Miscellaneous Downey, California Obituaries

CEMSEARCH - OBITUARY CENTRAL - OBITUARY LINKS PAGE - SURNAME SEARCH UTILITY - GENLOOKUP


Friends, family honor Joseph Bywater Cunliffe

DOWNEY-Services will be held tomorrow (Saturday, Oct. 9) at 10 a.m. at the Downey 4th Ward, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for Joseph Bywater Cunliffe, a longtime Downey resident and the owner/operator of a dental supply business.

He was 76, born July 30, 1923 in Salt Lake City, Utah, and died Oct. 3 in Downey.

He was a veteran of the Army Air Corps and World War II, and was an active member of the Downey 4th Ward, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Survivors include his wife, Norma Cunliffe of Downey; a daughter, Carolyn Parson of Yucaipa; a son, Joseph Cunliffe of Salt Lake City; a sister, Susan Maureen Kellett of Downey; 12 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Claudia Bowyer.

Visitation will be at 9 a.m. tomorrow. Burial will follow at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier. Arrangements are by the Allen-English & Estrada Funeral Service of Bell Gardens.


Margaret Fisher services in Lake Havasu City

LAKE HAVASU CITY-Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. with a Rosary at 7 p.m. today (Friday, Oct. 8) at the Lietz-Fraze Funeral home in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, for Margaret Fisher, who died Oct. 1 at her home there.

She was 78, and had lived in Lake Havasu City since moving from Downey in 1991.

She was born in Saint Johns, Newfoundland Aug. 9, 1921, and came to the U.S. in 1946, with her friend, Marg Furlong. She met her husband, Robert J. Fisher at a Masonic Temple dance in Freeport, Ill. They were married July 15, 1947 in Mankato, Minnesota, and built their first home in Loves Park, Ill. She became a citizen in 1952.

They moved to Downey in 1955.

She donated hundreds of hours helping to feed the homeless, and was always there to lend an ear in good times and bad. She often delivered her famous banana bread, chocolate chip and raisin cookies, and candies to the residents of a nursing home where her mother-in-law stayed, and continued the practice even after the mother-in-law's death.

Her hobbies were tole and decorative painting, ceramics and eggory. She loved to travel, and walking and shopping were favored pastimes.

Survivors include her husband, Robert James Fisher; daughters Judith Ann Fisher of Freeport, Ill., Patricia L. Tenney of Lake Havasu City, Arizona, Kelly Rae Huston of Carona; sons Martin Fisher of Downey, Kyle Fisher of Corona; sisters Mary Ellen Sharp of St. Johns, Newfoundland, Mary Ann Thornhill of Wetumpka, Alabama; 15 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held tomorrow (Saturday, Oct. 9) at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church. Donations are suggested for a memorial bench for Rotary Park where she loved to walk. Arrangements are by the Leitz-Fraze Funeral Home in Lake Havasu City.


Angele Lucas mourned by many at age of 91

NORWALK-Graveside services were held Saturday, Oct. 2, at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City for Angele Lucas, a 45-year resident of Huntington Park and a retired accountant for more than 40 years.

She was 91, born Nov. 11, 1907 in Rives, Hainaut, Belgium, and died in the Southland Lutheran Home in Norwalk Sept. 28.

She was last employed by the Acec Electric Corp.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Pierre Lucas in 1967.

Survivors include her brother-in-law Victor Lucas of Belgium; and longtime friends the Wilson and Lopez families.

Arrangements were by the Downey Zrelak Family Mortuary.


Memorial services for George A. Sylvia, age 78

DOWNEY-Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. tomorrow (Saturday, Oct. 9) at the Miller-Mies Mortuary Chapel for George A. Sylvia, who retired after 32 years with Prudential Insurance Co. of America, and was a longtime local resident.

He was 78, born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, and died Sept. 29 in Downey.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and World War II.

Survivors include his loving partner, Trudy McCaughan; a sister, Sally Demello of New Bedford; a brother, Victor Sylvia of Rochester, New Hampshire; a son, Robert Sylvia of Brocton, Massachusetts; daughters Marsha Morin of Swansea, Massachusetts, Norma Santerson of Indian Wells; 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Father Steve Davoren officiated. Arrangements were by the Miller-Mies Mortuary of Downey.


Mary Elizabeth Staniforth remembered by many

DOWNEY-Services were held Oct. 6 at the Miller-Mies Mortuary Chapel for Mary Elizabeth Staniforth, a lifetime Downey resident, and a teacher at the Montessori Children's Academy.

She was 48, born in Lynwood, and died Sept. 30.

Survivors include her daughter, Leslie Staniforth; her father, Robert V. Jackson; a brother, Robert C. Jackson; two nieces and two nephews.

Dr. Tino Ballesteros officiated.

Burial followed at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier. Arrangements were by the Miller-Mies Mortuary Chapel of Downey.


Mary Frances Bertwell funeral service today

DOWNEY-A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. today (Friday, Oct. 8), at the Florence Avenue Foursquare Church, 11457 E. Florence Ave., in Santa Fe Springs for Mary Frances Bertwell, a 49-year resident of Downey and a longtime volunteer "pink lady" at Downey Regional Medical Center (formerly known as Downey Community Hospital).

She was 76, and worked in the banking industry for 50 years as a loan officer and secretary, most recently for Pacific Western National Bank in Rosemead.

She was a member of the Goodyear Foursquare Church in Los Angeles from its beginnings, and moved with it when it came to Santa Fe Springs in 1954 to become the Florence Avenue Foursquare Church.

She loved singing in the choir, and supported the Humane Society, ASPCA, Audubon Society and the Los Angeles Mission.

She contributed more than 2,200 hours of volunteer service to the hospital over a span of 14 years.

Survivors include her husband, Harry Clayton Bertwell; her daughter, Nancy Lee Bloxham; sons Ken Clayton Bertwell and Dennis Clayton Bertwell; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
 

Private services for Chester Julius Fralich

DOWNEY-Private services were held at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Cypress for Chester Julius Fralich, a Downey resident for 45 years, who died Oct. 25.

Survivors include his son, Kenneth Fralich; his daughter, Patricia A. (John) Cangemi; grandchildren Danielle and Trevor Cangemi; a sister, Lorraine Knapp; and a brother, John Fralich.


Friends, family mourn Rosie Marsden at 67

DOWNEY-Funeral services were held Tuesday, Oct. 14 at the Rosecrans Mortuary Chapel in Paramount for Rosie Marsden.

Born and raised in California, she was 67 and died Oct. 9.

Survivors include 10 children; 17 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Burial was at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier.


46-year Downey resident Ralph V. Leyva mourned

DOWNEY-Funeral services will be at 9:30 a.m. tomorrow (Saturday, Nov. 1) at St. Pius X Catholic Church for Ralph V. Leyva, a resident of Downey for 46 years and a retired employee of Miller Brewing Co.

He was 79, born in Miami, Arizona, and died Oct. 28 at the Southland Lutheran Home in Norwalk.

He was a member of the St. Pius X Catholic Church of Santa Fe Springs, and belonged to the 503rd Airborne Association, the Hispanic Airborne Association, the 187th Airborne Association, Amvets, VFW of Pico Rivera, and the American Legion of East Los Angeles.

Survivors include his wife, Amanda Leyva; his daughter, Martha Leyva; two brothers; two sisters; nieces and nephews.

Friends may visit today (Friday, Oct. 31) from 2 to 8 p.m. at the chapel of Miller-Mies Mortuary in Downey, where a Rosary will be heard at 7 p.m.

Father McHugh will officiate.

Burial at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier will follow the services Saturday. Arrangements are by the Miller-Mies Mortuary Chapel of Downey.


Olen A. Miller mourned in Downey at age of 99

DOWNEY-Olen A. Miller, a longtime Downey resident and a former building contractor for 50 years, died Oct. 27 at the age of 99.

Survivors include his son, William (Hattie Jo) Miller; his daughter, Elizabeth (Larry) Copfer; eight grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and 38 great-great-grandchildren.

Arrangements were by the Forest Lawn Memorial-Parks & Mortuaries of Cypress.


Private services pending for Melanie Jane Carlsen

DOWNEY-Private services are pending for Melanie Jane Anna Carlsen, an employee at Downey Community Hospital for more than 20 years, who died at her home Oct. 23 after a short illness.

She was 47, born in Miami, Florida Feb. 27, 1950.

Survivors include her mother, Mary Jane Wolf Cappola of Temecula; aunts Delia Blaisdell and Letty Usry of Palm Beach, Florida; an uncle, Ernest Parent of Montreal, Canada; and numerous cousins in California.

She was cremated Oct. 25.

She loved animals and was an advocate of their rights.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to any animal rights organization, or the charity of your choice.


Philomena Van Allen mourned by many here

DOWNEY-A Memorial Mass will be heard at 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7, at our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church for Philomena (Phyllis) Van Allen, a Downey resident for 37 years and an apartment manager for Ted Shell for 25 years.

She was 92, born in Illinois, and was formerly of Chicago. She died Oct. 26 in Vitas Hospice in Riverside.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Van Allen.

Survivors include her grandson, Thomas Majkut of Los Angeles.

Rev. Father John Moloney, will officiate.

Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery. Arrangements were by the Downey Zrelak Family Mortuary.


Dennis P. Haikalis services held last Friday

DOWNEY-Services were held Friday, Oct. 23, at St. George Greek Orthodox Church for Dennis P. Haikalis, a former grocery store owner and a 33 year resident of Downey.

He was 103, born in Greece, and died Oct. 17 at Downey Community Health Center.

He was a member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church.

Survivors include his wife, Jennie Haikalis; his son, Peter and wife Susan Haikalis, son George Haikalis, son Chris and wife Linda Haikalis; three grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Father Angelo officiated. Burial followed at Rose Hills Memorial Park. Arrangements were by Miller-Mies Mortuary of Downey.


Joseph L. Medeiros private burial at age 79

DOWNEY-Private burial was held for Joseph L. Medieros, a Downey resident for 37 years, who died Oct. 14 at Rivera Nursing Home in Pico Rivera.

He was 79, born in Fall River, Massachusetts on Oct. 22, 1918, and was a veteran of World War II.

Survivors include his wife, Katherine; his daughter, Helen Ludwick and her husband, Craig; three grandchildren, Brooks, Chase and Katie Ludwick; two brothers; a sister and his mother.

Arrangements were by the Miller-Mies Mortuary of Downey.


Friends remember Pat Russo at age of 83

DOWNEY-Services were held Oct. 20 at St. Raymond's Church for Pat Russo, a homemaker and 35 year Downey resident, who died Oct. 14 at the Downey Retirement Center.

She was 83 and was born in Michigan.

Father Steve Davoren officiated. Burial followed at All Souls Cemetery. Arrangements were by the Miller-Mies Mortuary of Downey.


Friends, family mourn Olive Bertha Johnson

DOWNEY-Services were held Sunday, Oct. 25, at the First Southern Baptist Church for Olive Bertha Johnson, a retired beautician and a 54 year resident of Downey, who died Oct. 20 in Downey.

She was 89, born in Okmuloee, Oklahoma, and was a member of the First Southern Baptist Church.

Survivors include her sister, Marie White; a daughter-in-law, Joan Johnson; granddaughters Wendy L. Johnson, Laura R. Johnson and Patricia L. Williams; grandson Steven T. Johnson; great-grandson Jonathan Joans; and a great-great-granddaughter, Stephanie Johnson.

Burial followed at Rose Hills Memorial Park. Arrangements were by Miller-Mies Mortuary of Downey.


Episcopal services for Jim D'Alessandro

CANYON LAKE-Services were held Saturday, Oct. 17, at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Sun City for Jim D'Alessandro, a former longtime Downey resident who died Oct. 12.

He was born and raised in East Hartford, Connecticut, and served in the U.S. Navy in World War II. He convinced his parents to move to California in 1949, where he met his wife, Vivianne. The couple settled in Downey, where he served as a salesman for Sunshine Biscuits for 18 years, then became a real estate broker.

They raised three children, John, David and Debra. He was involved in Indian Guides and Scouting, and never missed a father-daughter banquet.

He was a member of the Board of Realtors and the Optimist Club, and was active in St. Mark's Episcopal Church of Downey, where he served as a warden and a member of the choir. He was involved in many of the church's theatrical productions.

He learned of Canyon Lake through a newspaper ad in 1970, and bought a lot there. The family spent part of its time camping there until 1975, when they bought a home in the Fairway Estates for a weekend retreat. They moved there after his retirement.

He joined the Home Owners Club, the Choraleers, the Tuesday Work Group, the Emergency Preparedness Committee, the Men's Golf Club, the Twirlers, the Friends of the Library, and the Travel Club. He also served on various POA committees.

Survivors include his wife, Vivianne; his children, John, David and Debra; 17 nieces and nephews; and brothers Fred and Frank. Loving friends and relatives include Jane D'Alessandro, Johnnie D'Alessandro, Peggy Miller, Evelyn Dunis and Linda Dunis-Forrester.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Joseph; brother-in-law John Dunis; and sister-in-law Helen D'Alessandro.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Tuesday Work Group c/o Richard Wright, 30477 Early Round, or to Friends of the Library, 23066-14 Canyon Lake Drive South.


Friends, family mourn Ruth M. Ginn at age 79

DOWNEY-Inurnment was at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery for Ruth M. Ginn, a Downey resident who died here Sept. 29.

She was retired, age 79, and was born in the state of Washington.

Survivors include her daughter, Patricia Ginn; her son and daughter-in-law Michael T. and Cheryl Ginn; a step son and daughter-in-law William M. and Nelda Ginn; four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; dear friends Dell Williams and Mary Jo Warren, and many other relatives and friends.

There were no services. Arrangements were by the Miller-Mies Mortuary of Downey.


Philip T. Kennedy laid to rest at age 81

DOWNEY-Memorial services were held Oct. 27 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church for Philip T. Kennedy, a longtime resident of Downey and an electrical engineer.

He was 81, born in St. Paul, Minnesota, and was an active lapidary and jewelry maker.

Survivors include his wife, Jessie; his daughters Marion Kennedy and Elizabeth DeWolf; a sister, Janice Weller; a son-in-law, Gregory; and a grandson, Geoffrey.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations to the Assistance League of Downey.

Burial followed at the Good Shepherd Cemetery in Huntington Beach.


Grace Dorothy Veerkamp mourned at age of 76

DOWNEY-Services were held Thursday, Oct. 29 at Rose Hills Memorial Park's Rainbow Chapel in Whittier for Grace Dorothy Veerkamp, age 76.

She was born Oct. 6, 1922 in Minnesota, and died Oct. 25 in Downey Community Hospital.

Survivors include a son-in-law, Alan T. Robinson of Downey; grandsons Steve Robinson and Chris Chapman; brothers George Worshek and William Worshek.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Linda Lee Robinson.

Arrangements were by Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier.


Services tomorrow for Michael Dale Dilley, Sr.

DOWNEY-Services are tomorrow (Saturday, Oct. 31) at 11 a.m. at the Miller-Mies Mortuary Chapel for Michael Dale Dilley, Sr., a 30-year Downey resident and the self-employed operator of Dream Tee's shirt shop.

He was 52, born in St. Joseph, Mo., and died Oct. 26 at Downey Community Hospital.

He was a member of the Moose.

Survivors include his son, Michael D. Dilley Jr.; his daughter, Kaycee L. Dilley; four granddaughters; two sisters; a brother; and nine nieces and nephews.

Friends may visit Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. at Miller-Mies Mortuary.

Pastor Steve Robbins of the First Baptist Church of Downey will officiate. Private burial will follow.


Raymond Edward Maykel funeral mass tomorrow

DOWNEY-A funeral mass will be held tomorrow (Saturday, Oct. 31) at 11:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church for Raymond Edwartd Maykel, a 32 year resident of Downey and a draftsman for Bechtel Corporation for many years.

He was 68, born in San Francisco, and died Oct. 27 in Downey Community Hospital.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sharolyn, in 1996.

Survivors include his daughters, Raylin Maline of Rancho Santa Marguerita, Doreen Herderle of Bellflower; a son, Richard Maykel of Arizona; a brother, Jim Maykel of Napa Valley; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Pastor Rev. John Moloney will officiate. Burial will follow in All Souls Cemetery.

Arrangements are by the Downey Zrelak Family Mortuary.
 

Services are held for Mary Catherine Kruse

DOWNEY-Services were held Thursday, Oct. 2, at Forest Lawn in Cypress for Mary Catherine Kruse, a Downey resident for 36 years and a volunteer at Downey Community Hospital, who died Sept. 28 at DCH.

She was born in Downey, was 36, and a member of St. Raymond's Catholic Church.

Survivors include her father, Doland Kruse; her mother, Joyce Kruse; and a sister, Patricia Yasukuchi (and brother-in-law Glenn).

Father Steve Davoren officiated. Burial was at Forest Lawn in Cypress. Arrangements were by the Miller-Mies Mortuary of Downey.


CEMSEARCH - OBITUARY CENTRAL - OBITUARY LINKS PAGE - SURNAME SEARCH UTILITY