March 25, 2016

Eva A. Jeffers, a long-time attorney in Montrose, died Friday, March 25 at the age of 85. A funeral Mass has been set for 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 2 at Holy Redeemer Church, 2411 Montrose Ave. in Montrose.

A graduate of Occidental College in Los Angeles, Eva entered the legal profession as a secretary at a Montrose law firm. She later earned her law degree from Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles, and was an active attorney for the remainder of her life. She and her late husband, Tom Jeffers Jr., were active in the community, hosting numerous events at their La Cañada home for various charities, civic groups and political causes. Eva and Tom also gave generously of their time and legal talent to help those less fortunate in the community.

Eva will be remembered for her wonderful smile, graciousness and sense of humor. She was a friend to all who met her.

Eva is survived by her son Peter Osborne; sister Dorothy Collins; stepson Tom Jeffers III; stepdaughter Nancy Aden; step-granddaughter Mary Lantz; step-great-grandson William Lantz; and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Tom Jeffers Jr.

Directors are CrippenMortuary.com. There will be a memorial tribute on the Crippen site.

Nov. 17, 1934 – March 19, 2016

Shirley Leone Lightfoot passed away March 19 in Pasadena due to complications related to a lung disease. She was 81 years old.

Shirley was born Nov. 17, 1934 in Salt Lake City, Utah to her parents Walter Glenn and Irene Jones. The family moved to Los Angeles when Shirley was a year old. Once the family settled in California, Shirley’s father Walter began working at Warner Bros. Studios where Shirley attended Burbank schools.

Shirley met her husband Richard Clyde Lightfoot after graduating from John Burroughs High School. Shirley loved living in La Crescenta raising her two daughters and spending time at the family vacation home on the Colorado River, boating and water skiing.

Shirley is survived by her husband of 62 years, Richard; daughter Lori Lightfoot; daughter Tahnee Lightfoot-Beaver and her husband, Darren Beaver; granddaughter Jaden Beaver; extended family and many dear friends.

A celebration of life will be planned at a later date on the Colorado River in Parker, Arizona. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Glendale Police Foundation K-9 Unit.

http://www.glendalepolicefoundation.org/testsite/gpf/K-9_Unit.html

Sept. 1, 1938 – April 5, 2016

Richard "Dick" Clark Coffin passed away Tuesday, April 5 with his wife Margie at his side at Solheim Lutheran Home where he received loving care through the final stages of Alzheimer’s. He was 77.

Born in Washington, D.C. on Sept. 1, 1938 to Barrett and Judy Coffin, Dick had one brother named Rusty. Later, after moving to Fairfax, Virginia, Dick married his high school sweetheart Margie Bishopp in 1956. He attended the University of Florida where he earned a master’s degree in electrical engineering. After graduating he went to work at The Applied Physics Lab at John Hopkins University.

In 1966, Dick moved his family to La Crescenta and began working at the Jet Propulsion Lab in Pasadena. He earned an MBA from USC, and a master’s in engineering management from UCLA. He worked at JPL for 42 fulfilling years retiring as deputy director of the Deep Space Network.

Dick challenged himself and others to be their best. He encouraged his sons in athletics, education, their vocations and in their marriages. He adored each of his grandchildren. He lived in awe of God and loved to take his family backpacking throughout the Sierras. He was an avid bike rider and when he was 50 rode his bike from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. with his friend Dave Kluth. He also enjoyed spending time with friends and family at Lake Arrowhead swimming, hiking, and boating.

He is survived by his loving wife, Margie; his three sons Rick (Ellen), Craig (Dana), Brian (Jane); his six grandchildren Amy (Joe), David, Logan, Bobby, Phoebe and Leah and his great-grandson Lincoln.

All donations in honor of Dick can be made to Solheim Lutheran Home.

"Some people come into our lives, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same." ~ Franz Peter Schubert

May 19, 1972 – April 22, 2016 Mark Richard Sanderl, 43, of Glendora, passed away suddenly on April 22. Mark was born on May 19, 1972 to William and Elaine Sanderl in Pasadena. He graduated from La Salle High School in 1990, received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Saint Mary’s College of California in 1994, and earned his master’s degree in educational leadership from Point Loma Nazarene University in 2008. Mark taught computers at Rosemont Middle School in La Crescenta since 2002. Mark was an inspiring teacher, avid basketball fan and coach, and dedicated mentor for almost 20 years. He was a loving, caring husband and father of two small children.  He had a kind, thoughtful, and gentle spirit that made him a welcoming, positive, and reassuring presence to his family, friends, and students. Mark is survived by his loving wife Liliana; children Andrew, 7, and Julianne, 3; mother Elaine Sanderl; brothers Michael Sanderl and sister-in-law Stacey, and Matthew Sanderl and sister-in-law Amy and their families; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father William Sanderl and sister Lisa Sanderl. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 30 at Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church, 1879 N. Lake Ave., Altadena. In lieu of flowers, the Sanderl family has requested that donations in memory of Mark Sanderl be made to the American Heart Association; La Salle High School, Pasadena; or the organization of your choice.

1929 - 2016 Alan Dearman, beloved husband to Bobbie, passed away peacefully on March 30 at his home in La Cañada. Alan was born to Emma and Edward Dearman in Sheffield, England where he was raised with two sisters, Barbara and Sheila. He immigrated in his mid-20s to the United States through Canada and then moved on to Chicago. He finally settled in sunny California where he met his wife Bobbie at the YWCA in Glendale. Several friends married from that group and the couples remained lifelong friends. He worked many skilled jobs that included glazer, tile setter, machinist and plumber in England. He served in the British Army as a paratrooper and was attached to a Scottish brigade. Once he arrived in California, he took a position as a machinist. A few years later, Alan and two friends from England, Ken Mac Iver and George Smith, decided to go into business together. In the next few years, they established three companies in the aerospace industry that thrived. He was proud when he became an American citizen. Fourth of July was a special holiday for him that was always celebrated with family and friends. Alan was a member of the Oakmont Country Club where he enjoyed his golf and spending time with his many friends. He and Bobbie enjoyed trips to England, and Scotland, and long drives through the U.S. in a motorhome. They also enjoyed several trips to Hawaii. Alan loved golfing, fishing and boating in Lake Havasu where he and Bobbie lived for 10 years following retirement. They returned to La Cañada in 2001 to be close to their family and friends. He loved to meet friends for a beer in the local “pubs.” Alan was a wonderful father to four daughters: Linda (Bob) Prentice, Susan Walters, Nancy (John) Schroeder, Jayne (Don) Rountree and son Ted Dearman. He was grandfather to 19 grandchildren and great-grandfather to 13 great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will be held on May 6 at Oakmont Country Club, 3100 Country Club Drive, Glendale at noon. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity. Crippen Mortuary Directors www.CrippenMortuary.com

Sept. 14, 1947 – April 17, 2016 Melvin Kent Kunz of La Crescenta passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, April 17 at the age of 68. Born in Montpelier, Idaho, Kent moved to Los Angeles with his family at age 4. Kent grew up in La Crescenta where he graduated from Crescenta Valley High School in 1965. He married his high school sweetheart Carole Lang (class of 1966). He proudly served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany during that time. Over the years, Kent enjoyed camping, water skiing and Big Bear trips with his family and friends. He spent much of his time at the baseball field coaching and supporting his sons and then grandson, and at the soccer field for his granddaughter.   In recent years, Kent and his wife thoroughly enjoyed their getaways to the beach and trips to Hawaii. Kent was a devoted husband, dad, grandpa and friend and will be greatly missed. He is survived by the love of his life of 49 years Carole; son Shane and wife Shelly; son Eric; grandchildren Melanie, Sam and great-grandson Weston; sister Jackie Buchmiller and husband Robert; extended family and many dear friends. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be planned at a later date.

April 16, 1938 – April 28, 2016

The Griffin family lost their family matriarch on Thursday. Elizabeth (Betty) Ann Griffin passed into the Kingdom of Heaven on April 28. She is survived by her husband John Griffin; her children Patti Roberts, Susan Bacon, Bill Griffin, Cindy Hall, and Sherri Strunk; her siblings Richard Barry, Brenda Shay, Bill Barry, Susan Burden and Michael Barry; 17 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

Betty was born in Brockton, Massachusetts on April 16, 1938. Growing up in a large family in New England, they enjoyed summer vacations at Nantasket Beach and New Hampshire. She was the oldest of seven and was an influential role model for her brothers and sisters. She married her teenage sweetheart and moved their life to California and had been married for 57 years.

Betty raised a beautiful family instilling the same values she learned from her parents. These great values have been passed on to her children and their families. She enjoyed camping at the beach for many years when her children were young and expanded to lakes and mountains in their retirement. Betty enjoyed square dancing, painting, reading, and spending time with her friends, children, and grandchildren.

Betty was loved by so many and was so respected. She lived a clean, pure and honest life and will be missed so very much.

Funeral directors CrippenMortuary.com

March 4, 1944 – April 20, 2016

Craig Robert Dailey passed away on April 20 at his home in La Crescenta of respiratory failure. Craig was born in San Diego on March 4, 1944 to Florence Pearl Gidley Dailey and Robert Harrison Dailey.

Craig was a lifelong La Crescenta resident attending Lincoln Elementary, Clark Junior High and graduating from Hoover High School in 1962.  Immediately following graduation Craig proudly joined the U.S. Marine Corp doing a year of sea duty on the USS Hornet before serving a tour in Viet Nam.

After his honorable discharge and returning home, Craig met and married the love of his life, Penny Sue Cooper, also of La Crescenta, on Dec. 14, 1968. Craig soon enrolled at California State University Los Angeles and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business finance and worked at General Dynamics and Rocketdyne as a cost analyst negotiating defense contracts for weapons systems and the space shuttle.  He retired in 2011. Craig and Penny were blessed with two boys, Lee Robert Dailey in 1974 and Daniel Craig Dailey in 1978.

Craig’s legendary kind and open nature connected him with people wherever he went and his bond with family was even greater. He remained extremely close to his wife and sons, as well as his mother, Aunt Sue, siblings, in-laws, and nieces and nephews. He was everybody’s favorite at family gatherings and all sought his attention.

Craig had a great many interests including gun collecting, marksmanship, exotic birds, dogs, engaging in open discussions of current events and politics, posing the hard and personal questions to everyone, weight lifting, jogging, hot yoga, and designer jeans. He also enjoyed traveling taking trips with his son Danny to China and Viet Nam as well as all over the country on business trips and family vacations.

Craig is preceded in death by his mother Florence and father Robert. He is survived by his wife Penny and sons Bobby and Danny at the family home; brother Bill (Patty) Dailey; sisters Diane (Ed) Wheelbarger, Beverly Overton, Jennifer (Julian) Candelaria; brother-in-law Donald (Okhee) Cooper; sister-in-law Donna Hunt; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Viewing at Crippen Mortuary is today, May 5 between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.  Funeral service will be held at Holy Redeemer Church, 2411 Montrose Ave. in Montrose on May 6 at 11 a.m. A memorial tribute page for Craig can be found at www.CrippenMortuary.com.

July 13, 1939 – May 24, 2016

Nancy Jean (Wilson) Ellyson passed away at Villa Gardens Health Center in Pasadena on May 24 after a short illness. Nancy was born in Bakersfield on July 13, 1939 to John L. and Grace K. Wilson. The family, including her brother Robert, moved to La Crescenta in 1943.

Nancy attended Lincoln Elementary School, Clark Junior High and graduated from Glendale High School in 1957. She and her parents and brother traveled widely during her youth, including a trip around the world. She attended USC and graduated with a B.A. in 1961.

Following college, she lived briefly in Denver, Colorado where she met and married George "Mike" Ellyson in 1965. Their daughter, Melody, was born in Fort Worth, Texas in 1968. Mike was in the Air Force, and the family moved across the United States throughout his career, living in California, Texas, Florida, Virginia and Colorado.

Following her divorce, Nancy returned to California where she went to work for Baxter Pharmaceuticals. She was transferred to their Chicago office for a few years and then returned to Southern California in 1991 upon the death of her mother. She then went to work for Warner Bros. in the Contracts Administration Dept. until her retirement.

A longtime, active member of AAUW (The American Association of University Women, Glendale Branch), Nancy was the branch president from 1994-95 and co-president from 2013-14. She also prepared the annual AAUW yearbook for many years. Additionally, Nancy was a member of the Baxter Alumni group and worked as treasurer and was an organizer for their annual luncheon gathering.

Her other hobbies included genealogy, gardening and visiting with family. She made annual trips to the Seattle area and Arizona at holidays.

Nancy was a loving mom and warm and supportive grandma to her granddaughter Grace. She is survived by her brother Robert, daughter and son-in-law Melody and Daniel Derrick, and many cousins and their children across the country.  Her warm smile and frank demeanor will be missed by all who knew her.

Memorial service will be Saturday, June 11 at 10 a.m. at Cabot & Sons Chapel, 27 Chestnut St., Pasadena.

1960-2016

Sally Ouellet Foote was born on Dec. 13, 1960 in Amesbury, Massachusetts to Norbert and Doris Ouellet. She passed away at the Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center on June 9 with her husband by her side after a courageous battle with cancer.

Sally attended Amesbury High School and graduated from Boston University with a degree in communications. In 1984 she moved to the Los Angeles area, where she worked while obtaining a teaching credential.

Sally and Marc Foote married on Oct. 9, 1993 in Glendale. They soon started a family in La Crescenta and Sally was actively involved in their three sons’ lives. For over 10 years she volunteered at Dunsmore Elementary School, serving on the PTA board, as room parent, spearheading the annual food drive, and assisting with the music program.

Sally loved children and animals, and often rescued animals in need, including turtles, bunnies, birds and baby opossums and squirrels. She enjoyed camping, hiking, and canoeing with her family, gardening, and spending time with her many close friends.

Sally’s smile and infectious enthusiasm brightened the mood of any room that she entered. She was a genuine friend to all who knew her. She was compassionate, kind, humble and had a great sense of humor. She loved nature and always had a calm presence about her. She was a loving wife and incredible mother.

She is survived by husband Marc Foote; sons Weston, Logan and Aidan; and dog Scout, as well as a large family based in Massachusetts including mother Doris Ouellet; sister Jan Crosby (Paul); brothers Michael Ouellet (Terry) and Andy Ouellet (Wanda); nine nieces and nephews; and 10 great-nieces and nephews.

A celebration of her life will be held on June 25 at 3 p.m. at 2441 Laughlin Ave., La Crescenta. Please send donations in her memory to Angiosarcoma Awareness Inc. at www.cureasc.org or to Guide Dogs of America at www.guidedogsofamerica.org.

1960-2016

Sally Ouellet Foote was born on Dec. 13, 1960 in Amesbury, Massachusetts to Norbert and Doris Ouellet. She passed away at the Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center on June 9 with her husband by her side after a courageous battle with cancer.

Sally attended Amesbury High School and graduated from Boston University with a degree in communications. In 1984 she moved to the Los Angeles area, where she worked while obtaining a teaching credential.

Sally and Marc Foote married on Oct. 9, 1993 in Glendale. They soon started a family in La Crescenta and Sally was actively involved in their three sons’ lives. For over 10 years she volunteered at Dunsmore Elementary School, serving on the PTA board, as room parent, spearheading the annual food drive, and assisting with the music program.

Sally loved children and animals, and often rescued animals in need, including turtles, bunnies, birds and baby opossums and squirrels. She enjoyed camping, hiking, and canoeing with her family, gardening, and spending time with her many close friends.

Sally’s smile and infectious enthusiasm brightened the mood of any room that she entered. She was a genuine friend to all who knew her. She was compassionate, kind, humble and had a great sense of humor. She loved nature and always had a calm presence about her. She was a loving wife and incredible mother.

She is survived by husband Marc Foote; sons Weston, Logan and Aidan; and dog Scout, as well as a large family based in Massachusetts including mother Doris Ouellet; sister Jan Crosby (Paul); brothers Michael Ouellet (Terry) and Andy Ouellet (Wanda); nine nieces and nephews; and 10 great-nieces and nephews.

A celebration of her life will be held on June 25 at 3 p.m. at 2441 Laughlin Ave., La Crescenta. Please send donations in her memory to Angiosarcoma Awareness Inc. at www.cureasc.org or to Guide Dogs of America at www.guidedogsofamerica.org.

July 24, 1954 – June 11, 2016

Timothy Rakisits passed away at Verdugo Hills Hospital on June 11 after a short illness. Tim was born in Glendale on July 24, 1954 to Julius and Irene Rakisits.

Tim grew up in the Montrose-La Crescenta area and attended local schools. After high school he learned the art of plastering from his father who was a local contractor and he worked in that trade for more than 40 years.

Tim had a real passion for reading and family and also devoted a good portion of his life in raising his nephew Patrick Rakisits.

During Tim’s younger years he made numerous trips to Colorado to hunt with his father and brothers. Timothy was a loving and caring person with a smile for everyone. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Timothy is survived by his brothers and sisters: Julius Mary, Martha, David, James, Sarah, Becky, Donald, Janet and many nephews, nieces and cousins.

Crippen Mortuary – Directors

Nov. 2, 1927 – June 9, 2016

Donald C. La Breche Sr., beloved father of Mary Wing, Don Jr., Dan and Michele La Breche, passed away peacefully on June 9 in Tujunga at 88 years of age. He was born Nov. 2, 1927 in Marquette, Michigan and moved to La Crescenta in 1953.

Don was a veteran of the U.S. Army and attended Holy Redeemer Church in Montrose. He worked as a machinist in Burbank and Pasadena for 50 years. He and his wife Maxine (1928-2005) enjoyed bowling and playing bingo for many years. He volunteered at The Foothill Service Club for the Blind in Glendale where Maxine had been a member.

He is survived by his four loving children, 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was a kind-hearted man with a good sense of humor who was greatly loved. He will be missed and remembered always.

Memorial tribute on CrippenMortuary.com

1927-2016

Margaret (Margie) Walker 89, formerly of Kenmore, Ohio, peacefully passed away on Thursday, June 9 in Sun City West, Arizona.

Margaret was born Feb. 27, 1927 in Kenmore, Ohio, the daughter of the late Dorothy and Joseph Svet, and sister to the late Frank, Joe, Jack, John, Anna, Rosie, Josie and Dorothy.

On Nov. 17, 1951 she married the late Thomas H. Walker. They were married for 34 years. Margaret worked for Summit County prior to moving to La Crescenta in 1986. While living in California she was active at Foothill Villa Apartments where she resided and at the Crescenta-Cañada YMCA, where she regularly swam and played bingo. She was a member of the Central Christian Church of Glendale.

Margie will be sadly missed by her son Galen (Julie) Walker of Buckeye, Arizona, her daughter Karen (Festus) Stich Edohen of Pfaffenhofen a. d. Ilm, Germany and her four grandchildren, Jon (Genevieve), Rachel (Jake), Steven, and Paul and her many nieces and nephews, and friends.

She will be remembered for her great sense of humor, bright personality, giving heart and beautiful spirit.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the YMCA of the Foothills, Attn: Joanne Pingry, 1930 Foothill Blvd. La Cañada, California 91011.