. The Air force introduced him to the vastness of the world and he made sure that both he and Jean explored the majority of it. Wherever they went, they made lasting friendships. Lauren loved his role as dad, grandfather, mentor and friend. He was an active supporter of his son's Boy Scout Troop 56. He was endlessly building cages or carting animals for his daughter's 4-H projects. He willingly took on a foreign exchange student of his own. His home was always open to those who had no place else to go. He enjoyed watching his grandsons play soccer or participating in their school's grandparents' day. He loved entertaining both family and friends at Lake Berryessa. He was a member of Hamilton Masonic Lodge and an avid supporter of Novato Assembly International Order of the Rainbow for Girls. He supported a range of nonprofit organizations in fund raising activities. If there were a need, Lauren would be there. He was responsible for the University training of his children and his grandsons. Lately it has come to light that there were many more individuals who were able to further their education because of his kind heart and generous way. His final achievement is a stained glass window in memory of his beloved Jean to be dedicated at St. Francis Episcopal Church in Novato on August 17, 2003, which would have been Lauren's 83rd birthday. Lauren was a very special man who managed to touch the hearts of all he met. His gift for caring was felt by all who knew him. He achieved numerous awards in his lifetime but that was never his real purpose. His goal in life was to give others the opportunity to live the dream. His smile, his unforgettable laugh, his compassion as well as his unending ability to give encouragement were the trademarks of his life. He indeed was a wonderful man. Not only was he a great role model, but also a wonderful father, grandfather, friend and more simply put a real hero. Lauren Norman Elkin Jr. was a man among men -- one of a vanishing breed.
Donald J. Lord
Beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Born April 13, 1917, passed away peacefully after a short illness in Vancouver, British Columbia on August 6, 2003. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 14 years, Theda, a daughter Linda, son-in-law Marc, granddaughter Heidi, grandson Courtney, and great granddaughters, Cassidy and Sophie, and many many friends. Donald J. was born in San Francisco and raised in Corte Madera by two doting aunts. He enlisted in the Army Air Corp in 1942 and was discharged in 1968 as Lt. Col. Donald J. during his 26 years of service was stationed at Polebrook Air Base in Peterborough, England where he flew his first mission on D-Day from where he flew 35 combat missions in 96 days. After WWII he was stationed in England at RAF bases where he still has many friends. He then was in Newfoundland and ended his career at the Pentagon. He was awarded the distinguished flying cross, the Air Force Commendation medal and five air medals and many others. He was a member of the distinguished Fly Cross Society, the Daedalians, the American Air Museum in Britain, charter member of the National WWII Memorial, the Royal Air Force Club, and the Carmichael Elks. A member of Our Lady of Assumption Church. Friends are invited to visitation on Thursday, August 14th at 11:00 AM and to attend the Funeral Services on Friday, August 15, 2003 at 2:00 PM at East Lawn Mortuary, 5757 Greenback Lane, Sacramento. In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to Cancer and Heart Research at Sutter Foundation, American Diabetes Assoc., Parkinson's Research of Sacramento, Blind and Deaf Society or the Alzheimer's Society of Northern California.
Leon Morgenstern
Age 80, died August 6, 2003 at his Marinwood home of forty years, having been attended by his loving daughters and Hospice of Marin. Born an only child in Newark, New Jersey, Mr. Morgenstern was guided by the example of his parents, from whom, he once wrote, he learned "how to be happy." He studied at the Vesper George School of Art in Boston, The Pratt Institute, and Syracuse University before earning his MFA at the University of Illinois. He then was awarded a Fullbright scholarship, which he spent studying drawing and painting at L'Ecole Superieure des Beaux Arts in Paris. He returned to the United States to teach crafts at the California School for the Blind in Berkeley, settling in the Bay Area with his first wife Hazel, who predeceased him in 1968. Mr. Morgenstern's year of study abroad had initiated a lifelong passion for travel, and he left teaching to work in the travel industry, operating the Bon Voyage Travel Agency of San Francisco for many years. He was able to combine his love of travel with his work as an artist. He was increasingly interested in photography, with a particular interest in black and white, large-format prints. This interest led him to study with Ansel Adams, among others, and his work is now in the permanent collection of the International Center of Photography in New York. In his retirement years, he continued to follow his passions: cooking and dining out, painting, spending hours in his darkroom, listening to music, taking numerous trips abroad, and playing golf. His own fervor for wordplay and humor did not diminish, nor did his commitment to pursuing his own pleasures. "In the long run," he wrote recently, "the only thing that really matters is love." He is survived by his daughters Suzanne Helfman of Fremont and Marjorie Morgenstern of Novato; his grandchildren Molly Helfman of Naples, FL, and Daniel Helfman of Long Beach; and his longtime companion Bea Slater of San Rafael.
Fred L. Smith
Major Fred L. Smith, US Army retired, died suddenly in Santa Rosa on August 11, 2003, age 82. Loving husband of the late Marion Smith. Devoted father of Janice Mackey and her husband Robert of Rohnert Park, Carol Myer and her husband Jan of Novato, and Philip Smith and his wife Tina of Florida. Loving grandfather of Peter Vachon, Joshua Mackey, Marisa Myer, Kaley Myer, Casey Smith and Melinda Smith. Dear brother of Don Smith and his wife Nettie of Washington. Fred Levern Smith was born on December 23, 1920 at Randlett, Oklahoma, the oldest son of Arthur Lee Smith and Dorothy Nell Bowman Smith. He was raised in Shawnee, Oklahoma graduating from Shawnee High School in 1938 and from San Francisco State University in 1964. He entered the US Army in 1942 and served for 20 years rising through the ranks to the grade of Major. He served in the South Pacific, Korea twice, Vietnam and the Panama Canal Zone, retiring in 1965. He and Marion Virginia Anderson were marriage on December 23, 1950. Marion died in 1993. He lived in Rohnert Park for the last 25 years moving there from Novato. After his retirement from the Army, Fred worked for the Office of Workers Compensation Programs of the US Dept. of Labor 17 years working as Chief of Claims for most of that period. He was a member of the Cross and Crown Lutheran Church, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Retired Officers Assoc., the Vintage Choir of Rohnert Park, the Chancel Choir of Cross and Crown and the Wine Country Troubadours of Rohnert Park. Friends and family are invited to attend a Memorial Service on Friday, August 15, 2003 at 2:00 P.M. at the Cross & Crown Lutheran Church, 5475 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park. In lieu of flowers Fred's wishes were for memorial contributions to be made to The Wine Country Troubadours Barbershop Singers of Rohnert Park, 5479 Daniel Dr., Rohnert Park, 94928. Funds to be used for the work of Harmony Foundation to promote vocal music education in schools and communities. Arrangements made by PARENT-SORENSEN MORTUARY & CREMATORY, Magnolia Ave. & Keokuk St., Petaluma, CA.
Ronald G. Zeise
October 10, 1941 - August 7, 2003
Passed away peacefully at home with his wife, Ginger, and his son, Brett, by his side. Ron had been fighting a courageous battle against a brain tumor for the past 15 months. He faced this challenge in the same fashion he faced other challenges in his life, with determination and resolve. He kept his sense of humor and remained upbeat throughout. Beloved son, husband, father, brother and friend. He is survived and will be greatly missed by his wife, Ginger Zeise; his mother, Millie Zeise; his son, Brett Zeise; two daughters, Anita Murikami and her husband, Brian, and Gerri Lynn Brehm and her husband, Richard; and his two stepsons, Dave and J.D. Smith; his sisters, Linda Arneson, Jeanne Ewy and her husband, John, Carol Jarrick and her partner, Pat Duval, June Braith and her husband, Tim; two brothers, Larry Zeise and his wife, Sabrina, and Mike Zeise and his wife, Deb; his mother-in-law Frances McAvoy, sisters-in-law, Sharon Mosley, Patty Schroyer and Linda Pardini, three brothers-in-law, Norm Pardini, Brad Schroyer and Billy McAvoy; and his grandchildren, Kyle Murikami, Mattie Brehm, Emily Brehm and Jayla Rose Smith; nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and many, many friends. Ron started in the fire service in Pacific Grove, California in 1963. He then went on to become the Fire Chief of Mid Carmel Valley Fire Protection District in 1977 to 1982. He took a brief leave from the fire service in 1982 to go back to college and get his degree. He is a graduate of the University of San Francisco. In 1984 he was hired as the Fire Chief at Salinas Rural Fire District. In 1991, he went to Ross Valley Fire Service in San Anselmo as the Fire Chief and retired from that department in 1999. He attended the Maritime Institute in January of 2000. He completed the required course and obtained his Captain's license. He then became a sailing instructor at Tradewinds Sailing Center. Ron and Ginger sailed their boat "Chief Priority" to Mexico in October 2001 but had to cut their trip short due to his illness. When word got out about his illness he was flooded with letters, phone calls, and visits from the many people whose lives he touched. Ron was a role model, mentor and friend to many. He spent 36 years in the fire service and during that time, he gave many young firefighters something to aspire to. He taught people how to use their opportunities to do and be what they dreamed. Ron will be great missed by those whose lives he touched and were better for it. He was a wonderfully upbeat man with a kind and generous heart. A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, August 18, 10:00 a.m. at San Domenico School, 1500 Butterfield Road, San Anselmo. Call 415-258-4686 for more information. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hospice of your choice. Monte's Chapel of the Hills Family Owned and Operated San Anselmo, CA - 415-453-8440
Sister Linda Marie Buquia
Of Novato, passed away on July 31, 2003 in Greenbrae at age 53 years. She is survived by her mother, Jessie Mae Carney of Sacramento; son, Melvin James Malcolm III of Novato; niece and goddaughter, Vivian Rena Collier of Sacramento; godson, and Eric Moos of Marin City. She also leaves behind two sisters, Maude Ann Joseph (Warren) of Richmond and Kathy Mae Buquia of Marin City; three brothers, George Carney (Rosemary), Ricky Lee Buquia of Marin City, and Jerome D. Carney of Novato; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She was a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Family and friends are invited to attend Funeral Services Thursday, August 14, 2003 at 11 a.m. at First Missionary Baptist Church in Marin City. Interment at Sunrise Memorial Park, Vallejo. Friends may call for Visitation Wednesday evening from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Russell & Gooch Funeral Chapel, Mill Valley. RUSSELL & GOOCH FUNERAL CHAPEL 270 Miller Avenue, Mill Valley 415-388-1573
Jeanne Schnackenberg Cherry
Died July 31, 2003. Widow of Lyman C. (Bud) Cherry and the daughter of Hazel Bard Schnackenberg and Judge Elmer J. Schnackenberg who served on the US Circuit Court of Appeals for the 7th district from his appointment by President Eisenhower in 1954 to his death in 1968. She grew up in Chicago's South Side with five younger brothers. She met Bud at DePauw University in Greencastle, IN where she earned a degree in speech and drama. They lived in Western Springs, IL until 1965 when she and Bud moved to Richmond, VA. They retired to St. Petersburg, FL in 1973. Bud was a jazz trumpet musician and Jeanne an actress who played in many community theater productions. She moved to Greenbrae in 1998 to be closer to her daughter Jill and lived at The Tamalpais. She volunteered for Hospice for many years and was an avid reader. Jeanne is survived by daughters Linda J. Menson and Jill C. Johnson, Jill's husband Richard Noronha of Sausalito; brothers Elmer (Bud), Frank (Rich), George, and Roy. Jeanne's fifth brother, Paul, died in 1992. Jeanne will be fondly remembered by all who knew her for her strong principles, her kindness to others, and her unfailing sense of humor through her last illness and throughout her life.
Luka Marguerite Frazer
Age 87 of Daly City, CA, passed away July 12, 2003. Her ashes will be scattered in a private ceremony on Wednesday, August 13th.
Angelica "Tuti" Plum
Died at home on Saturday, August 9, 2003, in Bel Marin Keys, California. Born in Lima, Peru to Dr. and Mrs. Justo A. Vigil Chopitea. There she graduated from San Marcos University. She taught High School Spanish and adult evening classes for many years. She was a member of two Spanish Clubs, BMK Women's Club and St. Anthony's Catholic Church. Her interests included friendships, home entertaining and shopping. Tuti will be remembered especially for her enthusiasm of life and generosity of heart. She is survived by her husband Richard Plum; daughter Elizabeth Millar; grandson Rick Millar; her sisters Graciela de Rey, Estela Vigil Davila, Elisia (Jose) de la Rosa, and Marcela (Geoff) Thomas; goddaughter Anita Faust; and loved cousins, nieces and nephews. Visitation and Rosary at Keaton's Redwood Chapel of Marin, Wednesday, August 13, 2003 from 3:00 to 7:00 PM. Burial at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery in San Rafael, Thursday, August 14, 2003 at 10:30 AM followed by a Memorial Mass at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 1000 Cambridge Street in Novato, at 11:30 AM. KEATON'S REDWOOD CHAPEL 1801 Novato Blvd., Novato 415-897-1151
