Violet Marie Sellers Mathews, BHS 1936

Violet Marie Sellers Mathews, BHS 1936

The Mankato Free Press, Sun Dec 25, 2011

Violet Mathews, age 93, of Mankato, died Thursday, December 22, 2011 at the Sterling House in Mankato. Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, December 29, 2011 at the Church of the Nativity in Cleveland, with Fr. Dennis Backer officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Wednesday at the St. Peter Funeral Home/Klein Chapel, and will continue one hour prior to the service Thursday. Burial will be in Savidge Lake Cemetery in Cleveland.

Violet Marie Mathews was born to Arthur and Emily (Stepanek) Sellers in Berwyn, Illinois. She was baptized at St. Mary of Celle Catholic Church in Berwyn. She graduated from Burbank High School in Burbank, California. Violet was united in marriage to Theodore Mathews in 1938 in California. She was a homemaker for most of her life.

Violet loved playing tennis, longbow archery, jazz music, cooking, tending to her flower gardens, and cats. She also was an accomplished pianist and was an ancestor of the classical composer, Antonin Dvorak. Most of all, she loved spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Violet is survived by three sons, Ted “Ken” (Karen) Mathews of Madison Lake, Richard (Sandra) Mathews of California, Donald (Susie) Mathews of California; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; one future great-grandchild; many nieces and nephews; and special cat “Bunny”.She was preceded in death by her husband, Ted in 1991; daughter, Janet in 1980; two sisters, Dorothy and Merle.

Mildred Margaret Pomeroy Deen, BHS 1948

Mildred Margaret (Pomeroy) Deen was born April 29, 1931, in Burbank, CA. She was the third daughter of four children born to native Californians Charles Husted Pomeroy Jr. and Flora May (Fox) Pomeroy.

Mildred graduated from Burbank High School in 1948. She attended Glendale Community College and UCLA.

Mildred met the one true love of her life, Thomas Jerry Deen, USMC, on Easter Sunday 1948. Jerry began writing letters to Mildred at least once a day while they were apart. They got to know each other and fell in love through the letters. They were secretly married in Tijuana, Mexico, on August 8, 1950, just before Jerry left to serve his country in Korea. During their separation, Mildred and Jerry continued corresponding daily, leaving a legacy of love letters that comforted Mildred till the end of her life.

Upon Jerry's return from Korea, they enjoyed an official church wedding on July 13, 1951 in Burbank, CA, then traveled to begin their life together when Jerry began work at Hanford on December 26, 1951. To their union three children were born, Thomas, David and Carolyn.

Mildred was a devoted mother who nurtured and supported each of her children's passions. She was a wonderful cook, an accomplished seamstress, and loved tending and arranging flowers. In 1969, Mildred completed her degree at Walla Walla College, majoring in education. For over 20 years she was a Resource Room and fifth grade teacher at Kiona-Benton Elementary School. She was a no-nonsense teacher who had high academic expectations for her students.

Mildred was devastated by Jerry's early death on November 1, 1988. Following her loss, she retired from teaching, traveled, and volunteered at Kadlec Medical Center Auxiliary and participated in the Benton/Franklin School Retirees Association.

She leaves her younger brother Charles H. Pomeroy III of Burbank, CA; and her three children, Tom Deen & Kristen Myers and grandsons James and Rory of Seattle, WA, and Donald McClusky; David & Julie Deen and granddaughters Kayla, Megan and Hayley of Richland; former daughter-in-law, Tanya Longaker of Kennewick and grandchildren Arthur & Sarah Deen; and great-grandchildren Ezri, Xavier, Tanis, Zarik & Ryker of Rexburg, ID; grandchildren Adam & Kym Deen and great-grandson Ryder of Richland; former granddaughter-in-law Adrienne Deen and great-grandson Vincent of Richland; granddaughter Aleasha Shaw; and Carolyn & Richard Fazzari and grandchildren Eric of Richland and Marisa of Grand Rapids, MI.

Mildred was diagnosed with metastasized small cell carcinoma in July 2011 and chose not to seek treatment, but die as she lived with strength and independence. She was cared for at home by her children with support from Hospice at The Chaplaincy. She died at home on December 4, 2011. At Mildred's request, there will be no services.

Published in Tri-City Herald from December 7 to December 8, 2011

Allen Paul Kuszewski, BHS 1966

Allen Paul Kuszewski, BHS 1966

KUSZEWSKI -- Allen Paul Kuszewski , 60, of Visalia died Monday. Services are pending. Arrangements: Trident Society in Bakersfield.

Fresno Bee, The (CA) - Wednesday, March 25, 2009

David Campbell, BHS 1965

David Campbell, BHS 1965

He was in the class of '65 but did not graduate with us because he moved away mid year. His Father was the Pastor of the Presbyterian Church across from BHS until they moved.

Dave passed away this morning December 9, 2011 of a heart attack. No other details at this time.

Karry Ann McEntire Hughes, BHS 1966

Karry Ann McEntire Hughes, BHS 1966

She was born Jan. 30, 1948 at Queen of Angeles hospital in Los Angeles.

She moved to Burbank when she was 13 and went to John Muir and Burbank High School. She married Michael Hughes from Texas and they had one son, Donald Hughes. In the late 70's they moved to Oregon.

Karry was killed in a motorcyle accident July 16, 1985 in Salem, Oregon. Her husband, Mike, was driving the bike and a car did not see them and turned left right in front of them and Mike didn't even have time to break. He was seriously injured but survived and unfortunately for Karry, she was thrown from the bike and broke her neck and died instantly.

Thomas and Sharon McEntire, Karry's Brother

James Paul Kuszewski, BHS 1962

James Paul Kuszewski, BHS 1962

Tribune, The (San Luis Obispo, CA) - Wednesday, December 7, 2011

James Paul Kuszewski was born in June 1944, in Milwaukee, Wis., and passed away Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 24, 2011.

The family moved from Milwaukee to Southern California, where James graduated from Burbank High School. He moved his family to the Central Coast in May of 1992.

James leaves behind his wife, Elizabeth; three children Janel, Jared (Christina) and Ryan; sister, Kathleen Mc- Donald (Vernon); and three grandchildren, Faith, Elijah, and Graci.

Richard Marc Cutter, BHS 1964

Received this from Pam & Jon Kirkwood, BHS 64 via Mickey Depalo, BHS 64.

Hi Pam and Jon,
Another member of Burbank High, class of 1964, has passed away. Marc Cutter passed away on December 5th, 2011.

Marc has been living in Mariposa, California, near Fresno, for the past several years. He and his wonderful wife, Karen, called it their dream home. They were very happy living there, and made periodic trips to Burbank to see friends and Marc's sister, Carol Finkle, BHS, class of '62.

Marc was a VERY PROUD Vietnam Veteran. Marc was a highly decorated Vietnam Veteran, with a Silver Star, three Soldiers Medals, and a Purple Heart among his many decorations. Marc was an outstanding example of a Vietnam veteran who came home, raised a family, and made many great contributions to his community.

Marc cared for the welfare of not only veterans, but also for the welfare of everyone he encountered. Marc was also a valuable member of the City of Burbank Veterans Commemorative Committee. He and his wife Karen came up with the idea of shipping items to the men and women serving overseas soon after 9/11. They came up with the name Hands Across the Battlefield. The program has met with a great deal of success and through the generosity of the Burbank residents and surrounding communities, there has been over 40 tons of health and comfort items sent overseas. This would never have happened if not for Marc and Karen.

There will be a memorial service for Marc at the McCambridge Park War Memorials located at Amherst and San Fernando Road in Burbank, on Sunday December 18, 2011, at 1:00 p.m.
I ask everyone to keep Marc, his wife Karen, his children and grandchildren, his sister, Carol, and his entire family in their prayers.

Joan Miller Gordon, BHS 1969

Just received the sad news from Guy Gingell, BHS '66, that Joan Miller Gordon, BHS '69, passed away , November 30, 2011, after a long illness.

Joan went all the way through school in Burbank at Thomas Jefferson Elementary, John Muir Junior High, and Burbank High School. Joan's sisters also went to BHS, , Joyce Miller, BHS '67, and Gail Miller, BHS '65.

A friend Remembers:

Very Very Sad. I went all through school with Joan at Jefferson, Muir and BHS.. We weren't Best Buds, but we were friends. I remember especially at Jefferson, she missed a lot of school because of Illness. She almost died. She had polio and wore a complete body cast and then a metal brace all the way up her back..

She was a wonderful person, so kind and funny. She really had a good sense of humor.. She was such an inspiration to people. I remember even in grade school and you know grade school kids don't think or know much about illnesses like polio, but I remember thinking how impressed I was by someone, so small and so weak, yet it didn't get her down and she seemed so strong.. So sorry to hear of her passing..

Brian Henry Bartsch, BHS 1970

Brian Henry Bartsch was born on June 10, 1952 in Los Angeles County, California to William and Elaine Bartsch and passed away on October 9, 2005.

While growing up in Burbank Brian lived on Hilton Drive and attended Thomas Jefferson Elementary School and John Muir Junior High (now Middle School) and graduated from Burbank High School in 1970. He and his brother Bradley was last living in Lakeview Terrace, California.

Brian was interred at Foret Lawn Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills, California. He was preceded in death by his mother Elaine in 2001. He is survived by his father William Bartsch of Burbank and one brother Bradley of Lakeview Terrace.

Karen Rowena Bond Flanagan, BHS 1969

Karen Rowena Bond Flanagan, BHS 1969

July 20, 1951 - November 18, 2011

Karen was born on July 20, 1951 in Los Angeles, California. Karen passed away on November 18, 2011 after losing her battle with cancer.

She married James F. Flanagen on January 19, 1974 in Los Angeles County. While growing up in Burbank Karen attended Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, John Muir Junior High School and graduated from Burbank High School with the class of 1969.

Karen is survived by her husband Jim and one son and one daughter.

Phyllis Ann Huette Riggs, BHS 1958

Phyllis Ann Huette Riggs, BHS 1958

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, December 11, 2011, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Elks Lodge at 749 S.E. Jackson St. in Roseburg, Oregon, for Phyllis A. Riggs.

Hosted by the Roseburg Elkettes. Altrusa and her Precepter Zetz sisters. She died peacefully in her sleep on Friday, November 25, 2011, at her home in Roseburg. She was 70.

She was born on January 7, 1941, in Glendale, California. She graduated from Burbank High School in Burbank California, in 1958. She and her husband, Roy were married on October 3, 1958, and were blessed with 53 years of marriage.

Survivors include her husband, Roy, son, Mike Riggs of Eugene, Oregon, and her daughter, Lisa Riggs of Medford, Oregon. In lieu of flowers please send a donation to the Breast Cancer Research. Arrangements by Pearson's Funeral Home of Roseburg.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011, The News Review Douglas County, Roseburg, OR

Bradley William Bartsch, BHS 1969

Bradley William Bartsch, BHS 1969

March 29, 1951 - November 19, 2011

Brad Bartsch was born on March 29, 1951 in Los Angeles County to William and Elaine Bartsch and passed away on November 19, 2011 due to Liver Failure.

While growing up in Burbank his family lived on Hilton Drive. Brad attended Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, John Muir Junior High (now Middle School) and Burbank High School, graduating with the class of 1969.

Brad was preceded in death by his mother Elaine who died in 2001, and his brother Brian who died in 2005.

He was last living in Lakeview Terrace, California.

Donald Glenn Smith, BHS 1965

Donald Glenn Smith, BHS 1965

November 22, 1946 – November 18, 2011

Dave Nichols informs us that Don Smith lost his battle with colon cancer last Friday morning (November 18, 2011). Don was born on November 22, 1946 in Los Angeles County, California.

There will be a graveside service on Monday, November 28th, at 3:00pm, at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills. For further details or information you may telephone Dave at (818) 954-0173.

If I receive any more information I will pass it on.

Trudie Lombard Hentze, BHS 1965

Michael John Acord, BHS 1973

Michael John Acord, BHS 1973

MICHAEL JOHN ACORD (1955 - 2010)

Michael John Acord, age 54, died Saturday, September 11, 2010. He was born October 5, 1955.

Arrangements are under the care of Dimond & Sons Silver Bell Chapel, Bullhead City, Arizona.

Published in Mohave Daily News Online from September 19 to September 26, 2010

Sandra Kay Chestnut Jacintho, BHS 1965

Sandra Kay Chestnut Jacintho, BHS 1965

July 30, 1946-May 5, 2006

Sandra Kay Jacintho , 59, of San Diego died May 5. She was born in Pasadena and was a security guard at Sharp Hospital. She was a member of the Loving Mothers Club.

Survivors include her sons, Steve Southerland and Jason Jacintho of El Cajon; mother, Kathryn Hart of Cherry Valley; stepparents, Robert Slager of Cherry Valley and Patricia Chestnut of Grass Valley; sister, Pamela Hart of Cherry Valley; and brother, Thomas Chestnut of Lake Elizabeth.

Services: none announced.

Donations: American Cancer Society, 2655 Camino del Rio N., Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92108. Arrangements: Balboa Cremation Services.

San Diego Union-Tribune, The (CA) - Sunday, May 21, 2006

Craig Stephen Cull, BHS 1960

Craig Stephen Cull, BHS 1960

Craig Stephen Cull , a 16-year Wishon resident, died Dec. 29, 2007. He was born in Glendale on Jan. 6, 1942. He was a retired finance manager for a Ford dealership in Woodland Hills and worked for 10 years as a laundry supervisor at Tenaya Lodge.

He was an Army sergeant and served in Vietnam. He served as president of the Bass Lake Annex Water Company and was on the board of the Newbury Park Athletic Association. Mr. Cull was a fan of old Western movies and loved animals. He was an avid debater.

He is survived by his wife, Kathleen; his mother, Marge Cull of Glendale; children Steve Cull of Las Vegas, Trevor Cull of Las Vegas and Erick Cull of Lake Oswego, Ore.; grandchildren Shelby, T.J., Deven, Maddie and Darren Cull and sisters Nancy Carichner of Burbank and Linda Lown of Anaheim. A family memorial will be held at the Burbank home of his sister on Sunday.

Sierra Star (Oakhurst, CA) - Friday, January 4, 2008

Kenneth Wayne Moore, BHS 1967

Kenneth Wayne Moore, BHS 1967
April 27, 1949 - Nov. 9, 2009

Kenneth Wayne Moore, age 60, of Alvin, passed away on November 9, 2009 in Webster, Texas.

Kenneth was born on April 27, 1949 in Hastings, Nebraska to parents, William “Bud” N. and Henrietta Joan (Podewitz) Moore. Kenneth had lived in the Manvel area since moving from Burbank, California in 1979.

He married his wife of 29 years, Sandra (Hobbs) Moore, on April 18, 1980 at Hope Lutheran Church in Friendswood, Texas. Kenneth had a love of fishing, enjoyed sitting on his porch with his dog, and as a Manvel resident was a big supporter of local businesses like Stanton’s grocery and hardware.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his father and mother, and his sister Judy Moore. He is survived by: his wife, Sandra Moore; children: Tomas Andrew Tobin of League City, Mindy Tobin of Clearwater, Florida, Laurie Susan Farias of Redondo Beach, California, and Warren Crow and wife Rebeka of Katy; grandchildren: Candace Crow, Amanda Crow, Jennifer Farias, James Farias, Thomas Moore Tobin and Karle Michelle Tobin, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and other close family members and friends.

Graveside services were held on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at 1:30 p.m. at the Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Brazoria County Humane Society. Arrangements under the direction of Froberg Funeral Home.

Published: Wednesday, November 18, 2009, Alvin Sun-Advertiser

Donald Robert Tone, BHS 1964

Donald Robert Tone, BHS 1964

I am sad to report the lost of a Burbank High School Graduate from the Class of 1964, Donald Robert Tone who passed away on September 1, 2009 after a long battle with cancer.

He owned his own drywall business in Canyon County and he was a Vietnam veteran.

If anyone would like to attend the services see below:

Services are this Saturday, Sept. 12th at Praise Chapel Church, 27053 Honby St., Canyon Country, CA 91351. At 10:00 am for services and then get together there till about 2:00pm. Don's wife Judy, invites anyone to come. She had no numbers to get ahold of anyone from BHS.

If you cannot attend, but would like to send condolences to Don's Family, here is the address:Judy Tone, 28967 Flowerpark Dr. Canyon Country, CA 91387

Virginia H. Kautz Talbott, BHS 1944

Virginia H. Kautz Talbott, BHS 1944

Virginia H. Talbott Oct. 29, 1926 -- Aug. 30, 2011
Journal-Advocate (Sterling, CO) - Thursday, September 1, 2011

Author: Journal-Advocate staff

Virginia H. Talbott, 84, of Fort Collins, formerly of Sterling, died Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2011, at Columbine West Nursing Facility in Fort Collins.

Visitation is from 2 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 1, at Chaney-Reager Funeral Home, with family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 2, at Chaney-Reager Funeral Home, with Pastor Brian Bestian officiating. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery.

Virginia was born Oct. 29, 1926, in Sterling, to Michael Kautz and Elizabeth Fritzler Kautz. She attended school in Iliff and moved at age 16 to California where she graduated from Burbank High School in 1944. On Sept. 29, 1951, she moved back to Colorado and married Keith "Skeeter" Talbott in Sterling.

They farmed in the Iliff and Merino areas before retiring to Sterling in 2000 after 49 years of raising three kids, many crops, cattle and hogs. Virginia was a loving mother and grandmother, a great listener to family and friends and gave moral support for Skeeter and her children her entire life. Virginia worked on various election boards, was active at Merino School, and a member with Skeeter for many years at the Farm Bureau.

Virginia Talbott is survived by her children, Anita Rae Walters and husband Dale of Fort Collins, Janis Kay Delcamp and husband Brad of Thornton and David Keith Talbott of Sterling. Surviving brothers include Herman Kautz of Nipomo, Calif., Ray Kautz of Dinuba, Calif., and Henry Kautz of Denver. Grandchildren include Jacob Walters of Denver, Dawn Knudtson and her husband Zane of Phoenix, Ariz, Jason Delcamp and wife Kacey of Thornton, Jessica Delcamp of Salinas, Calif., and Jacque Delcamp of Aurora, Ill.; and three great-grandsons, Asher and Blake Knudtson and Brixton Delcamp.

She was preceded in death by both parents; her husband, Skeeter; brothers, Alex and Edward of California and Fred and Harold from Sterling. Memorial contributions may be made to Virginia Talbott Memorial.

Edward William "Bill" Walters, BHS 1962

Edward William "Bill" Walters, BHS 1962

January 19, 1944 - September 30, 2011

Bill Walters, Class of 1962, passed away on Friday, September 30, 2011, in the hospital near his home in Makawao, Maui, Hawaii at age 67. Three days earlier, in the evening of September 27, Bill collapsed at his home from a massive heart attack. Everyone who had seen him earlier that day thought he looked fine. He was on life support for the three days in the hospital until his passing. Bill's girlfriend of over nineteen years, Akemi, who was also his business partner, was told by doctors that two of the arteries to Bill's heart were completely blocked/occluded. Bill's father died at about age 35 from heart trouble.

Bill had lived in Woodland Hills many years ago before moving to Ventura to be near some of the surfing locations that he surfed at. During those years he worked as a stock broker. Over twenty years ago he moved to Maui. There he and Akemi had their own business.

Bill Walters had survived several health problems in the past, including cancer of the esophagus. About ten years ago he had triple bypass heart surgery. Recently he had been scheduled for shoulder surgery, but during the presurgery tests it was found that he needed heart surgery once again. Before that took place he suffered the massive heart attack that took him. Akemi and Bill had recently been on a trip to Turkey and Italy, and he had no problems while traveling on that trip.

There was a beautiful ocean ceremony at the time that Bill's cremated remains were placed at sea near his home on Maui. Two canoes went out with the cremains while a friend blew a conch shell horn during the ceremony. Those had been Bill's wishes for the time of his death.

Besides Akemi, Bill is survived by a sister who lives in California near the Colorado River.

James Frederic "Jimmy" Castro, BHS 1968

James Frederic "Jimmy" Castro, BHS 1968

James "Jimmy" Castro passed away a week ago due to a brain tumor. He had related surgery in September, but after the surgery his health began going downhill, which continued until his passing.

This information comes from Virginia Castro Hamilton, also BHS '68 and cousin of James Castro.

The funeral for James Castro will be:

Wednesday, November 2, 11:30 A.M.
Church of the Recessional
Forest Lawn Memorial Park
1712 S. Glendale Ave.
Glendale, CA 91205

UPDATE:

From The City Of Burbank Employee Newsletter

James Castro (Jim) joined the City of Burbank on October 4, 1967, as a Park & Recreation Aide. He was just 18 years old. Jim continued to work for the Park, Recreation and Community Service Department (PRCS) as a Work Trainee II until he went into the military on April 1, 1968.

Jim returned to the City in April, 1973 and worked as a Groundsman in the Comprehensive Employment & Training Act Program for PRCS. A year later, Jim was hired permanently as a Skilled Worker in that same section. On July 1, 1979, Jim made a change and joined Burbank Water & Power (BWP) as a Lineman Helper.

In March, 1981, Jim switched over to the Electrical section of BWP as an Electrician Helper. He continued to work in this area and promoted to Utility Electrician, Electrician, and in June 2000, he promoted to the position of Test Technician.

He had truly found his niche working as a Test Technician and remained in the position until his retirement in July of 2008. He enjoyed working with customers and received many kudos from satisfied Burbank customers. Jim seemed to be most happy when he was making his friends and coworkers smile and laugh. His own smile lit up a room and will be remembered by all!

Jim passed away on Tuesday, October 25, 2011. Jim leaves behind his wife, Suzann; daughters Jessica, Jasmine, and Jenny; mother Graciela; brothers Anthony and Michael; son-in-law Brandyn; and grandson Matthew.

John D. McIrvin, BHS 1940?

John D. McIrvin, BHS 1940?

Dick McIrvin of Eugene, who died Jan. 19, in Palm Springs, Calif., of complications following heart surgery. He was 81.

McIrvin was born March 20, 1922, in Los Angeles to John and Ella Taylor McIrvin. He married his wife, Mary Lou, in Burbank, Calif., on June 18, 1944. He lived in Burbank and North Hollywood, Calif., before settling in Eugene in 1961. He graduated from Burbank High School and attended the Maritime Academy on Catalina Island. in California..

He served in the Merchant Marine during World War II. He worked as a route salesman for Darigold and Arden Farms until his retirement in 1976. He also worked as a commercial fisherman for 20 years and in the rental and property management field. He was a member of the Teamsters Union.

His interests included home repairs and he was known as "Mr. Fix-it." He was an avid outdoorsman and he enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, water skiing, sport of riding on skis along the water's surface while being towed by a motorboat. and gardening. He also enjoyed square dancing and was a member of the Wagon Wheelers Square dance club. He especially enjoyed being on the ocean.

He served as a Boy Scout Leader and was a member of St. Jude Catholic Church in Eugene and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He will be remembered as a man with a great smile who had a kind word for everyone.

Survivors include his wife; three sons, John Jr., and Glenn, both of Eugene and Jim of Rocklin, Calif.; 11 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Saturday's Mass will be held at 11 a.m. at St. Jude Catholic Church in Eugene. Rose Mortuary in Desert Hot Springs, Calif., is in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association.

Eilleen Marie Lewis Bowen, BHS 1935?

Eilleen Marie Lewis Bowen, BHS 1935?

Pasadena Star-News (CA) - Tuesday, September 28, 2010

BOWEN-Eilleen Marie Lewis Bowen, 92, formerly of Pasadena, CA, died Thursday September 23, 2010, at Ingleside Assisted Living in Atascadero, CA.

Mrs. Bowen was born in 1917 in Ipswich, South Dakota, and was the only child of Cora Liggett Lewis and Elmer David Lewis. She moved with her family to Burbank, CA in 1925, where she graduated from Burbank High School .

An honors graduate from University of California, Los Angeles, Eilleen became a teacher for more than 25 years in Redlands, Santa Maria, and Pasadena, California. From the late 1950s until 1974, she taught in the Pasadena public school system, and was a member of Pi Lambda Theta and Delta Kappa Gamma. She also was an active member of the California Teachers Association and the National Education Association.

Following her retirement in 1974, she and her husband Charles Gordon Bowen made their home in the Central Coast region for the rest of their lives. Los Osos was her home until moving into assisted living in Atascadero in 2008. Mrs. Bowen was a member of the first group of docents at the Morro Bay State Park Museum of Natural History, where she later served as President of the Docent Council and as Chairman of the Natural History Association, volunteering over 7500 hours. The Learning Center at the museum was named in her honor. She organized the museum library and served as the docent librarian for over 25 years.

Additionally, she was one of the founding members of the Friends of the Estuary at Morro Bay, and was a member of the Morro Coast Audubon Society. In 1997, she was honored by Cuesta College as a "Woman of Distinction," receiving the Community and Public Service Volunteer award.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Charles, who died in 1996. Surviving are her two sons, J. Thomas Bowen and his wife, Sandra, of Lafayette, CA, and Gordon Lewis Bowen and his wife, Linda, of Staunton, VA; four granddaughters, Rebecca Bowen Jamil (of Fremont, CA), Jennifer Bowen Wieland (of Shawnee, KS), Susanne Eilleen Bowen (of Lafayette, CA), and Lisa Bowen Heymann (of Rancho Cucamonga, CA); and five great grandchildren: Maya Sandra Jamil, Benjamin Bowen Wieland, Margaret Rose Wieland, Zachary Cyrus Wieland, and Noah Bowen Heymann.

Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Benedict-Rettey Mortuary in Morro Bay. A family memorial service will be held at a later date. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Morro Bay Museum of Natural History, State Park Road, Morro Bay, CA 93442.

Doris Roten Carter, BHS 1943

Doris Roten Carter, BHS 1943

Doris Roten Carter, 83, passed away on February 24th, 2009 after a brief illness with her family by her bedside. Her husband of 56 years, Jim Carter, predeceased her by ten years.

Doris was born in Fort Collins, Colorado, and moved with her family to Los Angeles when she was two years old. Five years later they moved to Burbank where she attended schools. It was at Burbank High School where she met Jim and they were married after graduation. They established their home in Burbank where their three children were born.

Jim and Doris Carter were involved in many business and real estate ventures in Burbank during their lifetimes.

She leaves her children; son and daughter-in-law, Doug and Joan Carter of Burbank, two daughters, Candy Bartholomew of Bozeman, Montana, and Connie Mangas of Belgrade, Montana. She also leaves 5 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren, two sisters, Mary Bogard and Roberta Moody and a brother, Allen Roten, and her best friend Paul Briggs. Services are pending.

Ignacio Banuelos, BHS Custodian

Ignacio Banuelos, BHS Custodian

Ignacio Banuelos, 67, died Aug. 21, 2001, in a Panorama City hospital.
Mr. Banuelos was born in Guadalajara, Mexico. He is formerly of Burbank. He lived in Sun Valley for 41 years.

Mr. Banuelos was a custodian for Burbank Unified School District and worked at Burbank High School for 10 years.

He is survived by his wife, Ramona Banuelos; daughters Esperanza A. Powell, Susanna A. Sandoval, Teresa Banuelos, Elsa Hall and Tina B. Walling; sons Victor R. Banuelos and Elias R. Banuelos; sister Antonia B. Wheeler; 18 grandchildren; and niece Letisha K. Diaz.

A funeral Mass was Friday at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Sun Valley. Interment was at San Fernando Mission Cemetery. Eckerman-Heisman Funeral Service was in charge of arrangements.Burbank Leader, August 25, 2001

Georgia Lindsay Atwood, BHS 1941

Georgia Lindsay Atwood, BHS 1941

Atwood, Georgia Lindsay, passed away on November 8, 2008.

She was born December 7, 1923, in Crosby, Minnesota. In 1926, she settled in Burbank, California with her parents, George and Victoria Lindsay and her sister Virginia.

Georgia attended Burbank schools, graduating from Burbank High School in 1941. She attended Los Angeles City College. While in school, she was a dancer with Fanchon and Marco Studio in Hollywood and was a fashion model for designer Don Loper.

During World War II she served in the WAVES and was assigned to the San Pedro Navy Base. She met her husband, Brad Atwood, in Laguna Beach and they married in 1944. They lived in Burbank where she became a member of Alpha Mu Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority and was active with the Burbank Junior Chamber of Commerce wives.

When her family, including three children moved to Laguna Beach in 1963, she joined the Rivera Club and worked in Real Estate. Her interests included golf, painting, home decorating, reading, music, theater and traveling. She and Brad were happily married for 58 years until his death in 2002.

Georgia is survived by her daughter, Gale Atwood, and son-in-law, John Lindgren; son, Todd Atwood, and daughter-in-law, Cathy Atwood, and son Mark Atwood. She leaves nieces Carole Collins, Christine Cross, Barbara Soderling, Pat Barron, Rita Lindsay, and nephews George and Fred Lindsay.

In lieu of flowers, scholarship gifts may be made to the Burbank High School Foundation, 818-558-4700 x57808. Pacific View Mortuary

John Henry Meier, BHS 1947

John Henry Meier, BHS 1947

(1926-2008)

John Henry Meier, 81, passed away peacefully Sept. 16, 2008, in his home surrounded by his family. John was a Crescent City resident for 30 years until he moved in 2000.

He was born Dec. 7, 1926, in Los Angeles to John and Mildred Stone Meier. While John attended Burbank High School, World War II was in full swing. At age 15 he worked at Lockheed Aircraft. In 1944, his patriotism and love of airplanes influenced his decision to leave high school a year early and join the Navy at age 17.

He served his country assigned to P.T. Boat Base 17 in Samar, Philippines. In 1946 he became a veteran at age 19 as Yeoman third class. After returning home from the war, John graduated from Burbank High, class of 1947.

John loved to play softball. While attending Glendale Junior College, John was invited to play on the LDS church softball team at the Glendale West Ward. As a result of good friends and influences, John was impressed enough to attend Brigham Young University, where he was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. John graduated from BYU in 1952 with a degree in education.

He started his teaching career in Utah but soon moved back to California to teach sixth grade at Fremont Elementary. John married Idora Marie Bickel on Feb. 21, 1957, in the Los Angeles LDS Temple. They had six children. John loved his work as a teacher. He was deeply committed to making school a fun place for children to learn.

In 1970, John and his family moved to a small farm in Crescent City, where he taught fourth grade at Joe Hamilton School. He loved the cool, clean air, salmon fishing and the beautiful redwoods. As hobbies, John enjoyed radio-controlled model airplanes, building and flying his ultra-light aircraft and communicating with his "old buddies" around the country on his ham radio.

As a member of the LDS church, John held the office of High Priest and served as a member of the Elders Quorum Presidency, High Priest Group leadership, Bishopric and Scout leader. He helped 8 scouts earn Eagle status.

In the summer of 2000, John and his wife moved to Salt Lake City. His greatest joy became seeing his grandchildren excel in school. "Be kind to your teachers" was his frequent advice.

John is survived by his wife of 51 years, Idora, his four children: Ken (Cecilia), Colleen (David) Evans, Rob (Laura), and Joan (Chris) Hansen; 17 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

John was preceded in death by his parents and two children, Markus and William, "the twins."Funeral services will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at the Grand View Ward, 5017 W. Grand View Peak Drive in Riverton, where friends may call an hour prior. Interment will be in Herriman Cemetery.

Harrison Chandler Lewis, BHS 1941

Harrison Chandler Lewis, BHS 1941

Lewis, Harrison Chandler

July 19, 1923 - April 18, 2011

Harry Lewis passed away in his home in Mission Viejo on April 18, 2011. He is survived by his loving family: wife Erna, son John, daughter Melinda, granddaughter Libby, nieces Linda and Laurie Anne, nephew J.D., and their families.

A graduate of Burbank high school, Harry was an avid Yankees fan, golfer, and tennis player. After a long career with American Airlines, he retired to continue enjoying swing dancing, Big Band music, and writing poetry.

A memorial service was held on April 28. Donations may be made in Harry's memory to the American Diabetes Association .

Published in the Los Angeles Times on April 29, 2011

Judith Diane Rosen Hopper, BHS 1967

From JewishJournal.com

Judith Diane Hopper died March 12, 2009 in Palmdale, California at 59.

She is survived by her husband, Jerry; daughter, Jodi (Raymond) Diaz; sons, Jeff (Kimberly) and Jason (Jingle); three grandchildren; sister, Teri (Bruce) Bulock; and brother, Robert (Linda) Rosen.

Mount Sinai

Donald Keith Rudloff, BHS 1945

Donald Keith Rudloff, BHS 1945

Donald Keith Rudloff was the son of Fay Beatrice Duncan (1905-1946) and Edward Charles Rudloff (1901-1975). Don graduated from Burbank High School in 1945.

Don was a great athlete. In the early 1940's, Technicolor Pictures, in Burbank, hired him as a watchman, so that he could play softball for the Technicolor team. In the late 1940's, he wanted to become a policeman for the Burbank Police Department, but was refused because he did not meet the minimum height requirements.

Don was briefly married and when his wife gave him an ultimatum of either her or playing golf, he selected golf. After moving to Hawaii, he frequently came to Saint George, Utah to participate in the World Senior Games. He lived with Elizabeth 'Liz' E. Kauka for many of his later years in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Don died at the Hospice Hawaii Kailua Home, Kailua, Honolulu County, Hawaii of pancreatic cancer.

Obituary

Honolulu Star Bulletin, Honolulu, Hawaii, February 22, 2008

Donald Keith Rudloff, 81, of Honolulu died in Hospice Kailua Home. He was born in California. He is survived by sister Delores Smith. Services: 9 a.m. Saturday at Kaiona Beach Park in Waimanalo. Scattering of ashes to follow.

Erin Henderson Baker, BHS 1975

In Memoriam: Erin Baker

June 14, 1957 - September 19, 2011

Erin (Henderson) Baker, known as “E” by her grandchildren, passed away September 19, 2011 in the emergency room at Menifee Valley Medical Center after fighting a lifelong battle with Crohn’s disease.

Family members say that, despite the illness that caused pain during much of her life, Erin was the ultimate survivor and ray of sunshine to all who knew her. She also was known for her strong faith in her Lord and bringing comfort to others when they were unable to comfort her.

Erin was born in Burbank, California on June 14, 1957 to Robert and Sheila Henderson, with whom she has lived in Canyon Lake for the past several years. In addition to her parents, Erin is survived by two daughters: Lauren (Breck) Brewer of San Antonio, Texas, with their four children, Dillon, 8, Teague, 6, and twins, Sadie and Claire, 4; and Lacy (Lance) Carroll of Colorado Springs, Colorado, with their two children, Violet, 4, and Thadius, 1.

Erin also is survived by sisters Lynelle Henderson of Canyon Lake, Brooke (Tony) Ward of Burbank and Melanie Henderson of Burbank, along with nieces and nephews: Blu, Hailey and Kevin Murray, Carlie and Ace Ward, and Hogan and Emery Henderson.

Lynelle will hold a celebration of life Saturday, September 24, at her home in Canyon Lake. The Wards also will have a celebration of life Sunday, September 25, at their home in Burbank.

Thomas Ambrose Winner Jr., BHS 1962

Thomas Ambrose Winner Jr., BHS 1962

Marin Independent Journal (San Rafael, CA) - Tuesday,

Thomas Ambrose Winner, Jr.

"Tom", 61, passed away on September 23, 2005 from complications of an infection. He was born on September 21, 1944 in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and held the area with special fondness.

He and his family moved to South Pasadena and then to Burbank where he went through high school at Burbank High School . He started at UC Davis in 1962, finished his undergraduate work in 1966 and earned his doctorate in veterinary medicine in 1970. He began practicing veterinary medicine in Lafayette, CA - a career which he embraced enthusiastically throughout his life - enjoying working with both animals and their owners, caring as much for the owners' needs as their pets.

He and his wife Reggie met while both were at UC Davis and were married September 25, 1971. In 1972, they moved to Novato and made their home there, getting involved in the community and raising their three sons Rob, 29, Andy, 26, and Marty, 24.

Tom joined the Novato Rotary Club in 1974, maintained perfect attendance, and was always active and involved in club projects. He served the club as president from 1987-88. He enthusiastically supported the ideals of Rotary and developed life-long friendships. He thoroughly enjoyed participating in the Club's roasting each year of the outgoing president, procuring and providing some very outlandish costumes.

In 1990, he was named Novato Citizen of the Year by the Novato Chamber of Commerce with citations noting his participation and leadership in the building of the Novato Youth Center, Cub and Boy Scouts, the Nova-Ro Senior Citizen housing, the Marin County Veterinary Association, and the Animal Advisory Commission for the Buck Center.

Tom also coached youth soccer and was president of the Rolling Hills Swim Team. A long time fan, dating back to his arrival in town of both Novato high schools' sports - he became very active in the Novato High Boosters Club while his sons attended NHS, serving as president of the club for two years. A great fan of all sports and players.

One of the great joys of Tom's life was UC Davis sports, especially football, and he cheered on his beloved Aggies in their upset win over Stanford less than a week before his death.

In addition to his wife and sons, he is survived by his mother Martha of Burbank, CA, his sister Nancy Loeb (Al), his niece Barbara Loeb (Ira Schechter) and nephew Michael, all of Las Vegas, NV.

All are invited to a celebration of his life at 3:00 PM, Wednesday, September 28, 2005 at Valley Memorial Park, 650 Bugeia Ln., Novato. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Novato Rotary Endowment, c/o Hurst, 2 Alyssum Ct., Novato, CA 94945. Keaton's Mortuary, Novato (415) 897-1151

Paul Myers, BHS 1944

Paul Myers, BHS 1944

Passed away on July 28, 2009. Paul collapsed and died, while playing golf with some of his many friends in San Jose, CA. He served in the Air Force where he flew in World War II, Korea and Vietnam and rising to the rank of Lt. Colonel. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Marilyn Beal Myers, BHS 1947 as well as two sons and a daughter, plus five grandchildren.

Arden Rex Baldwin, BHS 1963

Arden Rex Baldwin, BHS 1963

Daily Camera, The (Boulder, CO) - Friday, August 20, 2004

May 20, 1945 -- Aug. 17, 2004

Rex Baldwin of Frederick, formerly of Nederland, died of complications of diabetes Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2004, in Longmont. He was 59.

The son of Arden Villiers Baldwin and Virginia M. Frazier Baldwin, he was born May, 20, 1945, in Burbank, Calif. He married Arlene Lehman on June 5, 1968, in Las Vegas. He lived in Nederland from 1994 to 1998. Mr. Baldwin graduated from Burbank High School .

He worked for Rantec of Calabasas, Calif., for 17 years. He also was self-employed as the owner and operator of Baldwin`s Fine Woodworking of Nederland, retiring in 2001. Mr. Baldwin enjoyed woodworking, building hot rods and radio-controlled cars.

Survivors include his wife of Frederick and a brother, Keith V. Baldwin of Burbank. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Margaret Cook. A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. today at Crist Mortuary, 3395 Penrose Place, Boulder. Interment follows at Green Mountain Cemetery, 290 20th St., Boulder.

Steve Lovett, BHS 1978

Steve Lovett, BHS 1978

From Lisa Lovett BHS 1976 on the death of of her brother.

For those of you who have not heard, my brother, Steve Lovett, BHS 1978 passed away Thursday evening April 15, 2010 of a heart attack at his home in Burbank.

I will be having a memorial for him in a few weeks. Thank you everyone for all of your love and support. I am in NYC with family and my dear friend, Gina Leslie.

Steven turned 50 years old January 26, 2010.

A friend and fellow classmate Paul J. Salerno, Rest in peace Steve Lovett BHS class of 78. Such a wonderful man and gifted musician. You will be sorely missed my brother.

William Arthur Creed, BHS 1935

William Arthur Creed, BHS 1935

Kitsap Sun (Bremerton, WA) - Tuesday, August 24, 2004

June 11, 1917 Aug. 21, 2004

William Arthur Creed, 87, of Bremerton died Saturday at the family home in Poulsbo. He was born in Paragould, Ark., to William Lemuel and Emma May Creed. He graduated from Burbank High School in Burbank, Calif., in 1935. On Oct. 5, 1936, he married Etta M. Smuin in Burbank. Mr. Creed worked with Sheet Metal Manufacturing in Southern California for 40 years, retiring as a manager in 1972.

He was devoted to his family and was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Silverdale Second Ward. Mr. Creed was preceded in death by his wife on May 21, 1985, and his daughter, Sallie Each.

He is survived by a son, Thomas, and his wife, Barbara, of Poulsbo; a daughter, Sharon Doty of Palm Desert, Calif.; two sisters, Willie Mae Ganzler of Hemet, Calif., and Daisy Ione Hanna and her husband, Delbert, of Mesquite, Texas; 10 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Interment was at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Bremerton under the direction of Tuell-McKee of Bremerton. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Kitsap County, P.O. Box 3416, Bremerton, WA 98383-3416.

Mildred Lorraine Rudolph Henggeler, BHS 1930

Mildred Lorraine Rudolph Henggeler, BHS 1930

Idaho Press-Tribune (Nampa, ID) - Friday, February 23, 2007

Following her 95th birthday, Mildred Lorraine Rudolph Henggeler of Fruitland passed away on Feb. 21, 2007, in Payette.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Payette. Fr. Calvin Blankinship will be presiding. For family and friends there will be a viewing from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, also at Corpus Christi Catholic Church. This will be followed immediately by a Vigil Service at 7 p.m. Condolences may be made to the family at www.shaffer-jensenchapel .com.

Mildred was born in Grayville, Ill., on Feb. 20, 1912, to Loren and Grace Rudolph; she was the youngest of five children. She attended Longfellow Elementary in Boise and gladly remembered playing the piano for the students as they began their day. Later she attended Boise High School, graduating from Burbank High School, Burbank, Calif., in 1930.

After graduation she attended Link’s Business College and worked at Fred York Printing in Boise. She also became an accomplished pianist. When she was 23, Mildred married Anthony N. Henggeler, known to most as Tony. They made their home in Fruitland, having two sons, Rudy and Tony Ray.

She was a highly skilled homemaker with a flair for delicious apple pies and professional seamstress skills. Friends and relatives admired her sense of organization and the way she faithfully remembered birthdays and anniversaries with cards or phone calls.

Mildred was always fond of animals and her beloved cat Whisper was no exception. A wild kitty, she alone found a place in his heart.

Social organizations and work include: 25 years as Charter Member of the Gray Ladies with the American Red Cross, Choir Director at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Member of Women’s Catholic Deanery, various pinochle and bridge clubs, and several years as a typist for Highway District #1.

Mildred has a large family who loves her. She is survived by her sons, Rudy and Lelah Henggeler and Tony Henggeler; step-granddaughters, Angie Hutchinson and Katie and David Knudsen; great-grandchildren, Casey Lee Hutchinson and Samantha and Ellen Ray Knudsen; nieces, Ann and Jerry Ramsey, Diana and Tom Nicholson, Sally and David Hull, Kathleen and Chuck Nash, Katherine Conn, Margaret Bryant, Marie Condo, Agnes and Bernard Campo, Kay Henggeler; nephews, Jerry and Dauna Henggeler, Bob and Winnie Henggeler, Bill and Suzanne Doyle, Bud and Jean Betebenner, George and Sharleen Betebenner; and many grand and great-great nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Tony; daughter-in-law, Jean Wilhelm Henggeler; and brothers, Roland, Ronald, Ralph and Raymond. Mildred told us several times in the last year that she was at peace. We will miss her physical presence everyday. We loved her and she loved us right back. We offer special thanks to Dr. Andrew Peterson for the very special care he gave to Mildred over the past 30 years. We also thank all the girls at Royal Villa for the tender loving care they showed Mildred. She loved every one of you.

She was a great supporter of her church and would appreciate memorials made to the Corpus Christi Building Fund, c/o Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, P.O. Box 730, Payette, ID 83661.

Lois Alida Mitchell Farmer, BHS 1936

Lois Alida Mitchell Farmer, BHS 1936

May 17, 1918 — Feb. 7, 2009

Lois Alida (Mitchell) Farmer was born May 17, 1918, to John Logan and Alma Alida (Warner) Mitchell in Glendale, Calif. She lived her first seven years at Palmdale, Calif., where her parents owned a pear orchard. She attended the first half of first grade at Palmdale Grammar School.

In 1926, the family moved to Burbank, Calif., and she got her education there. She graduated from Burbank High School in 1936. She attended Sawyer’s School of Business in Los Angeles and worked for a lawyer in Los Angeles until 1938. After a month’s vacation with friends in Arizona, she returned home and worked two seasons at Andrew Jergens.

In 1939, she got a job at Arrow Sash and Door Mill in the office, and a friend introduced her to Carlyle Linwood Farmer, whom she married on June 7, 1940. Three children, John Farmer of Springville and Sandra Leon (Mike), both of Springville, and Evelyn Juanita Brubaker of California; seven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren, are the result of this marriage, and survive her.

She was a member of Magnolia Park Community Church from 1927 to 1947. In August 1940, they moved into a new home at 610 N. Sparks and in August 1946, moved out to 10330 Lorne St., in Sun Valley, Calif. In 1947, they joined St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, where she was church secretary for many years.

She was a Girl Scout leader and a Cub Scout den mother. During World War II, she worked as a Final Inspector for Menasco Manufacturing Co. for 10 months in 1944. She joined Tolecca Parlor No. 279 Native Daughters of the Golden West and was president in 1957-1958.

She was inspector of an election precinct from 1950 to 1981. She also served her 21 days on Jury Duty. In 1974, she was baptized in Jesus’ name at the Norman Pentecostal Church and attended Victory Tabernacle in Burbank, Calif., from 1974 to 1981.

In 1981, she and her father moved to Springville, to be near her daughter. She received the Holy Ghost in March 1978 and attended Life Tabernacle in Springville. She received a refilling of the Holy Ghost in September of 1989, where she is still a member.

Lois loved to travel. She had taken Sandra’s six children on a trip when they were 11 years old. She had been in nearly every state in the U.S.A. including Alaska and Hawaii several times, Europe five times, Asia, Africa, and Panama Canal, South Sea Islands and South China Sea, and finally Canada and Mexico. Her last trips were to Spain in 1990 and Blue Danube in 1993. Later, her eye sight became so bad, that she was content to stay home.

Her last job was working as a school crossing guard for the Los Angeles Police Department from 1969 to 1978. Lois, age 90, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009, at 12:15 a.m. at the Bedford Regional Medical Center, Bedford.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2009, at 12:00 noon, at Life Tabernacle in Springville, with Pastor Douglas Kelley officiating. Burial will follow at Springville Christian Cemetery. Friends may call on Tuesday from 9 a.m. until service time at noon at Life Tabernacle. Arrangements under the direction of Ferguson-Lee Funeral Home, Bedford.

Gary Arthur Lundquist, BHS 1962

Gary Arthur Lundquist, BHS 1962

Learned that 1962 Burbank High School grad Gary Arthur Lundquist passed away on September 3, 2009. He was born on December 7, 1944. Gary was a resident of Cottage Grove, Oregon. No other details at this time.

If you have any information on Gary's death please send it to me. Thanks!

Margaret Elizabeth List Jaffie, BHS Teacher

Margaret E. Jaffie, BHS Teacher

Margaret E. Jaffie, 88, a retired public affairs officer for the Voice of America who conducted thousands of public tours of the international broadcasting operation during a 20-year tenure, died Feb. 12, 2009 at her home in Sun City Center, Fla., after having a heart attack while swimming.

She was a former resident of the District.Leading five or more tour groups a day through VOA's headquarters at 330 Independence Ave. SW, Mrs. Jaffie explained the broadcast network's mission and operations, answered countless questions and, in her words, "told America's story to the world."Those to whom she gave tours included entertainer Pearl Bailey, an African king, the boxers Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard and U.S. service people who listened to VOA while stationed overseas.

They also included, on one occasion during the Cold War, two heavyset men with Russian accents who said they were from New York. They actually were journalists from Pravda, the official Soviet newspaper."They wrote that they visited the Voice of America and met a feisty old lady, wearing tennis shoes, who was spreading propaganda," Mrs. Jaffie recalled in a 2002 VOA interview. Her tennis shoes were a way to cope with the long, uncarpeted corridors of the VOA building.

She also recalled a young man from Hungary who took her tour. "He said, 'I want you to know my uncle went to jail for listening to the Voice of America. That's why I'm here. I wanted to hear it, too.'"I was thrilled," Mrs. Jaffie said.

In 1989, she received the Congressional Award for Exemplary Service to the Public. The citation read in part: "Mrs. Jaffie's pride and affection for VOA and its people are contagious. Visitors -- be they members of Congress, foreign diplomats or American high school students -- come away from her tours excited by what she has shown and told them."

She was born Margaret Elizabeth List in Scranton, N.D., and received a bachelor's degree in 1941 from St. Cloud State Teachers College (now St. Cloud State University) in Minnesota. After graduating, she moved to California, where she lived with an aunt and taught international relations and English at Burbank High School. (Future film star Debbie Reynolds was one of her students.) She also married a fellow teacher, Robert Jaffie.

A few years later, her husband joined the U.S. Information Agency Foreign Service, and in 1955, the couple began a 16-year odyssey that took them to India, Nepal, Pakistan and China. During their first overseas assignment in Calcutta, Mrs. Jaffie worked as a volunteer with Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity. She also volunteered teaching American English and American culture to young Indians.

The Jaffies moved back to Washington in 1972 because of Robert Jaffie's failing health. After his death in 1973, Mrs. Jaffie became a State Department escort officer, arranging itineraries and accompanying foreign officials, academics, journalists and other visitors on tours of the United States.

She became a VOA tour guide the next year. At her retirement ceremony 20 years later, her colleagues presented her with a pair of tennis shoes dipped in bronze.In retirement, Ms. Jaffie lived in Falls Church and had a second home in Sun City Center, where she swam daily.

She made frequent trips to Egypt and later Botswana to visit her daughter and also made several trips to New Delhi to visit old friends. Survivors include her daughter, Nancy Jaffie of Springfield; and a sister.

John D. Swanson, BHS 1997

John D. Swanson, BHS 1997


Rare cardiac disorder strikes three times in Burbank family
Jenna Bordelon, Burbank Leader, September 30, 2000


BURBANK -- More than a year has passed since 19-year-old John Swanson was found dead in his bedroom from a genetic disorder, but for his family the grief remains close to the surface. By all accounts, Swanson, a UC Santa Barbara student and Burbank High School graduate, was a healthy, happy boy with a penchant for sports and a dry sense of humor. On July 14 1999, Swanson told his parents he was going to take a nap before dinner. It was the last time they saw him alive.


Adding to the family's grief, it took six months before they found out they he died from a rare cardiac condition known as Long QT Syndrome. Since then, John's father, Blair, and his 16-year-old brother, Rick, have been diagnosed with the disorder.

"No one thinks a healthy son is going to die," Blair Swanson said, the pain of discussing his eldest son's passing straining his voice. "(Rick) is healthy, but we're also grieving John's death and we'll never get over the fact that the way that he died was so unusual."


With Long QT Syndrome, the first symptoms are usually a sudden loss of consciousness and death. This week was "National Long QT Week," which has prompted the Swansons to speak out about the devastating disorder. "It's hard to understand why this tragedy happened to us," mother Gun Maria Swanson said. "I have been in shock for a very long time and there is nothing that can prepare you for this."  Long QT Syndrome affects the heart, causing it to take longer than normal for the electrical rhythm to recharge. According to the Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes Foundation, or SADS, when the abnormal rhythm occurs, the heart stops pumping blood to the brain. 

Gun Maria Swanson's wish is that more could be done at the high-school level by coaches and doctors who work with athletes. "I think when they do competitive sports they should go a little bit further and see if they would do a holter test or a treadmill," she said, referring to a procedure that monitors fluctuations in heart rhythm. "It could have saved John's life.


But former Burbank High School tennis coach Clyde Richards said the tests are too expensive for the $900 team budget. Like others close to John, he said he never saw any symptoms that would suggest the teenager was sick. "John hated to run but that was part of his makeup," he said. "The way he hated to run, he would have told me something." "I knew how hard he worked and how much he gave back to society, so it was a loss for all of us."


Ironically, John's death may have saved Rick's life. On April 20, doctors at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center implanted a defibrillator in Rick's chest to monitor his electrical impulses. Rick, who, like his brother, plays on the Burbank High School varsity tennis team, said he has not let the implant stop him from enjoying life to the fullest. "I don't want to have any restrictions," he said. "He was kind of a mentor," Rick said of his brother. "I just followed his example and tried to do well in school." Rick said it has been a difficult year for his whole family. Poster-size pictures of his brother still adorn the house. "It goes both ways," he said. "It's kind of nice to see him, but sad at the same time."