Feb. 28, 1928 – July 5, 2024

On Feb. 28, 1928 Marcy was born to Abe and Mildred Filas in Spokane, Washington. As a youngster her family moved to Butte, Montana where she was often seen toddling behind her two older sisters Beverly and Adele. They found her to be an annoying little sister. As a teen, Marcy’s parents divorced and she and her father moved to Southern California. They eventually moved to Glendale where Bev and Adele were living. Marcy graduated from Glendale High School.

Marcy dreamed of being a nurse and since money was tight she decided to enter the military to pursue nursing. When World War II ended she went to work at a local industrial Urgent Care Center. Here her soon-to-be husband came to the facility after gashing his hand with a linoleum knife. Marcy was the assistant who helped tend to the wound. Rudy and Marcy were married on Jan. 28, 1949 at city hall in Glendale.

Postwar housing was hard to find but Rudy had a friend from his home town in Minnesota who owned some small units. They lived there a short time until they could buy their own home in Glendale. After a few years, the state bought the house for an off-ramp for the Golden State Freeway. Marcy found a newly built house La Crescenta where they moved in December 1954. They now had two young daughters, Sherry and Karen.

Marcy continued to work in the medical field doing both front and back office work. When the girls were in school, she became active in the local PTA, youth organizations, bowling leagues and the medical assistance professional organization. She never lost her goal of becoming a nurse and at the age of 50 she enrolled in the nursing program at Glendale Community College. She graduated from the program as a licensed vocational nurse (LVN). She worked as a nurse at La Cañada Medical Group (Dr. Purdy) and later for a cardiologist (Dr. Stark).

Marcy and Rudy made life-long friends on Third Avenue. They began to travel and loved Las Vegas, Laughlin and cruises. Marcy’s favorite trips were to Sweden to visit Rudy’s relatives.

Rudy died in 2003 and Marcy was determined to continue to live on Third Avenue. Unfortunately her mental capacity diminished and she was no longer safe in her home. She moved to a facility in Pasadena that housed patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia. She was a resident there for nearly 13 years until death took her at 96 years old.

She is survived by her two daughters Sherry Taylor and Karen Carlson; four grandchildren: Dr. Tammy Taylor, Christy Taylor (Michael Aguilera), Jens Fischer (Christine Kenney), Rio Fischer (Andreanne Breton-Carboneau); and five wonderful great grandchildren: Aliana, Paxton, Aceson, Brixon Taylor Aguilera and Fallon Fischer.

She died in Pasadena on July 5, 2024 a strong but vulnerable woman. She was cremated and her ashes scattered.

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Feb. 2, 1930 – May 21, 2024

Ruby Ann Derksen was a beloved great grandmother, grandmother, mother and wife during her incredible 94 years of life. She went home to be with her Lord and savior on May 21.

Ruby was born on Feb. 2, 1930 to Frank and Marian Janzen in Hillsboro, Kansas. She grew up among her three brothers John, Donovan and Joel. She married her true love Carl Derksen on June 23, 1951 at Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church and celebrated 72 wonderful years of marriage. Together they raised four boys – Steven, Mark, Chuck and Brent – who brought so much pride and joy to Ruby’s life.

Ruby walked in faith and was a testimony to her family and friends. She asked Jesus to come into her heart at the early age of 8. She was a member of Chevy Chase Baptist Church and La Crescenta First Baptist Church.

She had many hobbies; among them were sewing, quilting and baking for the family, especially German dishes. She also had a love for board games, which she was very good at and won most of the time. Music had always played an important part of her life over the years, including singing in the church choir, handbell choir and community chorus. Both Ruby and Carl had a passion for travel and they visited all 50 states and many of the continents.

Ruby rejoins her recently late husband Carl in eternal peace. She is survived by her children Steven and Dale Derksen, Mark and Lisa Derksen, Chuck and Ann Derksen, Brent and Gina Derksen; seven grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. We will always feel her presence in our hearts.

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Dec. 24, 1951 – June 18, 2024

Gregory Paul Sheehy, 72, died peacefully at home in La Crescenta a few months after a diagnosis of liver cancer. Greg was the beloved husband to Alice (Lissy) Ziesing, loving father to Edward and Kathleen Sheehy, favorite youngest brother to Maureen Sheehy and John Sheehy. He was one of many Sheehy family cousins who laughed, worked and played together throughout their formative lives.

Greg was born to John Francis and Grace Kenmir Sheehy and raised in the City of South Gate with many lifelong friends from that community. He graduated from Pius X High School in 1970, UCLA with a major in history in 1975 after also attending Loyola Marymount University and San Francisco State University on his academic and cultural adventures.

Post grad, Greg studied architecture at Los Angeles City College and apprenticed with his cousin architect Patrick Evan Sheehy in Palm Desert. 

Greg and Lissy met at Gensler Los Angeles, then in Century City and married in 1988. They raised Ed and Kathleen and lived ever after in the La Crescenta house they designed and built in 1996.

Greg worked for many years with Dan Dworsky and other esteemed colleagues at Dworsky Associates. After a few years at other firms, he opened his own practice, Sheehy Consulting, in 2001. Greg enjoyed “work from home” long before COVID, providing rides to kids, and shopping for and preparing family meals. He loved his home, Sheehy and Ziesing families, his friends, Dodgers, Bruins, PBS, golf, newspapers, Rogers and Hammerstein, stories of characters and good times.

Close friends and family gathered to remember Greg at the La Cañada Flintridge Country Club in early July. 

For those who wish to honor his kindness, gratitude and good humor, his family invites you to contribute to Planned Parenthood, The Salvation Army or The Midnight Mission.

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July 1, 2024

 Beverly Ann Hansing, a resident of the Montrose/La Crescenta/Whiting Woods area for over 65 years, passed away peacefully on July 1 with her daughters and their husbands by her side. Her extended family had recently gathered to celebrate her 92nd birthday on June 22.

Born in 1932 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Walter Albert Bastyr and Sidonia Adella Rachac Bastyr, she and her older brother Douglas lived in several Minnesota cities before the family moved to the San Fernando Valley when she was 11 years old. Her parents found jobs in industries supporting World War II efforts and later opened a woman’s clothing store. Auspicious, Beverly attended North Hollywood High School where she met Robert George Hansing (Bob), the love of her life.

Despite protests from their parents saying they were too young, Bev and Bob married on May 5, 1951 during Bob’s brief San Diego shore duty in the U.S. Navy during the Korean conflict. Their first child, Deborrah Ann, came in April 1952, and their second child, Dennis Robert, followed in March 1954 while Bob was mostly overseas and Bev lived with her parents in Temple City. They waited until November 1965 to be blessed with Deanne Marie to complete their family.

Bev and Bob moved to Montrose in 1958 when they opened Montrose Bike Shop, the beginning of their business success and engagement with the local communities. In 1962, they undertook the construction of the iconic Montrose Bike Shop building, which is still owned today by the family. In 1973, they opened Euro-Asia Imports in La Crescenta, which is also still family-owned and operated. They both remained committed to supporting local businesses.

Bev and Bob loved to travel, which Bev attributed to her fully Czech bohemian ancestry. Mostly generated by Bob’s involvement in the bicycle business and the promotion of cycling in the United States, they traveled extensively through all 50 states, several European countries, Mexico and Japan.

Sadly, Bob passed away on Feb. 2, 2001 just three months shy of their 50th wedding anniversary. Since then, Bev surrounded herself with family and continued to travel frequently with them and her friends until the past few years.

Bev was a consummate homemaker. She loved her home and enjoyed filling it with “bicycle things,” trip memorabilia and holiday decorations. She was an accomplished seamstress and over the years created many costumes, prom dresses, cheerleading uniforms and bridesmaid dresses. Her Catholic faith gave her comfort and she remained a devoted parishioner of St. James/Holy Redeemer.

She is survived by her daughter Debbi Hansing Leto (Nick), son Dennis Robert Hansing (Becki), daughter Dede Hansing Grajeda (Dave); grandchildren Allison Ann Leto, Carrilyn Leto Martin (JD), Phillip Dennis Hansing (Kristy), Derrick Woody Hansing (Katie), Nicholas Robert Grajeda; and great grandchildren Makenzie, Harper and Logan Martin and Amelia Hansing.

Services for Beverly were held privately at Crippen Mortuary. She is interned for eternity with her “one and only” Bob at San Fernando Mission Cemetery.

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July 15, 1946 – July 2, 2024

Sandra Elaine Brownell (Jones), affectionately known as Sandi, passed away on July 2 in Glendale at the age of 77.

She was born on July 15, 1946 in Des Moines, Iowa where she spent her childhood and young adult life until her late 30s when she moved with her family to St. Paul then onto Minneapolis, Minnesota. In her golden years she finally moved to Glendale.

She led a life marked by kindness, generosity and a deep love for her family and friends. She was also renowned for her beauty, which was evident as her smile could always light up a room. She had the most delicate and graceful hands, adorable nose, beautiful lips and absolutely perfect skin, which everyone always complimented her on – yet she always remained humble about her features.

Sandi’s career spanned several roles; she began as a typist and then transitioned into data entry, finally working to customer services. Her professional journey was characterized by the same warmth and care she brought to her personal life, treating everyone she met with respect and kindness.

As a Christian, Sandi shared her faith and fellowship with her close friend and chaplain, Lori, whom she loved listening to sing. 

Her hobbies were a reflection of her vibrant personality and eclectic tastes. Sandi had a profound love for animals, particularly horses, which was intertwined with her enjoyment of old western movies and horseback riding. She was also a familiar face at art car shows across the country, proudly displaying her black Fiat Spider adorned with custom painted purple butterflies, a testament to her creative spirit and unique flair. She had a passion for crafts with a particular talent for embroidery, which allowed her to express her creativity and meticulous attention to detail.

Sandi’s real passion, however, was for mystery novels. She found great joy in reading every day and filling her inquisitive mind with the whodunit. She also loved singing and cherished moments spent at karaoke with her friends and family where she brought joy to everyone with her lovely voice.

Sandi was the epitome of kindness, often described by many as the nicest person they had ever met. She had a heart of gold and despite having little, she would give everything she had to support her loving daughters and those around her.

She is survived by her loving partner Yancey Grubzak; daughters Wanda Elaine (Brownell) Cardinal and Becki Cim Brownell; grandchildren Robert Grondin, Rachael Grondin, Alex Schultz, Jeffrey Schultz and Isabella Brownell; and great-grandchildren, Emma Christianson and Ana Marie Fosse. She was preceded in death by her parents Bruce Clyde Jones and Elma Elaine (Redfield) Jones.

In keeping with her wishes, no memorial services will be held as Sandi was blessed to have her friends and family gather to say their farewells during her final days. Her legacy of love, compassion and generosity will continue to live on through the many lives she touched. Her presence will be profoundly missed by all who knew her as she leaves behind a legacy of love, warmth and an appreciation for the joyous moments of life. Although no services will be held, she was in care with Crippen Mortuary.

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June 26, 2024

Peter Theisinger, whose engineering leadership at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory helped make possible the modern era of Mars exploration, passed away on June 26 after a long illness. He was 78 years old.

Pete, as he was known to friends and colleagues, worked on spacecraft missions to six planets and managed the projects that built the Spirit, Opportunity and Curiosity rovers. He was influential in starting the Mars 2020 Project that built the Perseverance rover. 

In 2013, Pete was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world alongside JPL colleague Richard Cook for the pair’s leadership of the Curiosity Rover team. As Time put it, “Pete and Richard are the latest heirs of NASA’s long history of building brilliant unmanned spacecraft and dispatching them around the cosmos.” In 2017, he was honored with the National Air and Space Museum’s Lifetime Achievement Trophy for his accomplishments that enhanced our knowledge of the solar system, particularly Mars.

Pete worked at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory for more than 50 years in both technical and management roles. He was a consummate engineer who made substantial technical contributions to the 1967 Mariner mission to Venus, the 1971 Mariner orbiter mission to Mars, the 1977 Voyager mission to the outer planets of the solar system and the 1989 Galileo mission to Jupiter. He moved into management roles starting as the Spacecraft System Engineering Section manager and eventually serving on the JPL executive council as director for Engineering and Science.

His family, friends and co-workers could not have asked for a better, more kind father, relative, in-law and friend. Pete was always checking in with those in his life and made it abundantly clear that he was there to help. If you were interested in something, he would research it, plan it, schedule it and have an itinerary for you before you knew it. He was amazing that way. It was often joked you had to be careful what you said to him unless you were really committed to doing it.

He raised the IQ in whatever room he was in – not just because he was brilliant and had a diverse set of interests that spanned engineering, politics, travel and history. Rather, he made everyone around him smarter because they wanted to be better in front of him. He didn’t demand it; it just happened. You wanted to do your best. He was gracious and often left you with a feeling that his opinion of you was higher than it probably should be.

He is survived by his loving wife Dona, four children: William, Peter Jeffrey, Tracy and Kelly, and granddaughter Sienna.

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1937-2024

Joseph “Joe” Leonard Hegenbart passed away on July 17. He and his beloved wife Rosemary made a loving and caring home for their family in La Crescenta since 1968.

Joe was born to Mildred and Henry Hegenbart in Los Angeles in 1937. He was the third of seven sons. During his youth he helped on his family farms in Little Rock and Newberry Springs, California. Joe attended Barstow High School as did his future wife of 55 years Rosemary. It wasn’t until they were both attending college in the Los Angeles area, however, that they began dating.

Known for his outgoing and friendly demeanor, Joe was student body president and was active with a swing band during high school. Joe graduated from Loyola University with a degree in civil engineering and Rosemary finished her education at Mount Saint Mary’s College. After Rosemary received her teaching credential, they married in 1962.

Wishing to share their educations with others, the newly-wed couple attended classes with the Lay Mission-Helpers Association. They went to Northern Rhodesia in 1963 and were there when the country won its independence and became Zambia. After fulfilling a three-year assignment, they returned to the Los Angeles area.

In 1968 Joe earned his master’s degree from USC in civil engineering in hydrology. Joe spent a 35-year career with the Los Angeles Dept. of Water and Power. He held the position of assistant chief engineer at the time of his retirement.

Joe and Rosemary then attended deaconate classes for five years with the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Upon his ordination in 1998 “Deacon Joe” and Rosemary continued to serve their parish of Saint James the Less as a deacon couple. Service and hospitality were hallmarks of their lives. They served many roles over the years as ministers at their church and as participants in the civic activities of their children. They also sponsored multiple foreign exchange students in their home as a host family.

Joe and Rosemary supported the Sacred Heart Mission Circle for over 30 years. As part of his ministry, Joe also visited the youth at the Sylmar Juvenile Hall.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents and by five brothers: Tom, Jerry, Dan, Mark and Pat Hegenbart. Also preceding him in death were his wife Rosemary and a daughter who died at birth, Marie Theresa.

Joe is survived by his brother Mike Hegenbart. He leaves behind his four children and their (spouses): Anne (Larry), Joe (Georgette), John (Kim) and Rose Marie (Jeff). Grandpa Hegenbart is also survived by nine grandchildren: Cindy, Joe, Dustin, Ashley, Jeremy, Sarah, Nathaniel, Daniel and Ian. Joseph is survived by one great-grandson, Alex. Additionally, he leaves behind numerous beloved in-laws and nieces and nephews.

Deacon Joe will be remembered for his intense commitment to family, his leadership, and his dedication to Saint Joseph and subsequently to his role as a husband and father. He had a great faith in God. Many came to him for wise counsel, a blessing, or for his intercession in the offering of prayer.

The Funeral Mass for Deacon Joe will be held at Saint James the Less Catholic Church on Saturday, August 24^th at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow that will be held at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Montrose.

Donations in memory of Joseph L. Hegenbart may be made to Saint James the Less Catholic Church hrsjcatholic.com or to Covenant House, Los Angeles.

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Patty, the fifth child of DeEsta and Elden McFarland, entered the world in La Jolla one month and two days after her Feb. 14 due date. Her mother claimed that had she been born on her due date her name would have been Valentina McFarland! But a baby born on March 16 instead had to be named Patricia after St. Patrick. 

She was raised in Glendale where she and her siblings took advantage of all the perks of living on Adams Hill, such as climbing up the water tower and riding bikes down the hill at breakneck speeds. The bikes weren’t nearly as much fun to get back up the hill and her big brothers would sometimes pay her a nickel to push their bikes back up!

As a teenager she earned money babysitting for a family who attended Holy Family Catholic Church and she was drawn to the joy they found in their faith. She converted to Catholicism and at the age of 18 met the love of her life, Joseph Eugene McGreal, at the church youth group, the De La Salle Club. The friendships they made in this group endured throughout their lives. From her early years the center of her life was faith, family and friends.

After six years of courtship Patty and Joe were married and over time they rejoiced in the births of three children: Cathleen, Timothy and Michael. 

Patty enjoyed being married to a photo journalist … especially when the family could accompany him on work trips! They welcomed Joe’s mother Catherine McGreal into their home when she could no longer live alone. With Catherine living in her home and her own mother, Esta, living one block over, Patty embraced this active family life. Sadly, Joe died of a heart attack in his 30s leaving behind a young widow with three children in kindergarten and younger.

Patty began a career with the City of Glendale working at Verdugo Woodlands Elementary School, Glendale High School and eventually spending decades at the Glendale Public Library. Despite her busy work schedule, she devoted time to her children by co-leading Cathleen’s Brownie/Girl Scout troop, attending Tim’s football games at Glendale College and faithfully cheering on Michael at his baseball games! Patty also was a fixture at Holy Family Parish as the baby/toddler caregiver for 50 years during Sunday Mass as well as being an active participant in numerous parish groups.

Patty leaves behind her loving family – children: Cathleen (Kerry) and Michael (Natalie); grandchildren Erin (Eric), Kaiti, Ryan (Cait), Shannon, Patrick and Joe; great-grandchildren Liam and Joey. She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

Patty was preceded in death by her beloved husband Joe; son Timothy; her siblings and their spouses Jim (Grace), David (Margaret), Jack (Margo), DeEsta (Don).

Please join us in celebrating her life on Thursday, Aug. 8 at 1 p.m. Public viewing will be from 12:30 to 1 p.m. followed by the funeral Mass at Holy Family Church, 220 E. Elk Ave. in Glendale (at the corner of Louise Street). Reception details will be available at the service.

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Aug. 5, 2024

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of James Stephens Bradly of Glendale on Aug. 5 at the age of 84 years.

He passed surrounded by family.

Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, you will be dearly missed.

Services in care of Crippen Mortuary

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July 23, 2024

Ruby Alice Geragos transitioned into eternal rest on July 23 wrapped in prayer and in the loving presence of her family and friends near and far at her home in Glendale. 

She was a “gal around town” in Montrose and known well throughout her school years in GUSD public schools, benefiting from its excellent special education services. She attended The Center for Children at La Crescenta Presbyterian Church and was a beloved worshiper. She was also embodied in the St. Gregory Armenian church family and one of the original Hrashq Homenetmen athletes. Lanterman Regional Center, Kaiser Permanente and Providence Trinity Palliative Care were exceptional partners in her complex care throughout her short but complete life of 17 years. 

Ruby was “small but fierce,” always seeking connection with people, and loved babies and dogs. She was “Papa’s little gem” (Paul Geragos) and Grandma BJ’s playmate during the sunset of their lives. Her maternal grandparents, Sarkis and Ruth Bedevian of New Jersey, enjoyed many visits throughout the years and became Ruby’s upstairs neighbor for the last few. Michael Geragos (“Daddy”) and Peggy Bedevian (“Mommy”) were blessed beyond measure to be her favorite people. 

She will be laid to rest in a private graveside service at Forest Lawn Glendale with a celebration of life at St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church of Pasadena on Aug. 17 at 10 a.m. Picnic to follow at Tournament Park.

Donations to a charity of your choice can be given in Ruby’s honor or to a special fund: St. Gregory Armenian Church of Pasadena (Memo: Ruby Geragos Summer Camp Scholarship Fund). 

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1951 – 2024

It is with a great sense of loss and sadness that the family of Anne Cecilia Hull Skinnell must announce her passing due to kidney failure on Friday, July 26 in Glendale. Following several months of steadily declining health and multiple hospital stays, she was ultimately transferred to a hospice care facility where she passed quietly and peacefully with her husband Rob by her side. She was 73.

Anne was born to Hugh Hull and Dorothy Eagon Hull in Beloit, Kansas. After graduating from high school in Hays, Kansas, she attended a training institute for design. In 1971, Anne moved to California working initially for an insurance firm. After that, she worked at Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles, in the radiation department, ultimately becoming supervisor of the clerical staff in that department.

In 1973, she met Robert Skinnell and they were married in 1974; she resigned from her position at the hospital in 1977 to begin raising children. For the next 30 years, in addition to their own children Anne lovingly cared for a number of other young children with the Skinnell home as her base of operations.

Anne had a love of crafting and quilting but her most abiding activities were centered around helping other people. She was a fine cook and put her culinary skills into service for others. A former member of La Crescenta Presbyterian Church, for several years she ran the senior adult luncheon program there, providing once a month a warm, welcoming and wonderful meal to seniors from the community. Many years later, she worked tirelessly to provide meals for homeless people on the street.

Anne is survived by her husband of 50 years, Rob. She is also survived by her four adult children and their spouses and eight grandchildren: Heidi Wyckoff and Matthew and their children Madeline and Travis; Christopher and Kerri Skinnell and daughter Anya; Ryan and Charie Skinnell and daughters Sophia, Sydney and Shane; Geoffrey and Katrina Skinnell and daughters Gabrielle and Isabelle.

Anne’s surviving siblings include Linda Hull of Washington; Bruce Hull and Vicki of North Carolina; Mark Hull and Julie of California; Chris Hull of Kansas; and Mary Caballero and Raymond of Oregon.

Anne’s passing has left a very large empty space in the hearts of all her family and of her very dear friends; she will be greatly missed. There will be no public service for Anne, but rather a gathering of family and friends to celebrate her life.

In lieu of flowers, it was Anne’s request that donations in her memory be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital through the following website: http://fundraising.stjude.org/goto/AnneSkinnell.

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January 1935 – August 4

Robert “Bob” Gramme passed in the early morning on Sunday, Aug. 4 at his home in La Crescenta. Bob was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend to many.

He was born in January 1935 in his grandmother’s home in Aurora, Illinois. His parents, Michael and Elizabeth Gramme, had six children of which Bob was the couple’s third born. He attended Marmion Academy Catholic High School, a military prep school, in Aurora. At a high school dance Bob was introduced to a member of the orchestra band, Marlene Patricia Kramer, who would later become his wife. He then went on to St. Procopius College and graduated from Illinois Benedictine University.

Bob and Marlene moved from Aurora to California with his older brother Mike and his wife Gloria.

Bob and Marlene had two boys, Robert Jr. and Jeffrey James Gramme. He leaves six grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and (yes) two great-great grandchildren.

Throughout his life Bob was an active member of his local Catholic parish. From St. James in La Crescenta, where his son Jeff attended, to St. Bernard in Los Angeles, he was very active in leading and helping wherever needed. Even recently, in his 80s, Bob assisted with weekly food preparation/delivery for homeless families through the local church.

After a wonderful marriage of 30 years, his wife Marlene passed from cancer. His younger brother Ron introduced Bob to Patsy Sue Lobben, who had lost her husband to cancer as well. A year later they were married in Lake Ripley, Wisconsin where Pat was living. Pat had two boys, Mark and Matthew.

There will be a rosary and funeral at St. James in La Crescenta on Friday, Aug. 23 at 10 a.m. with reception to follow. Bob will be buried alongside his wife Marlene at San Fernando Mission on Saturday, Aug. 24.

Robert George Gramme Sr. is remembered fondly by four generations of his loving family and friends. His life consisted of faith and family and plenty of fun throughout a well-lived life. And now he’s in heaven!

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Alfred Terry Sexton passed away on Monday, July 29 in Sunland at the age of 86.

Terry, as he was known, was born in Virginia, had a great love for the Lord, and was a postal carrier in the Sunland-Tujunga area for 35 years. He had a sense of humor that brought smiles to those around him. He will be greatly missed.

Terry is survived by his children and grandchildren. The graveside service and burial will be held at noon on Wednesday, Sept. 4 at Glen Haven Memorial Park in Sylmar.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Akes Family Funeral Home in Riverside

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May 1, 1958 – Aug. 24, 2024

Lynn Brandstater, a non-profit health care executive and community leader, died from cancer on Saturday, Aug. 24 in the early morning at a local nursing facility following surgery a few weeks before. She was 66 years old, a resident and homeowner in Sparr Heights for nearly 35 years.

Born in Muskegon, Michigan to Joseph J. Bourdon and Jane (Brogren) Bourdon, as a little girl her parents moved to Palo Alto for a few years then to Westchester near LAX Airport. She attended St. Jerome’s Catholic School, then St. Mary’s Academy in Inglewood and earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from UCLA.

Lynn was an active member of BPW (Business & Professional Women) for 40 years, serving as a district president and statewide president from 2020 to 2022. She worked at Verdugo Mental Health Center for 25 years as CEO and president.

She was a past president of the Days of Verdugo Association, founding member of the Glendale Homeless Coalition, past chair of the Glendale Healthier Community Coalition and board member of the Glendale Character and Ethics Project. After retiring from Verdugo Mental Health she was a principal with Delta Consulting, specializing in non-profit health care consulting for training, budgets and government and community relations.

Lynn’s hobbies included cooking, collecting cookbooks (more than 300) and enjoying weekly walks through Descanso Gardens with her dear friend Anne Marie Johnson.

She is survived by her husband of 34 years Allen Brandstater, a publicist and political consultant.

Supervisor Kathryn Barger of the LA County Board of Supervisors has arranged adjourning in Lynn’s memory following the conclusion of its weekly meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 10.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 13 at Holy Redeemer Church, 2411 Montrose Ave. in Montrose.

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1942 – 2024

On Sunday, Sept. 1 Patrick Thomas Woodburn passed away at a hospice center in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was surrounded by family and Ruth, his current partner.

Pat was born in Akron, Ohio in 1942 to Clifford J. Woodburn & Helen Elizabeth Lowe. He attended Hammonton High School in New Jersey while working in his father’s grocery store. He spent a short time in the U.S. Army Reserves, eventually landing a job in D.C. with The World Bank. 

Patrick was a pioneer in the computer and data processing fields in the early 1980s, which led him on a journey of entrepreneurship with his then-partner and wife Karen May Lambert. After moving from Henderson, Nevada to La Crescenta, Pat and Karen established Woodburn & Associates, their own computer programming consultancy.

They lived an active and exciting life there while raising their three children: Dayna, Matthew and Rebecca and engaged deeply in the local church and community. In 1989 the family moved to Louisville, Kentucky in correlation with the acquisition of their family business by a subsidiary of Humana Healthcare. From there, they developed a new company, Healthcare Recoveries Inc., which flourished from five employees to 500 in under five years. 

Pat retired from HRI in 1996 to enjoy his life with Karen in hopes to travel the world. That same year, Karen was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer and Pat turned his caring and loving attention to become a caregiver.

In 2000, they moved to Phoenix, Arizona where Pat was called to assist the City of Phoenix with conversion of computer systems in anticipation of Y2K. 

In 2008, Karen lost her battle with cancer and Pat relocated to Henderson, Nevada where he had started his career almost 40 years prior. 

There he met Ruth May, a fellow widow, who he has lived a loving life with through his final days. 

Pat was a model of a hardworking, dedicated and compassionate man with a deep sense of integrity. He passed these traits to his children, brought them into each and every business endeavor, and held them high for all that knew and loved him. He will be profoundly missed by his family, friends, loved ones and all who had the pleasure of knowing him. 

He is survived by his brother Timothy James; eldest daughter Dayna Leigh; son Matthew James; daughter Rebecca Elizabeth; and partner Ruth May.

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1926 – 2024

Leon Mayer was born in 1926 in Cleveland, Ohio. At the age of 10, his mother placed him in the care of Bellefaire Orphan Home for Jewish children. He lived there until his graduation from Glenville High School. He enlisted in the Navy soon after.

In the Navy, he was a radio operator and served in the South Pacific at Peleliu during WWII. Leon was awarded the Victory Medal and the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal.

Leon went to UCLA as an undergraduate followed by USC Law School where he received his Juris Doctor. The GI Bill helped pay for some of his law school tuition. He began to practice law in 1953 when he joined the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office and later became deputy district attorney for the Glendale area. He then became a criminal defense attorney for an LA firm. During that time he met and married his first wife Margaret who was his secretary. Leon later opened his own practice and became a personal injury attorney. 

Leon married Margaret in 1963 and they had four children. They lived in the Mt. Washington area until Leon and his family moved to Glendale in 1975. Leon was active in community affairs including as a columnist for the Glendale NewsPress, program chairman for Kiwanis, and then 12 years as director of Friends of the Library Author Series. In promoting the series, he appeared over 500 times at city council meetings, which was a primary factor in his representing Glendale at the County of Los Angeles 47^th annual “Older Americans Recognition Day” for which he received an award. 

Leon loved his two grandchildren and spent quality time swimming, playing chess and telling them stories. He enjoyed retirement in his Glendale home and spent days reading his many books, watching the news and sports, walking around the pool to stay fit, eating chocolate and drinking Coke – his favorite drink. 

Leon passed away on Sept. 5 at the age of 98. He lived a long, full life. He will truly be missed.

He is survived by his second wife Yolanda, his four children, and two grandchildren. He will be laid to rest with his predeceased wife Margaret Mayer at Forest Lawn Glendale.

The funeral service for Leon Mayer will be on Friday, Sept. 27 at 10 a.m. at the Church of the Recessional in Forest Lawn Glendale.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of these two local charities:

Campbell Center https://thecampbell.org, Friends of the Library 

Glendale Library, Arts & Culture Trust | GLACT.org.

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Dec. 28, 1960 – Sept. 11, 2024

Chad McQueen, 63, the actor best known for his role as Dutch in the films “The Karate Kid” and “The Karate Kid Part II” died Wednesday morning, Sept. 11, at his home in Palm Desert, said his mother Neile Adams McQueen.

Born Chadwick Steven McQueen on Dec. 28, 1960, McQueen was the son of Broadway, television and film performer Neile Adams, and her late first husband, the iconic actor, Steve McQueen. Aside from acting, Chad McQueen was also a film producer, martial artist and racecar driver.

As an actor, Chad McQueen’s film credits included: “Martial Law,” “New York Cop,” “Red Line” and “Death Ring.” As a producer, McQueen won a Telly Award for his documentary “Filming At Speed.” McQueen appeared on numerous television programs, including “Hot Rod TV” and “Celebrity Rides.”

From an early age Chad became an avid enthusiast of automobiles, motorcycles and racing, following in the footsteps of his father Steve McQueen, with whom at age 9 he rode dirt bikes near their home in the desert in Palm Springs.

Chad began auto racing at the age of 10 winning his first race, the mini Le Mans event, a children-only track created on the set of his father’s 1971 film, “Le Mans.” By the age of 12, Chad won his class in the World Mini Grand Prix. A lover of Porsche cars, his professional racing career started with Sports Car Club of America. Chad later started his own company, McQueen Racing, LLC.

 In addition to his mother, Chad is survived by his life partner of 31 years Jeanie McQueen Galbraith and their children: Chase and Madison; son Steven R., from a previous marriage; grandson Michael Carriles; and son-in-law Mitchell Carriles. In addition to his father, he was predeceased by his sister Terry.  

Donations can be in Chad McQueen’s name to The Boys Republic in Chino Hills.

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March 16, 1952 – Aug. 11, 2024

Brian Douglas “Goldie” Burt, age 72, passed away in Panorama City on Aug. 11. He was born on March 16, 1952 in Downey and was a 1970 graduate of Crescenta Valley High School.

Growing up in La Crescenta, he often explored the mountains at the top of New York Avenue where his family lived and he was a proud resident of Sunland for almost 40 years. He spent most of his working life as a lineman for the City of Glendale and the City of Los Angeles with special projects. He loved taking trips to Morro Bay in his beloved motorhome with his life partner Linda, scuba diving and, of course, the Dodgers. He enjoyed reading as many books as he could as well as making up games to play with his grandkids. He also enjoyed sending his grandkids unique and one-of-a-kind gifts to make them giggle.

Brian is preceded in death by his parents James Leo Burt of Glendale and Alice Marie Jacobs of Lincoln, Nebraska as well as his stepson Troy Shannon Evans.

Brian is survived by his beloved life partner and, later in life, his caregiver of almost 48 years Linda Reyes Evans. He is also survived by his brother Richard (Vicki) Burt; sisters Geneanne (Phil) Francis and Laurie (Ray) Davis. He is also survived by his stepdaughter Chanel (Mark) Lang of Nashville, Tennessee, and his grandkids Hunter and Peyton Lang, who only knew him as “Papa.” In addition to his immediate family, Brian is survived by a plethora of nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews who adored him.

Brian had a big heart and even bigger personality. He had a way of making those around him laugh and feel better. As much as we miss you and hate that you are no longer around, we know you’re at peace and no longer hurting.

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Jan. 6, 1926 – Sept. 27, 2024

Marcia died peacefully, and with confidence in Jesus, her Lord and Savior, on Sept. 27 in Glendale. She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Bob Lindstrom. She is survived by her three children and their spouses: Neil & Sue Lindstrom, Jeff & Joanne Lindstrom Cena and Bob & Ruth Lindstrom.

Marcia had six grandchildren: Heather, Jennifer, Michele, Marc, Henry and Neil. She was great-grandmother to Lauren, Morgan, Christian, Cash, Caleb, Tanner and Teagan.

Marcia was born on Jan. 6, 1926 in Santa Ana but she lived most of her life in Glendale. Bob and Marcia worked together as partners in their business, Lindstrom Insurance Agency, for 40 years. After retiring, they moved to Scottsdale, Arizona where they resided for 14 years before returning to Glendale. Marcia attended La Cañada Presbyterian Church where she participated in a wonderful Bible study group.

Marcia was an inspiration to so many on how to age gracefully and how to live life to the fullest – no matter where life found you. Marcia had so many friends as she accepted everyone without judgement or bias. Marcia was funny, positive and independent and she will be greatly missed by all!

Marcia will be laid to rest at Forest Lawn, Glendale and in January there will be a celebration of life for this remarkable woman.

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Born in June in the state of Arkansas, Gilbert married at age 19 and moved to Glendale after getting a job on the Southern Pacific Railroad as a brakeman and then conductor. He had a nickname that they called him at work – Spider – because of how he could climb fairly quickly on and off the boxcars. He was really good at his job.

An accident cut his career short and he had to retire early. Before then, on his vacations he’d like to go back to his home state to go hunting and fishing with his family and relatives. Other than this, he had lived a relatively quiet life in Lake View Terrace, which is where he and his family moved in the summer of 1985 and where years later he was able to let go of this life. His family is grateful that his wishes to pass at home could be honored.

He is survived by his only daughter Cindy Sue Evans;  two sons Curtis Lee Evans and John Clevert Robert Evans (Rob/Robbie); granddaughters Kaitlyn Holliday and Jennifer Evans; and great grandchildren Kinsley, Aubrey and Kristopher Holliday.

He will be missed by the friends he has had here in California, as well as many relatives all over the country, with many of them in Arkansas. Services in care have been by Crippen Mortuary. In the Spring of next year, his ashes will be interned with his wife at Caney Cemetery in Arkansas. 

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