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Showing obituaries submitted in the last year

1985

GRD Law '85
Miguel S. Demapan

Miguel S. Demapan J.D. ’85, retired chief justice of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, passed away on June 30, 2012, in Saipan. During the course of his nearly 20-year career, Demapan served as both a Judge Pro Tempore in the Superior Court of Guam and Justice Pro Tempore of the Supreme Court of Guam. Chief Justice of Guam F. Philip Carbullido said, “We are saddened to hear of the passing of Chief Justice Miguel S. Demapan.  He served the judiciaries of the CNMI, Guam, and Micronesia with integrity and fairness. His colleagues throughout the Marianas and Micronesia had the deepest respect and admiration for his untiring commitment to the Rule of Law. I join my colleagues in the CNMI, Guam, and Micronesia in extending our deepest sympathy to Frances and their children.”

submitted Aug. 3, 2012 10:51A
GRD Ed./Couns Psych./Pastoral Min. '85
Marion Roberta (Danskin) Milligan

Marion Roberta (Danskin) Milligan M.A. '85, age 77 of Valparaiso, formerly of Sunnyvale, CA, passed away Saturday, October 13, 2012. She was born in Gary, IN, the daughter of Robert and Elsie Fern Danskin (nee Willmoth). Survived by her husband, David Milligan of Valparaiso; sister, Margaret (George) Yetsko and aunt, Virginia Park, both of Hobart. Marion graduated from Emerson High School, Class of 1953. She received her B.S. Degree in Nursing from Indiana University and her Master's Degree from the University of Santa Clara, California. Marion retired as Head Nurse at NASA AMES, Moffett Field, CA. She lived in California for 38 years. Marion loved golf and was a world traveler.

submitted Nov. 16, 2012 9:19A

1986

'86
Pamela J. Skenderian
Pamela J. Skenderian ’86 died Aug. 20, 2012 in Ventura Calif. 

She was born in Glendale, Calif. on October 5, 1964 to Sue and Joe Skenderian. 

Pam grew up in La Canada and attended Paradise Canyon, St. Bede the Venerable elementary school and Mayfield Sr. High School in Pasadena, Calif. Pam completed her education at Santa Clara University. 

Her passion for caring for others led to a career as a special education teacher and administrator. 

Pam leaves behind her loving family including sisters, Leslie (Bill) Van Dalsem of Newport Beach, Calif., Jenny (Mike) Ward of Phoenix, Ariz., Sue (John) Stonehouse of Camarillo, Calif., Jessie (Ryan) Eckardt of San Francisco, Calif., and brothers Joe (Jeanne) Skenderian of Dallas, Texas and Jamie (Jody) Skenderian of Camarillo, Calif.  She is also survived by 15 nieces and nephews and loving aunts and uncles. 

Pam is preceded in death by her brother Peter and her grandparents Josephine Skenderian Driscoll and husband John, and Dr. John and Margaret Niles. 

 

submitted Sep. 6, 2012 11:27A

1991

GRD Engineering '91
Robert J. Radford

Robert J. Radford M.S. ’91, 54 of Fremont, formerly of Somis, passed away on August 1, 2012. Survived by his sons, Bryan 23, Nolan 18, and his siblings, Janet and David as well as his double-first cousins, John, Steve, and Bill and his former wife, Debra. Rob graduated from Moorpark College, UC Santa Barbara, and Santa Clara University with degrees in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on Finite Element Analysis (FEA). His favorite hobbies were golfing, surfing, soccer, hiking, and brewing his own beer.

submitted Nov. 15, 2012 10:28A
'91
Linda Crocket

Linda Crockett M.A. ’91, 67 years old, lost her life in a tragic automobile accident on July 26. 

Born on July 17, 1945, in Palo Alto, where she grew up, Linda received her B.A. degree from San Jose State University in 1976. She built a successful sales and marketing career in the publishing industry. In 1991, though, she made a major career change after earning her MFT master's from Santa Clara University.

Linda and her husband, Joel, moved to The Sea Ranch in September, 1999. Early in 2000 she received an independent contract as a mental health consultant for the Point Arena Unified School District. In 2001 she opened Life Choices, a therapeutic counseling service, in Gualala. Continuing her private practice, she also joined Action Network as their clinical director in 2004. She was particularly proud of her contributions in creating Arena High School'sTeen Peer Court, and working with students to put together Mendocino Teen Voices (MTV), a website for teens.
 
The community response to Linda's unexpected death bears testimony to the impact of her contributions. Her husband shares that since her death, a number of parents and grandparents have told him stories of Linda's success with the children in their lives - stories Linda never divulged, even with Joel, because she so honored her promise of confidentiality. Linda was strong, focused, not always easy, but always honest, hardworking and effective. She brought loving value to children and families along the entire Mendonoma coast.
 
Linda was a wife and a mother, too - she excelled at both. When she and her husband adopted her nephew, Jason, it was with a commitment to guide him to adulthood. They succeeded. Linda had the honor of watching her boy graduate from high school this May with the knowledge that he was prepared to bring value in whatever endeavor he chose.

Linda's exuberance for life left a mark on everyone who knew her. She won't be forgotten.

Linda leaves so many who will love her forever: Her husband Joel; her sons Jason Crockett and David Kull; 3 grandchildren; 2 brothers in law including Four-Eyed Frog's Jeremy; 3 stepchildren and 4 step grandchildren.

 

submitted Aug. 3, 2012 10:11A
'91
Andrew J. Solomon

Andrew John Solomon ’91 passed away quietly on Dec. 5, 2012, following a prolonged battle with brain cancer. Andy was a longtime pillar of the Fresno community having grown up in Fresno where he attended Bullard High School and went on to Santa Clara University, where he was their first baseman all four years. Following college, Andy returned to Fresno to complete a 25 year career in commercial real estate, during which he made innumerable friends, supported community improvements, and was admired and respected by everyone who came in contact with him. Andy, together with his family, fought against his illness for over five years. Andy's incredible strength and will to live resulted in him becoming one of the longest living survivors of full brain radiation treatment. We may all take some solace in the fact that Andy's participation in numerous experimental cancer treatment programs may help to improve the chances for future patients to possibly survive this now incurable disease. During this time he also felt a strong calling to reach out to others in hope of helping them face their own personal challenges. Andy's great love of baseball continued to the very end and was exceeded only by his love for his family and Faith in God. The family would like to thank the staff for the great dedication and care Andy received at both the University of California San Francisco, the Helen Diller Family Cancer Center; and Hinds Hospice. He leaves behind a loving wife Monique; and his two devoted daughters, Meg and Tess. In addition to the young family he leaves behind, there is an extended and devoted family that will continue to morn his loss. He also leaves behind his mother and father, Lew and Linda Solomon, of Fresno; his three siblings, Jeff Solomon '84 and his wife Carolyn of Tualatin, Or., Jim Solomon and his wife Melissa of Fresno, Susie Jones and her husband Tom of Sacramento; and numerous aunts; uncles; cousins; nephews and nieces. 

submitted Jan. 7, 2013 11:41A

1994

'94
Paul Siggins

Paul Siggins M.S. ’94 was a resident of Santa Clara. Born September 21, 1960 in San Jose, died at home in Santa Clara July 28, 2012 of melanoma cancer after a brave and valiant 6 month fight with family and friends at his side. He is survived by his devoted wife, soul mate, and best friend of 21 years Karen Siggins. Loving son of Hugh (deceased), and Frances Siggins. Caring brother of Carol (deceased), Gary (Barbara), Bruce (Laura). Cherished son in law of Irene Capurso. Brother in Law of John & Alan Field. Dear nephew of Don & Kathy Sindel. Uncle of many nieces and nephews. Lifelong friend of David Lowery. Paul was warm, patient & kind. He had a loving, good natured disposition & effervescent zest for life. Although death took him at age 51, Paul lived life to the fullest and experienced more than most people do over a long lifetime. He & Karen traveled the world together. He especially loved cruising, reading, & watching the 49ers with his BFF Dave. He was a huge animal lover. Paul was a well respected & talented Electrical Engineer who enjoyed his job. He rec'd his BSEE from San Jose State, and his MSEE from Santa Clara University. Paul was most recently employed by Alara, Intellidx, and Thermo Fisher.

submitted Sep. 6, 2012 12:17P

1995

'95
Thatcher Bryant Perkins

Thatcher Bryant Perkins ’95 of Woodinville, a much-loved son, brother, husband, and father, passed away unexpectedly on Sept. 26. He was born in Tarrytown, N.Y. on July 5, 1972. Thatcher graduated from Woodinville High School and Santa Clara University. He is survived by his grandparents, John and Jeanne Quinn; his parents, Dennis and Robin Perkins; his brothers, Chris, John and Patrick; and his own family: Aimee, daughters Parker and Morgan, and son Brenner. Thatcher's appetite for adventure and dynamic humor were second only to his love for his children. Parker shares his zest and spirit, Brenner carries his daddy's boyish charm, and Morgan has Thatcher's smile and laughing eyes. He lives in each moment we remember his life and his love for us.

submitted Nov. 15, 2012 10:07A
'95
Rachel Brant Peres

Rachel Brant Peres ’95, a resident of San Jose, entered into peaceful rest at age 39 on October 13, 2012 in San Jose after a courageous and inspiring 20-month battle with leukemia. Rachel was born March 6, 1973 at the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. As a military "brat" she lived in 5 states prior to moving to Davis, Calif. in 1981. She graduated from Davis Sr. High School in 1991 where she played varsity soccer and volleyball. She earned a B.A. in Communications from Santa Clara University in 1995 and completed a semester abroad in Vienna, Austria. Rachel was an amazing writer and worked as a Public Relations and Marketing Specialist in Silicon Valley and she also started a small business selling her hand-made felt creations online and to boutiques in the Bay Area.


Rachel was married to Robert Peres in Santa Clara on September 17, 2000 and leaves two children Evan age 7 and Katherine age 5. As a family they enjoyed traveling around California and vacations to Hawaii. Rachel was active in the Hacienda Elementary School parent group and volunteering in her children's classrooms.


Rachel will be missed by many and forgotten by few. Survived by her loving husband Rob; her two beloved children, Evan and Kate: mother Linda Brant: stepfather William Brant (Barbara): stepmother Lesley Funk: brothers Ryan Brant (Tiffany), Dan Brant (Lindsay) and Jon Brant; and 10 adoring nieces and nephews. Rachel was predeceased by her father Warren K. Funk.


Rachel chronicled her illness on her Caringbridge blog which drew in thousands of readers who were inspired by her wit and courage.

submitted Oct. 22, 2012 12:23P
GRD Jesuit School of Theology '95
Celia Ann Cavazos

Sister Celia Ann Cavazos, MCDP M.A. ’95, a Missionary Catechist of Divine Providence for 55 years, died on August 28, 2012, at the age of 75. She was born to Esteban Cavazos and Celia Gonzales on December 22, 1936, in Pierce, TX.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Stephen Cavazos, Jr., her sisters and brothers-in-law, Minnie Rodriguez, Alice Montalvo, Domingo Montalvo, Rudy Rodriguez, and Luis Madrid. Sister Celia Ann is survived by her sisters and brothers-in-law, Alma and Joseph C. Diaz, Mary Carmen Madrid, Celia Martha Weiss, Annie Marie Morales and Elias Morales; nieces and nephews, Domingo, Jr., Margaret, Elizabeth, Joseph, Virginia, Rudy, Steven, Christopher, Brian, Katherine, Mark, Jason and 17 great nieces and nephews.

Sister Celia Ann made her first vows as a Missionary Catechist of Divine Providence on August 6, 1957. She served her religious community as General Superior of the Congregation, a member of the Leadership Council, formation directress, and directress of a house of discernment in Fresno, CA. She served as Vicar of Educational Services and the Vocations Office in the Archdiocese of San Antonio. She also served as Director of the Office of Religious Education in the Diocese of Fresno and in the Offices of Religious Education and Hispanic Ministry in the Diocese of Austin. Sister Celia Ann served the needs of People of God as a catechetical leader in Texas parishes of the Archdiocese of San Antonio, the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, the Diocese of Fresno, the Diocese of Austin, the Diocese of Brownsville, and the Diocese of Corpus Christi. She was well known as a national catechetical leader. A graduate from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, TX, the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, and Santa Clara University in Santa Clara, CA, Sister served God's people with compassion and love. 

 

submitted Sep. 6, 2012 11:34A

1997

UGRD Engineering '97
Sherwin Manalo

Sherwin Manalo ’97, who was 37 and a former resident of South Lake Tahoe, California, passed away in a tragic car accident on September 3, 2012. He was the South Tahoe High School valedictorian for the Class of 1993 and graduated with a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Santa Clara University in 1997. After graduating from SCU, he was involved in many structural design projects with engineering consulting firms such as Mark Thomas & Company, Rajappan & Meyer, and BkF. Sherwin has left a mark in our communities with his structural designs which included improvements in our freeway interchanges and bridges. Sherwin left a mark in our hearts as well and will be sorely missed. He is survived by his parents, Tony and Elisa Manalo, brother, Ariel, and sister, Noreen. Sherwin loved his family and friends and will always be remembered for his generosity and keen wit. He will be missed dearly. 

submitted Nov. 15, 2012 3:14P

1999

'99
Sean O'Bryan

Sean Gabriel O'Bryan ’99 left this world on Jan. 18, 2013. Born July 4, 1977, he attended Brophy College Preparatory and Santa Clara University (Computer Engineering). He was a gifted trumpet player. Gabriel lived a full, joy-filled and generous life in Seattle, working for Microsoft and creating a company of his own. He joins his beloved grandfathers Dr. Eugene Acosta Marin and Louis Bertrand O'Bryan, Sr., and awaits being reunited with his loved ones: parents Bert & Marty; brothers Michael, Seamus Raphael, Devin; grandmothers Marie Marin and Frances O'Bryan, his loving aunts and uncles, and many, many cousins. 

submitted Feb. 11, 2013 11:48A

2006

'06
Alice Joy

Alice Joy BA ’06 of San Francisco passed away on May 18, 2012.

submitted Jun. 12, 2012 6:13P

2007

GRD Law '07
Michael J. Percy

Michael J. Percy ’07 (June 4, 1947 - May 30, 2012) Resident of Milpitas, Mike was born the son of Oran and Alta Percy in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He earned a bachelor's degree from U.C. Berkeley and a master's degree from San Jose State University. After a long career in urban planning he retired from the City of Mountain View to pursue his law degree from Santa Clara University and ultimately started his own law practice. He is survived by his wife Katheryn, sons James (Danielle) and Matthew (Erin), and grandchildren Abigail, Owen, Isabella and Megan.

submitted Aug. 3, 2012 10:26A

Faculty & Staff

'ff
Richard Degnon

Richard W. Degnon, a resident of San Jose, was born Jan. 6, 1928. He is survived by daughter Kathleen Ransom; sons Timothy ’76, James, and Daniel; and nine grandchildren. Degnon was a 1953 journalism graduate of San Jose State University and worked as a reporter for the L.A. Times, Glendale News-Press, and San Jose Mercury-News. Degnon was SCU's athletic news director from 1962 to 1981. He was also a member of the Santa Clara Rotary Club and a board member of Branham Hills Senior Baseball League. He was the first president, in 1969, of Pioneer High School Sports Boosters Club. While in the Air Force, he edited Ladd Field, Alaska's, "farthest north newspaper in world". Degnon was the last serviceman to transfer from the Army to Air Force, June 30, 1948, before both became separate U.S. branches. 

submitted Aug. 3, 2012 11:16A
'ff
Michael A. Sweeney

Michael Anthony Sweeney, of Santa Cruz, died in his home on March 26, 2013 of pancreatic cancer. He was 81. Sweeney joined the chemistry faculty at Santa Clara University in 1966, and he taught until the fall of 2012. In 2001 he was named professor emeritus. Prior to teaching he worked as a research chemist for Standard Oil, and also rose to the rank of captain while serving in the US Air Force.

Sweeney was born on Dec. 5, 1931 in Los Angeles, to James Robert Sweeney and Ruth (Bauter) Sweeney.

He attended Loyola High School, and in 1953 graduated cum laude from Loyola Marymount University, (then, Loyola University).  He earned his master's, then doctorate in radiation chemistry from the University of California at Berkeley in 1962. The research for his Ph.D. dissertation, Radiation Chemistry of Isopropyl Compounds, was directed by Nobel laureates Amos Newton and Glenn Seaborg at Lawrence Berkeley Labs, where Sweeney operated a cyclotron. During that period he is credited along with two other scientists with discovery of the isotope Rhenium (181).

He performed research and published scientific articles throughout his career. In conjunction with NASA-AMES, he studied the area of abiotic biosynthesis—the origin of organic molecules on the early earth and solar system, the formation of organic molecules resulting from radiation fluxes, and carbonaeous chondrite chemistry. His investigation into the radiation levels of the primitive Earth atmosphere added to our understanding of the origin of life.

In 1966 Sweeney began teaching chemistry at Santa Clara University. It was a position he called "the best job I've ever had." Students from his first graduating class presented him with a pamphlet titled "Sweeney's Similes," in which they had recorded many of the analogies from his lectures for which he was well-known. Ten of his first 11 chemistry majors went on to earn their doctorates in chemistry; the eleventh earned a J.D. Several of these students reached out to Sweeney during his final weeks, offering gratitude for his inspiration.

Sweeney is survived by three children, Matthew ’93, Anna ’86, and Daniel ’87, their spouses, and two grandchildren.  

A memorial service will be held at Mission Santa Clara on April 11 at 6:00 p.m. A reception will follow at the Arts and Sciences Building on the Santa Clara University Campus, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95053. His ashes will be laid to rest in Ireland by his children.  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a charitable donation be made to Santa Clara University, The Chemistry Dept., in Memory of Michael A. Sweeney, University Relations, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA  95053; or via the web at www.scu.edu/give/

 

Donations will be awarded to a chemistry major who demonstrates interest in a teaching career.


Notes of sympathy may be sent to:

The Sweeney Family

c/o Chemistry & Biochemistry Department

Daly Science Center

500 El Camino Real

Santa Clara, CA 95053

 

submitted Mar. 28, 2013 9:01A
'ff
Mary Asuncion

Mary Asuncion served Santa Clara University twenty-three years as senior administrative assistant in the Human Resources Office and the Mathematics & Computer Science Department. 

Mary's daughter, Kimberly Moreno ’96, shared the joy and pride her mother felt being part of the Santa Clara community. Having fought a long and courageous battle with cancer, Mary now rests in the loving arms of God.
submitted Dec. 20, 2012 1:06P
'ff
Kathryn Bauer Ivers

Kathryn Bauer Ivers, June 8, 1914 to July 7, 2012, was executive secretary to Athletic Director Pat Malley for more than 15 years; prior to that she worked in the Admissions office. Daughter of Julius J. and Mary A. Bauer. Kathryn was born in Chicago, Ill., and attended DePaul University. Preceded in death by loving husband Edward J. Ivers. Mother of Patricia "Irish" Burney ’67 (David) of Leesburg, Virginia, Barry (Sheila) Ivers of San Jose, and Michael ’71 (Sherry) Ivers of Sparks, Nevada. Grandchildren: Nathaniel, Laurel, Jonathan, Samantha, Danielle, and Barry. Great-grandmother of 5, and countless nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved dearly. Kathy traveled the world with her husband, Army Lt. Col. Ed Ivers, and while living in Germany in the mid-fifties, was named Catholic Woman of the Year. Later, when the family moved to California, she was the assistant to the dean of Admissions at Santa Clara University (SCU), a position she had also held at Georgetown University a few years prior. Her love for SCU continued when she became the executive secretary to the Athletic Director, a position which she held until her retirement from SCU in 1980. She later lived in McLean, Va., with her daughter and her family. Kathy leaves behind many relatives and close friends in San Jose, Chicago, and McLean. Kathy was very proud of all three of her children, and especially proud of their graduating from college. She continued to love and encourage the next generation of her family always. She will be missed, but never forgotten.

submitted Jul. 30, 2012 4:30P

Friends of the University

'ty
James Michael McDonald

James Michael McDonald ’61 (12/05/36 - 06/02/12) Coach Jim McDonald, 75, passed away peacefully in San Francisco on June 2, having endured multiple myeloma and related complications since 2003.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Francesca (Guheen) and daughters Christina D'Arcy (Finbarr) and Melissa Wagner (Nicholas). He is the proud Papa of Oliver Edward James Wagner. Jim is uncle to Jessica Guheen Wald (Adam), Colin (Carrie) and Ryan Guheen ’03, Paula, Kenny and the late Kevin Carolla, John Edmunds and Sandra Ledford. Jim is survived by his brothers-in-law Michael Guheen ’68, MBA ’70 (Cheryl) and Fred Carolla, and his sister-in-law Susan (Guheen) Desautels (Marc). He is predeceased by his parents, Valentine and Noreen McDonald, twin brother Jerome and sisters Patricia and Peggy; his in-laws, John J. Guheen II and Francis Arguello Guheen (nee Lemmelett) and brother-in-law John J. Guheen III.

Jim grew up in Eureka Valley and graduated from Most Holy Redeemer grammar school. He attended St. Joseph's Seminary in Los Altos for one year prior to attending Saint Ignatius College Preparatory on Stanyan Street and graduating in the class of 1955. Jim's collegiate athletic and academic adventures began at the University of San Francisco followed by a stint at Santa Clara University and then back to USF where he completed his B.S. in Business Administration, followed by a teaching credential and Master's degree in Education. In 1962, at Saint Ignatius College Preparatory, Jim began what was to become a 50-year career as an educator and football coach. In 1971, Jim started teaching and coaching at Saint Mary's College of California in Moraga. He retired in 2004, after 32 years of service and in 2005 he was inducted into the St. Mary's College Athletic Hall of Fame, an honor for which he was most humble. After his official retirement, Jim volunteered on the coaching staff of City College of San Francisco and was ecstatic to be a part of Coach Rush's 2011 National Championship team. Coaching at CCSF completed Jim's vision of coaching football until he died.

Jim made a positive impact in the lives of hundreds of young men and women and enjoyed the ongoing communication with so many of his former players and students. His spirits were buoyed with visits and phone calls from players and students throughout the years, especially during his illness. He delighted in hearing about their families, careers, and accomplishments. Jim valued family and friends and was extraordinarily loyal to the loved ones in his life. He referred to himself as a blessed man to be surrounded by his loyal family and friends, for they made him laugh and lightened his heart throughout his life. He felt fortunate to visit with them daily and weekly in his last months.

Jim was particularly grateful to the Jesuits for the impact they had on his formative years and how their philosophy shaped his life; he was grateful for how the individual Jesuits in his life guided and supported him as an adult, especially during his illness. Jim was also affected by, and deeply respected, the teaching mission of the Christian Brothers at Saint Mary's College. Additionally, donations of one's time or funds in support of the vocation of nursing would be an appropriate tribute, as Jim had a deep respect for the nurses who took such good care of him, calling them his angels. The family would like to extend its gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at the Hematology/Oncology practice at the University of California San Francisco and the UCSF Family Medicine Centerat Lakeshore; and in addition, the doctors, nurses, and staff at the Jewish Home in San Francisco who welcomed Jim and treated him like family. To all our friends who provided support and guidance and were always there for us during this time, our heartfelt thanks and love

submitted Aug. 3, 2012 10:17A
'ty
Flora Cabral Komes

Flora Cabral Komes, matriarch of Flora Springs Winery, peacefully passed away on Oct. 29, 2012.

Flora always described her life as beautiful, and so it was, from her roots in Honolulu, Hawaii, where she was born Nov. 7, 1911, to her final days in the Napa Valley and in her beloved San Francisco.

Flora was a nurse and a nurturer, whether it was a bird with a broken wing, a small, struggling plant or a scraped knee. She first recognized her call to nursing when she was in fifth grade and read about Florence Nightingale. In 1931, after her graduation from McKinley High School, Flora boarded a Matson liner to the mainland - to San Francisco to attend St. Mary's Hospital School of nursing. Her first purchase when she arrived in chilly San Francisco was a warm coat.

By Halloween that first year, Flora had been introduced to Jerry Komes, who would become the love of her life. The attraction was mutual and he asked her out to a movie the next week, which happened to be her birthday. He arrived with a bouquet of violets - a practice that continued for the rest of their life together. He courted Flora for years, but she would not marry him until she completed her training, including a postgraduate degree at Shriner's Hospital. They finally married at morning mass at St. Agnes Church in San Francisco, Feb. 16, 1935.

Flora eventually gave up her career to raise their children. Jerry and Flora were quite a team. Flora supported his successful career at Bechtel Corporation and he was always quick to tell you that his accomplishments were not his alone, but possible because of his devoted Flora. They were married 66 years when Jerry died at the age of 89.

Flora always lived up to her name - she loved to garden and always had green plants thriving around her. Even after she moved to The San Francisco Towers, people would bring her their weak and dying plants to revive.

In 1977, after a several year search, Flora and Jerry purchased the property at the end of West Zinfandel Lane in St. Helena. Flora had immediately fallen in love with this land and quickly convinced her husband that this was the perfect place to "retire." They hiked the hills together and located the springs, and when their son, John, proposed that the old winery building on the property be revived, it only made sense that the winery should be called Flora Springs after these two sources of life. Instead of a retirement property, this became a new career for Flora and Jerry and their children.

Flora remained interested and involved with the winery until her death. Last year, the family was able to celebrate Flora's 100th birthday and people were astounded by her spirit and energy and radiant smile.

Flora is survived by her three children and their spouses, Michael ’58 and Pat Komes, John ’62 and Carrie Komes and Julie ’71 and Pat Garvey M.A. ’74 and daughter-in-law Rose Komes; seven grandchildren, Michelle (Steve) Dolge ’84, Jeannine (Dave) Ross, Lisa (Curt) Myers, Nadine (Scott) McIntosh, Kirsten Komes (granddaughter-in-law), Nat (Anne) Komes, Sean (Lindsay) Garvey and Joe Garvey; and 15 great-grandchildren, Jackson and Zoe Dolge, Tucker and Hayley Ross, Kyle and Keenan Myers, Peter and Mark McIntosh, Christian, Mary Grace, and Elisa Komes, Matthias and Charlotte Komes, Graham and Sabine Garvey. She also is survived by her devoted personal secretary, Catherine Cunningham. Flora is predeceased by her husband, Jerry Komes and her grandson, Otto Komes; her sisters, Philamena Kellogg, Adeline Spencer, and Ethel Helmboldt; and her brothers, Edward and Wilfred Cabral.

submitted Nov. 15, 2012 10:11A
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Elizabeth Mary Ginty

Elizabeth Mary Ginty, born May 25, 1917, the beloved daughter of Peter Francis and Margaret Mary Hamill of Oakland, died peacefully at her home on October 7, 2012 at the age of 95. She was a lifelong resident of Oakland/Piedmont having been born in Oakland, attending Piedmont Avenue School, graduating from Oakland Technical High School and completing two years of business college. She lived and raised her family in the same Piedmont home for nearly 67 years. She was a member of St. Leo's Catholic Church her entire life where she, as well as her mother and her daughter were married. She was active in the Mothers Club at St. Leo's school, from which her two children graduated. She was a volunteer and officer with the Holy Family Guild and a member of the Catala Club of Santa Clara University for over forty years. Elizabeth was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, a devoted caretaker of family and friends throughout her life. She was always cheerful and friendly to anyone she met; a ray of sunshine in any room she entered. She delighted in being a native Californian and was especially proud of her Irish heritage and her extended family in Ireland, whom she visited on many occasions with her late husband and brother and her grandchildren. Elizabeth was predeceased by her devoted husband of 53 years, John Francis Ginty, founder of Ginty Supply of Walnut Creek and by her dear brother, Edward Hamill of Oakland. She is survived by her daughter Margaret Shumm and husband Gary of Menlo Park, CA and her son John F Ginty, Jr. '70 and wife Maureen of Alta, CA. Elizabeth is also survived by her six grandchildren, Meghan Shumm Oliveri '01 of Danville, Erin Shumm and Kathleen Shumm Tuttle '05 both of San Jose, Flynn Ginty of San Francisco, Britte Ginty of Rochester, Minnesota and Devin Ginty currently residing in Helsinki, Finland; and her great-grandchild Emily Tuttle of San Jose.

submitted Nov. 15, 2012 3:00P
'ty
Elizabeth "Betty" Sutro

Elizabeth "Betty" Sutro died peacefully on August 8 at her ranch in Napa at the age of 101 surrounded by family. She was a gracious and giving lady and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.  Betty was born in July 1911 to Philip Hanson Hiss and Caroline Dow Hiss at their home in New Canaan, Connecticut. She attended Tenacre Country Day School in Massachusetts, and was profiled in its 2011 newsletter, as both the school and Betty turned 100. She graduated from Dana Hall in Wellesley, Massachusetts, and was presented their distinguished alumni award in 2002. She moved to San Francisco after her marriage in October 1931 to John Sutro, who for many years was a distinguished attorney and partner at Pillsbury, Madison and Sutro. In 1935 they moved to their new home in Presidio Heights, where she raised four children, many dogs and lived until her death.  Betty will be remembered for her extraordinary caring and generosity, and for the impact she made on so many people. There were several organizations that she cared about and supported, but she was especially passionate and committed to St. Luke's Hospital (now part of the California Pacific Medical Center) and Laguna Honda Hospital. Betty was involved with St. Luke's for over 75 years, and helped found the St. Luke's Auxiliary 60 years ago. In 1984, as further acknowledgment of her commitment to improving the human condition, she was invested into The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem. In February 2009, Betty was honored at a reception for her decades-long commitment to St. Luke's.  Betty Sutro's spirit of giving has also been shown and known by her participation at Laguna Honda Hospital for the past 50 years. Betty was a founding member of the Laguna Honda Hospital Volunteers (now known as Friends of Laguna Honda), beginning her service on the board of that organization in 1957 and retiring in 2008. Throughout that time and after her retirement, she was devoted to the residents of Laguna Honda and open to answering their critical needs. In June 2010, at the opening of the newly revamped hospital, the Betty Sutro Meadow was dedicated in her honor and the meadow is now an active area for the residents of Laguna Honda Hospital and Rehabilitation Center as well as the residents of San Francisco. In the words of one friend, "She was a selfless act to others. She had the opportunity to give; she took it;she gave it."  In 1994, Betty endowed the first academic chair at Santa Clara University School of Law, the John A. and Elizabeth H. Sutro Professor of Law.  At the time of her death, Betty had been a member of the Town and Country Club for 66years.  Betty loved the outdoors, and especially loved her ranch in Napa. She made the drive from San Francisco to Napa every weekend, and spent much of each summer there. There were always family and friends around. Her children and grandchildren and some of her great-grandchildren had large groups of friends visit on a regular basis. As a sampling; her son Stephen had his fraternity up for a weekend, a granddaughter's entire swim team came up, and a great-grandson's Boy Scout troop had several camping weekends there. Betty's story would not be complete without mention of her beloved dogs. When she was 12 years old her dog, Dixie, went with her to Tenacre Country Day School, although Dixie was asked to leave almost immediately. Throughout her life she always had a dog (or three), many of which have their portraits hanging in her bedroom. She is survived by her Labrador retriever, Dusty, who was at the foot of her bed when she died.  A special thank you to her granddaughter, Margaret Mackey, NP, for all the love and care she gave "Gima" the last few years. The family also wishes to thank Bobby Cohen and Celedonia Garcia and his family for the invaluable care and support they gave her over the past 20 years, without which she would not have enjoyed those years as much as she did.
Betty was preceded in death in 1994 by her devoted husband, John, after almost 63 years of marriage. She also was pre-deceased by her beloved son, Stephen, in 1962, and her loving daughter, Caroline Mohun, in 1997. She is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Mackey ’91, of Los Altos, and her son, The Honorable John A. Sutro, Jr. (Loulie), of Kentfield. She also leaves behind 17 grandchildren, 42 great grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren. 

submitted Sep. 6, 2012 12:09P

Unknown

GRD Ed./Couns Psych./Pastoral Min. 'wn
Gregory Todd Savage

Gregory Todd Savage died July 15 of complications from cancer. A graduate of Texas A&M, he completed the teaching credential program and the coursework for a master's degree at Santa Clara. Greg taught at Pioneer High School in San Jose and was the son of Tom and Marsha Savage, both retired as professors emeriti from the Department of Education. Greg is survived by his family Crystalyn Savage M.A. ’06, Cody Savage, and Chelstie Prewitt, as well as his parents Dr. George and Mrs. Rexanna Latimer of Bryan, TX, Drs. Tom and Marsha Savage of Manteca CA, his brother Steve Savage of San Jose, his grandmother Norma K. West of Idaho, as well as many aunts, cousins, friends, and students.

submitted Jul. 26, 2012 10:13A
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