United States High School Yearbooks by County
Maryella Marty
Passed away on Monday May 26th, 2003, surrounded by her family at her home in San Rafael. She was 86 years old and the loving wife of the late Rene E. Marty. Maryella was born on January 27, 1917 in Ukiah, CA. She moved to San Francisco to further her schooling. There she met and married her husband Rene. For the next 45 years in San Francisco, she raised her four children and was an active volunteer in her community enriching the lives of many. In 1980 Maryella and Rene moved to San Rafael to enjoy their retirement years. They loved living in beautiful Marin and being close to family and friends. Maryella was loved by many. She prayed daily for wisdom, and was able to generously give of herself to others. She was deeply devoted to her family, especially her grandchildren. Maryella was a lifelong volunteer including serving as president of the French Hospital Women's Auxiliary, the de Paul Youth Club, and the Seton Guild. Maryella was the cherished mother of Michel and Gene Marty, Joan McKnight, and Maryanne Ierides; loving mother in-law of Marthe, Nancy, Bill and Frank; devoted grandmother of Eric, Galen, Andre, Gabriel, Nicole, Michelle, Andrew, Bill, Kirsten, Christopher, and Jessica; dear sister in-law of Wilburn Brown, and is survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends. Family and Friends are invited to attend a Rosary Service on Sunday, June 1, 2003 at 7:30 pm and may call for visitation from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Sunday at Evergreen Mortuary, 4545 Geary Blvd, San Francisco. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, June 2, 2003 at 10:30 am at Notre Dame des Victoires, 566 Bush Street, San Francisco. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Maryella's name to Hospice of Marin, 150 Nellen Ave, Corte Madera, CA, 94925, the French Heritage Committee of the French Foundation for Medical Research, or a charity of your choice.
Elizabeth (Betty) A. Mielenz
Elizabeth (Betty) Muller Mielenz, a lifetime resident of Marin County passed away Friday, May 30, 2003 at the Northgate Convalescent Hospital at the age of 90. Betty was born in San Francisco in 1912 and raised in Mill Valley. She attended the University of California, Berkeley graduating in 1934 with a BA and a secondary teaching credential. Betty then attended San Francisco State College to obtain her elementary and junior high school teaching credentials. Having taught in the Mill Valley School District for 28 years, she was well known as an exceptional teacher. She served as supervisor for numerous student teachers from Dominican College in San Rafael as well as teaching courses in art at Dominican College and remedial reading at San Francisco State. Betty lived in Mill Valley most of her life moving to Terra Linda in 1964. Upon retiring from teaching, she and her husband, Harvey, traveled extensively throughout the world. Betty was active in the Mill Valley Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star, Aldersgate Methodist Church, the Gift Shop Branch of the Marin General Hospital Volunteers, the Mill Valley Teacher's Association and the Mill Valley Outdoor Art Club serving as president of both the Mill Valley Teacher's Association and the Outdoor Art Club. She is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Bob Edmisten of San Rafael; granddaughter, Lisa Edmisten of Folsom; grandson Rob Edmisten and his wife Yvonne of Rancho Cordova; three great grandchildren, Rebecca, Isabella, and Julianna Edmisten of Rancho Cordova; a niece Sue Basho and her husband Surinder of Mill Valley; and two great nieces, Kalinda Raina and Surina Basho of Sunnyvale and San Diego respectively. Betty's husband of 56 years, Charles Harvey Mielenz, preceded her in death in 1999. Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service to be held at Lucas Valley Community Church, 2000 Las Gallinas Avenue, San Rafael, on Sunday, June 1st at 3:30 p.m. The family prefers memorial contributions to Lucas Valley Community Church or Hospice of Marin.
Mitzi L. Staley
Passed away from cancer on May 19, 2003 at home with loved ones. Mitzi was an elegantly charismatic person who was loved by many. She was a passionate social and environmental activist all of her life and her focus on educating people about the dangers of pesticides and industrial foods changed many lives for the better. Using her artistic talent and degree in Art she was an interior designer, home renovator, and a landscape designer. She taught fix-it classes for single women and homeowners. Later in her life she became a master gardener, and lectured extensively on Integrated Pest Management. She loved to play tennis, loved to travel and lived life on her terms. She is survived by her three children Brian Staley, Eric Staley, Victoria Duggan, and granddaughter Amanda Duggan and many cherished friends. Friends and family are invited to celebrate her life at her sonšs home on 9 Crescent Court in Woodacre, June 1st at Noon. Memorial donations can be made to Hospice of Marin, (150 Nellen Avenue, Corte Madera, CA 94925), and Greenpeace.
Diane Krista Vial
Of Lucas Valley, San Rafael passed away Tuesday May 27, 2003. She was 52. Diane grew up in Marin County, attending the Dixie schools and Terra Linda High. She attended UC Santa Cruz. In her senior year she traveled to Europe, backpacking most of the way, and returned to New York where she completed her college education in psychology at City College of New York. She did graduate work in psychology at The New School for Social Research. Diane became a Shiatsu therapist, and earned a degree in acupuncture at the Tri-State Institute of Traditional Chinese Acupuncture where she met her future husband, Ronald Golden. Diane and Ron moved back to Marin County in 1986 to raise a family. They became licensed to practice acupuncture in California, and received their Masters' Degrees in Traditional Chinese Medicine at the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. They opened a joint practice in Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Rafael. Diane shared with others a life-long love & passion for children's literature that nurtured her own children's love of books and reading. As a parent at Dixie School she led the annual Book Fair for a number of years. Through her vibrant personality, she introduced children to good literature, and excited them about the joys of reading. Diane is survived by her husband, Ron, their two children, Jake and Mari; her parents Donald and Rosemary Vial; her sisters Kate, Liz, and Stephanie; a nephew and three nieces. Private Memorial Services are being held. Contributions in memory of Diane may be made to the Dixie or Miller Creek "Home and School Clubs" in support of The Arts, 380 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael 94903.
Frank Anthony Volta
Died Monday May 26, 2003 at his home of cancer at the age of 85. Born in San Jose and raised in San Francisco he came to Marin 50 years ago. Frank served in WWII as an airplane mechanic in the Army Air Corps. He worked as an insurance adjuster and was past president of the Club Italia and a former member of the Marin Coupe and Roadster Club. He built innovative go carts and roadsters for show. He won many ribbons and trophies in competitions. He is survived by his wife of 18 years Carol Volta and her two children, Gregory and Christine Wilson of Marin County. Private family services were held. Those wishing to honor Frank's Memory may make donations to the UCSF Foundation, Melanoma Center, P.O. Box 0248, San Francisco, CA 94143-0248. Keaton's Mortuary 1022 E St. San Rafael, 415-453-0571
Helen Contos
Passed away in Petaluma, CA, on May 28, 2003 at age 85. Beloved wife of the late James Peter Contos. Loving mother of Floretta D. Burrows of Novato, Carolyn Demitria of Santa Rosa and Pamela J. Contos of Napa. Adored grandmother of Teresa, Angela, Tanya, Andrew and Jimmy. Great grandmother of Kailie and Alina. Beloved sister of Tom Batanides of Burlingame. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. She was a native of Tacoma, Washington; and a member of the Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church. Visitation will be held, Sunday, June 1st, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM at the PARENT-SORENSEN MORTUARY & CREMATORY, Magnolia Avenue and Keokuk St., Petaluma, CA, with a Trisagion Service at 5:00 PM. The Funeral Service will be held on Monday, June 2nd at Noon at the Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church, 1110 Dickson Dr., Ignacio, CA. Graveside Services will be held, Saturday, June 7th, at 2:00 PM at the Greenwood Cemetery, Grass Valley, CA. The family prefers memorials be made to the Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church.
Lillian Arata Garbarini
Passed away on Monday, May 26th, 2003. Born December 26, 1911 in San Francisco, California. She graduated from St. Rose Academy in San Francisco where she was student body president. She received a BA from UC Berkeley in 1934, where she met the late Edgar Garbarini, whom she later married in November 1936. She moved to Marin in 1961 where she was very active in the Marin Art and Garden Center. After moving back to San Francisco in late 1979, she developed her love of literature by writing stories and poetry about her grandchildren. She was a much beloved mother and grandmother. She leaves a sister, two children, six grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Private Services. KEATON'S MORTUARY 1022 E Street, San Rafael
Ann Catherine Philbin
Age 83, of Stevensville, MT went to be with God on Sunday, May 25, 2003. She was born on July 22, 1919 at Fairmont Island, Alaska. She served in the U.S. Army as a nurse during WW II, while serving her country she met her only true love, Eugene Ambrose Philbin. The couple had two children, Dorothy Ann Philbin of Larkspur, California and Eugene Michael Philin of Victor, MT. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Jessie and Brian Abrao of Lakeport, CA , Matthew Stephen Jonathan Philbin of Roundup, MT and Lisa Robertson of Victor, MT and one great grandchild Alecia Rachelle Robertson. We will all miss her. May the road rise to meet here. There will be no formal services. The Whitesitt Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Stevensville is in charge of arrangements.
Debra Mah-Weires
Passed away on May 19, 2003 after a long struggle with cancer. She was 42 years old. Debra was a source of strength to her family, and all who knew her. She used every day as an opportunity to express her friendship, love and affection to those around her. May God bless her soul and extend to her the love and kindness she so generously extended to others. Cherished by her family, she will be dearly missed by her husband, Gregory Weires; her sister, Helen Mah; her brothers Ronald and Randolph Mah; her sister-in-law, Irene Mah; her nephew Spencer Mah; her dearest friend since birth, Gracie Shimono; and her many extended family members and devoted friends. Debra was the daughter of Jimmy and Betty Mah, both now deceased. Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Debra's life on Sunday, June 8th, 2003 at 2:00 p.m., at Christ Community Chinese Alliance Church, 19741 Hathaway Ave. Hayward, CA. The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, P.O. Box 9025, Pittsfield, MA 01202-9025. Funeral arrangements were handled by Jess C. Spencer Mortuary, Inc. Castro Valley.
Kevin James Baker
Of Novato, passed away May 22, 2003. A Memorial Service will be held 1:00 PM, Sunday, June 1st at 4 Ena Court, Novato. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Diabetes Society.
Julio S. (Jay) Diaz
April 12, 1930 - May 27, 2003
A native of San Jose, he was a resident of San Rafael for 30 years. Preceded in death by his brother, William Diaz. Survived by loving brothers Albert Diaz of San Jose, Fernando Huizar of Roseville, Richard Huizar of San Jose and Edward Ortega of San Jose; loving sisters Eleanor Kaven of Santa Clara and Rosemary Lozano of San Jose. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Jay served two years in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He retired from Commercial Art in advertising. Jay was an avid fan of the San Francisco Giants, but his first love was his hobby as an artist in oil painting. Friends and relatives are invited to attend Memorial Services Saturday, May 31, 2003 at 1:00 p.m. at the Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary, 466 N. Winchester Blvd., Santa Clara. The family prefers donations to Kaiser Hospice; c/o Kaiser Santa Clara, 900 Kiely Blvd., Santa Clara, CA 95051.
James Aloysius Flynn
Flynn, formerly of San Rafael, died in his Sonoma home May 24th, 2003. He was 79. Son of the late James and Katherine Flynn of Newburgh, New York, he was born in Jersey City. He joined the Navy at 18 and flew a Hellcat fighter plane in WWII. Flynn graduated with honors from Union College in Schenectady, NY, and was an All American in lacrosse. Flynn worked for General Electric for 38 years as an engineer. He traveled the world with his wife, coached his children in sports, had a passion for fishing, loved the outdoors and was a devoted husband and father. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Rosemary; son Matt, wife Lucia, grandchildren James and Rose of Los Angeles; son Mark of Vallejo; daughter Katie, husband Dan O'Gorman of Sonoma; daughter Martha, husband Mark Finco of Salt Lake City; daughter Katsuko, husband Ray Minutoli, grandchildren Marianne, Kristina, Alicia and Joe. A Memorial will be announced at a later date.
Octavio Robert Gomez
At rest May 26, 2003. Born March 22 1925. Loving and devoted son of Grace Wisnom. Loving brother of Mary Jean Finegan, Grace Runnels and Charlie Gomez. Cherished uncle of Susie and Sandy Finegan, Cathy Maley, and Christine Gomez. Great uncle to Kaitlin, Shaymus, Fitzpatrick, Micaela and Michael-Shaughnacey Maley. Octie was a wonderful and loyal friend to all who knew him. He was a kind and private person who loved nature, children, music and animals and cherished his privacy and independence. Octie always made you feel good to be around him. He is now reunited with his beloved Grace and will never be forgotten for his goodness and kindness to her and to everyone he ever met. Friends are invited to a Funeral Mass at St. Anselm's Church, Friday, May 30, 2003 at 10:00 A.M. Donations may be made to the Marin Humane Society. Funeral assistance provided by Mount Tamalpais Mortuary & Cemetery 2500 5th Avenue, San Rafael, CA, 415-459-2500.
Malcolm M. Wagner
Passed away May 25, 2003 at age 89. He was born in Butte, Montana to Glenn and Lyla (Andreason) Wagner and was raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he also attended Business College. He remained in Salt Lake until 1964. He lived in San Rafael, CA from 1971 to 1998, where he was a member of the Peacock Gap Country Club and the Coast Guard Auxiliary. He enjoyed boating, golfing and gardening. He is survived by his wife Pat McCullough Wagner of Corvallis, OR, whom he married July 10, 1965; daughter, Sallie Brown of Corvallis; five grandchildren; and three great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister, Elaine Tygoer. A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to Benton Hospice Services Inc., 2350 NW Professional Dr., Corvallis, OR 97330. McHenry Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Wayne N. Guthrie, III
Wayne Guthrie, 67 years old of Kentfield, California, died May 18, 2003. A native of Indiana, he moved to the Bay Area in 1965. Wayne was an Innovator and Promoter of Fine Contemporary Office Furniture. His First Showroom was in the Historic Jackson Square area of San Francisco. He later moved to a larger showroom in the Famous "Ice House" wholesale furniture building. During the last several years he was located in his own building South of Market near the "Galleria" and "Showplace." To this day his furniture graces many of the San Francisco Skyscrapers. He worked with the very best Architects and Design Firms like Geinsler and Skidmor, Owings & Merrill in San Francisco, New York and up and down the West Coast to cause his Product Lines to be specified for buildings, until he retired in 1985 after 28 years in the industry. At one time he was a member of the Board of Trustees of the San Francisco Zoo and Chairman of The Board of Directors of the California State Parks Foundation. He was a member of the San Rafael Masonic Lodge and several other organizations. Wayne was responsible for moving the State Parks Foundation Offices from Oakland to Marin County in 1986. Due to his efforts the Foundation received one of the nicest NonProfit Buildings for their use in Kentfield from his mother in 1990. The Marcom Conference Center in Marin County is open due to his tireless effort. He promoted Outdoor Education for less fortunate children and caused many Specific Park Projects to be completed. He was awarded the highest California State Park Award, "The Golden Bear" for his many contributions to State Parks and the People of California. His life long partner and companion Michael Geister of Kentfield, The Geister Family, several Relatives in Indiana, and countless Friends and Business Associates in California survive him. A Memorial Service is scheduled for 10:00 AM, Sunday, June 1, 2003 in the Chapel, Mt. Tamalpais Mortuary and Cemetery, 2500 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Wayne's name to the Foundation for Integrative Oncology, P.O. Box 5031, Larkspur, CA 94977-5031; Guide Dogs for the Blind, 350 Los Ranchitos Road, San Rafael, CA 94903; Hospice of Marin, 150 Nellen Avenue, Corte Madera, CA 94925 or to your favorite charity. Mt. Tamalpais Mortuary & Cemetery 2500 5th Avenue, San Rafael 415-459-2500
