United States High School Yearbooks by County
John Stephen Lax,
February 10th, 1918 to March 17th, 2003
Born in Seattle, Washington, decorated Air Force Colonel, John Lax leaves behind his beloved wife, Carla, his loving daughter, Maryann, his granddaughter Lora Nazarian of Novato, grandsons Dale Camden of Larkspur, John Camden of Phoenix Arizona, and Sean Camden of Novato. He also leaves six great-grandchildren, Katja and Aimee Nazarian, Erica and Ashley Camden and Dayna and Russell Camden. His first wife Amy and his daughter Lorna preceded him in death by many years. John's family arrived in San Francisco in 1925 right in the middle of the Prohibition Era. He attended Mission High. He and his two brothers Will and Ernie owned a paint store on Irving Street in San Francisco and worked in the painting and decorating business all their lives. John's profitable hobby of restoring Porsche totals kept his yard on Kent Avenue filled with cars and friends from across the world. On the tragic death of his younger daughter Lorna in 1959, John retired from painting and turned to buying and selling property. He successfully lived by his motto of "Just get up and do something!" until several weeks before he passed. He will be missed. Arrangements handled by Keaton's Mortuary in San Rafael.
Bernard Paris
A long time resident of Novato, passed away March 16, 2003 at Petaluma Valley Hospital due to complications following surgery. Mr. Paris served in the U.S. Army and Air Force until 1979, retiring after 38 years. He retired from Marin Joe's after 28 years. Mr. Paris is survived by his children Ronald Paris and Linda Brown, and by his grandchildren Alan Brown, Leanne Brown and Nicholas Paris.
Charlotte R. Sorini
Charlotte Sorini of San Rafael, passed away on March 17, 2003 after a long illness. She was 90 years old. A native of Sonoma, she is survived by brother, Lawrence (Nick) Sorini, 94, of Sacramento and two sisters, Louise (Nin) McMichael, 88, of San Francisco and Ruth Bowman, 82, of San Luis Obispo. She is also survived by nephew Ronald Casassa, 76, of San Francisco, and nieces Marie Gomez, of Sacramento, and Diane Waddell, of San Luis Obispo, as well as numerous grand nieces and nephews. She retired as a Nurse, with the rank of Major in the U.S. Army, having served in Europe during WWII, and in a MASH unit during the Korean War. Cremation and interment in family plot in Sonoma, will take place at a later date. Contributions in her memory, may be made to Alzheimer's Association, or a charity of your choice.
Owen Pifer Winstead
Owen Winstead passed away peacefully at Greenbrae Care Center on Wednesday March 19, 2003 at the age of 81. Owen was born on Saturday, July 2, 1921 to Katherine and William Winstead in Hardy Ark. He entered the US Navy at the age of 19 on June 19, 1941. During his service in the Navy, Owen served aboard the USS Lexington, USS Kane, USS Hatfield, SS La Pientica, SS Yeager, SS George Gershwin and the USS Porter. Following WWII, Owen became a civilian contractor firefighter for the US Navy. He worked in many of the bay area shipyards finding his retirement at Mare Island as Captain after 30 years of service. His son Leonard Winstead (Marianne Nave) and his grandson Nicholas Winstead of San Rafael, CA as well as his brother Denzel Winstead of Hotsprings Ark survive Owen. His wife, Elizabeth, preceded him in death on July 2, 2000. Friends are invited to attend Funeral Services for Owen at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, March 25, 2003 at the Sausalito Christian Fellowship Church (formerly First Baptist) 131 Filbert St., Sausalito, CA. Private interment services will take place at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Gustine, CA on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations to Hospice of Marin 150 Nellen Drive, Corte Madera, CA 94925 and the American Cancer Society, Marin Unit 25 Bellam Blvd. Ste 150 San Rafael, CA 94901. Funeral assistance provided by Mount Tamalpais Mortuary & Cemetery 2500 5th Avenue San Rafael, CA 415-459-2500.
Anne M. Bennett
A long time Novato resident, she passed away after a long battle with lung cancer at the age of 83. Anne moved to Hamilton Air Force Base in 1950 with her family. Major Charles Bennett, her husband, was Provost Marshall at the base, and died on active duty in 1956. Anne enjoyed a passion for gardening. She shared her abundant harvests of fruits, vegetables and beautiful flowers with family and friends. She volunteered as a nurse's aide at the HAFB Hospital through the 1960s. She also worked part time for the Our lady of Loretto Parish. Anne is survived by her loving daughter and caregiver, Pat Delong, of Novato, grandson Matt Delong, of Novato, granddaughter Alina Bemis, her husband Kevin and great grandson, Dante Bemis, of Petaluma. She is also survived by her son, Chuck Bennett and wife Patty and granddaughter Cathryn, all of Novato. Chuck credits his mother for much of his sense of values and priorities. Private interment will be at Golden Gate National Cemetery. Family requests memorial donations to Novato Youth Center or the Hospice of Marin.
Ahleen L. Crandall Chiswell
Ahleen (Lee) Chiswell, passed away in Petaluma on March 15, 2003 in the company of her daughters. She was the devoted and beloved wife of the late Dr. Edgar Burns Chiswell, Jr. of Maryland and Belvedere, CA. Caring mother of Sharon Tresnon Svensson of San Jose, Pamela Tresnon Strong of Mill Valley, Thomas Tresnon of Kirkland, WA, and Lauren T. Klein Hays of Mill Valley. Loving grandmother of Martin Hunt, Dara Hunt, Brett Strong, Dylan Strong, Warren Klein, Lillian Klein, Ada Tresnon and Billy Tresnon. Ahleen is also survived by her many loving East Coast Chiswell family members. Ahleen was born to Lillian (Worley) and Merle Crandall in the Imperial Valley area. She received her Masters degree from San Diego State University and taught elementary and adult education in the San Francisco area for 25 years. She was a dedicated wife, musician, teacher, and mother, and will be missed by many. A Memorial Service will be held Monday, March 24, 2003 at the Unity Church of Marin, 600 Palm Drive, Novato at 11:00 AM. Inurnment: Daphne Fernwood Cemetery, Mill Valley. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or to a favorite charity in her memory. Arrangements made by PARENT-SORENSEN MORTUARY & CREMATORY, Magnolia Avenue and Keokuk Street, Petaluma, California.
Vasilios B. Choulos
Was born on March 31, 1927. He was 75 years young! He grew up with his brother Nick in San Francisco Mission District He attended Mission High, UC Berkeley and graduated Hastings Law School in 1952. He had just passed the 50 year mark of practicing law. He was a Mill Valley resident for 45 years. He married Laura Theresa Grimaldi in 1955. His children George, Anastasia, Alexander, Stephan and James were his heroes and taking care of them was his primary mission in life. Despite his many professional accomplishments, his family always came first. Later on his grandchildren were the joys in his life-Sophia, Alexander, James, William, Lauren, Oliver, Ezekiel and Sienna. Mr. Choulos was an energetic force in the Law in San Francisco throughout his career and actively involved in every aspect of his beloved law office until shortly before he died. He handled ALL kinds of cases from Hells Angel Murders to Will Contests; Medical malpractice to helping Indians versus the Federal government on Alcatraz; the Rolling Stones at Altamont to meeting with and acting as a member of the defense team for Jack Ruby (the nightclub owner who shot Harvey Oswald) in Dallas Texas; Suing airlines for inadequate Security when terrorists blew up the Lod airport in Israel to representing widows from Greece and other countries who died in defective and dangerous fighter jets which were nicknamed "the widow maker". The variety of cases from all different areas of law is staggering. The Law Offices of Choulos, Choulos and Wyle, the Law Firm he founded will continue. He enjoyed spending time in his garden at his and my mother's wonderful home in Mill Valley called "Burlwood". Burlwood is a never-ending project that he spent the last 40 years nurturing, developing and maintaining. He and my Mother created a home that was always a gathering place for all of his family's friends. It was common to have 10 to 20 people at a usual, unscheduled dinner, with his beloved cockatoo, "Isadora", screaming in the background. Trisagion Services to be held Thursday 7:30 pm at Evergreen Mortuary at 4545 Geary St in San Francisco. Funeral Services to be held on Friday at 12pm at the Cathedral of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Chapel at 245 Valencia St. in San Francisco. Donations to be made to "Building Fund for the Cathedral of the Annunciation" at 245 Valencia St. in San Francisco.
Eleanor Carter Curtice
Peacefully rose to her new Heavenly home on March 17, 2003 at 82 years young in the home of her daughter in Lexington, Kentucky. She had been recently diagnosed with liver cancer. A native of Cambridge, Massachusetts, Mrs. Curtice made California her home for the past 50 years. It was in California that she became a career woman, got married, and raised a family. This beautiful and generous lady loved to cook for others, write poetry, play Bridge, solve the latest mystery with Columbo, and watch Tiger and Agassi play their sports. She was preceded in death by her husband, Reginald Curtice. She is survived by a host of family and friends that include: one son, Mr. William Curtice of Seward, Alaska, one daughter and son-in-law, Amy and Robert Owens of Lexington, Kentucky, and one brother, Mr. James Carter of St. Louis, Missouri. Mrs. Curtice had four grandchildren: April Pound, Nicholas Owens, Paula Schumacher, and David Owens. She was also the proud great-grandmother of six. From California to Boston, there is a multitude of people who are blessed for having known her. Mrs. Curtice requested no services, but a celebration of her life. She also requested that any donations be sent to the Salvation Army. Kerr Brothers Funeral Home is in charge of Arrangements in Lexington, Kentucky.
Nancy E. Leake
Family and friends are invited to a Memorial Mass at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 22nd at St. Sebastian the Martyr Catholic Church in Greenbrae for Nancy Elizabeth Leake, who died March 18, 2003 at the age of 67. Nancy Leake was born April 1, 1935 and raised in Gresham, Oregon. She graduated with a degree in Medical Technology from the University of Oregon in 1957, where she was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority. After graduation, Nancy moved to the Bay Area, residing in Marin County for the past 25 years. Nancy retired after 38 years of devoted service as a Medical Technologist in the laboratory at St. Francis Memorial Hospital. Nancy was an extensive world traveler with a passion for ancient cultures, history and art. In addition, her hobbies included playing bridge and reading. She was also an avid Oregon Duck and 49'er fan. Nancy was preceded in death by her only brother, Gerry Leake. Survivors include Sally Lake, sister-in-law, her nieces Lynne, Lisa, Leanna and Loretta, three grand nieces and nephews as well as many close friends. In lieu of flowers, remembrances should be sent to the American Cancer Society. KEATON'S MORTUARY 1022 E Street, San Rafael 415-453-0571
Elma McGrath
A long time Marin County resident, Elma passed away March 18, 2003 at 93 years of age. She married the late Leo Joseph McGrath in 1928 in her hometown of San Francisco. Moving to Corte Madera in 1935, they raised two sons, Bob (deceased in 1998) and Joe. Survived by daughters-in-law Pat and Judy, grandchildren Peter and his wife Dianna, Michael and his wife Dianna, Terri, Kelly, Garth, Amy and her husband Greg. She is also survived by six great grandchildren, a niece, nephew and sister-in-law, Mary Orwan. Elma was affiliated with the Y.L.I. for 56 years and was a charter member of the Rosarium Institute of Larkspur at St. Patrick's Church. She enjoyed knitting, cards, bingo, reading and until recently, sewed layettes for Birthright. Friends and family are invited to a Memorial Mass on Saturday, March 22, 2003, at 11:00 AM at St. Raphael's Mission Chapel, 1104 5th Avenue, San Rafael. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Monte's Chapel of the Hills Family Owned and Operated San Anselmo - 415-453-8440
Mabel B. Rossi
Died Tuesday, March 18, 2003 at the Nazareth House. She was 86. Mabel was the loving wife of the late Joseph Rossi and dear mother of Fr. Paul Rossi and the late Ken Bockrath. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law Judy Bockrath Pelto. She was the sister of the late Edna Owen. Mabel was the adored grandmother of Mark Bockrath and Lori Bockrath Lynch and great grandchildren, twins Peyton and Dylan Lynch and twins Ethan and Alexa Lynch. She was the aunt of Sandy DaSilva. A native of Paris, Montana she was a resident of San Rafael for over 80 years. She was a member of Saint Raphael Altar Society, Young Ladies Institute -- Lagan #52, Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court Saint Raphael #1406 and Saint Raphael Church. Mabel was also a volunteer at Nazareth House and Ross Hospital. Friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass Monday, March 24, 2003 at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Raphael Church, 1104 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael. A Vigil will be Sunday March 23, 2003 at 3:00 p.m. at the church. interment will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery San Rafael. Memorial contributions preferred to Saint Raphael Church McAllister School Scholarship Fund, Saint Raphael Church Capital Campaign, or Nazareth House, 245 Nova Albion Way. San Rafael, CA 94903. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the Sisters of Nazareth and the staff at Nazareth House for their wonderful care of Mabel. KEATON MORTUARY 1022 E Street, San Rafael 415-453-0571
Robert Francis Shilue
Passed away Tuesday, March 18, 2003 at Kaiser Hospital in Terra Linda at the age of 67. He was a native of Oakland, CA and a long time Novato resident. Robert was a pharmacist at the Longs in Novato from the 1970's until his retirement two years ago. He was an avid 49'er fan and served in the Air Force during the Korean War. He was preceded in death by his wife Ann Robert is survived by two sisters: Helen Arbues of So. San Francisco and Mary K. Bleasdale of Rohnert Park. He also leaves nine nieces and nephews, all from California. Friends and family are invited to visit on Thursday, March 20th from 6 to 8 p.m. at Keaton's Redwood Chapel, 1801 Novato Blvd., Novato. Graveside Services will be held Friday, March 21st at 11 a.m. at Holy Cross Cemetery, 1500 Mission Road in Colma. Memorial Contributions preferred to the American Cancer Society. KEATON'S REDWOOD CHAPEL 415-897-1151
Charlotte R. Sorini
Charlotte Sorini of San Rafael, passed away on March 17, 2003 after a long illness. She was 90 years old. A native of Sonoma, she is survived by brother, Lawrence (Nick) Sorini, 94, of Sacramento and two sisters, Louise (Nin) McMichael, 88, of San Francisco and Ruth Bowman, 82, of San Luis Obispo. She is also survived by nephew Ronald Casassa, 76, of San Francisco, and nieces Marie Gomez, of Sacramento, and Diane Waddell, of San Luis Obispo, as well as numerous grand nieces and nephews. She retired as a Nurse, with the rank of Major in the U.S. Army, having served in Europe during WWII, and in a MASH unit during the Korean War. Cremation and interment in family plot in Sonoma, will take place at a later date. Contributions in her memory, may be made to Alzheimer's Association, or a charity of your choice.
Eugene Raymond Cullen
Passed away on Sunday, March 16, 2003 at the Nazareth House in San Rafael at the age of 89. Husband of the late Betty Hughes Cullen, his wife of 64 years, who passed in May of 1999. Eugene is survived by his daughters Susan (John) Bassett and Betty Ellis, grandchildren Elizabeth (Jeffrey) Williams and Ted (Elaine) Bassett, and his great-grandchildren Grant, Eugene and Laurel Williams and Patrick Bassett. He was a native of Oakland, CA where he attended Our Lady of Lourdes and continued on to graduate from Piedmont High School. He also attended St. Mary's College in Moraga. Eugene was a member of S.I.R.S and St. Rafael's Parish in San Rafael. He loved to travel and made frequent trips to Ireland. In 1980 he retired as President of California Stevedore & Ballast Company of San Francisco. Friends and family are invited to attend a Memorial Mass on Thursday, March 20th at 11:00 a.m. at Nazareth House, 245 Nova Albion Way in San Rafael. Inurnment will take place at St. Mary's Cemetery in Oakland at a later date. Memorial Contributions preferred to the Nazareth House. Keaton's Redwood Chapel 415-897-1151
