WLADYSLAW TROKA

July 2, 1927 - November 9, 2011

After living a full and remarkable life, Wladek passed away peacefully November 9, 2011 surrounded by his loving family. He was born July 2, 1927 in Chojnice, Poland to Klemens and Margaret (Reiss) Troka. His father worked for the railroad and his mother was a homemaker. He arrived in New York City as a WWII refugee in 1949 and went on to attend Princeton University receiving a BS in electrical engineering in 1952. He married Carol Tucker in 1953 moving to Texas while he served in the US Army, then to New Jersey where he worked for Bell Labs. A few years later, Wladek decided to return to school journeying to California with his wife, 2 small children and an enormous U-Haul trailer to attend graduate school at UC Berkeley earning a PhD in Physics in 1964. He taught physics at Sac State for 25 years retiring in 1992. In 1989 Wladek married Catherine Vuletich who survives him. Wladek and Catherine enjoyed many happy years together including trips to Ireland, Poland, and most recently by train to Canada and New England. In 1975 Wladek purchased a rundown 1893 Victorian in downtown Sacramento and over the next 30+ years restored it with great care (and lots of epoxy!). He tackled everything from replacing the foundation by raising the house on jacks to rewiring to restoring the original windows. The house was featured in a recent Sacramento Old City Association tour. He was on a ladder working on repairs the day before his passing. Wladek is survived by his wife Catherine, daughters Genevieve Troka (Gerry Storey) and Diana Perkins (Chris), son Ben Troka (Lynda, d. 2008); step-daughters Ann Vuletich (Tom Clark) and Maria Tait (Andy), and step-son Stephen Vuletich; grandchildren Michael Perkins, Jennifer Perkins, Michael Vuletich, Scott Troka, Noah Tait, Isaiah Tait, and Sam Clark. He is also survived by his sister Krystyna Kolarz who lives in Poland. His family will miss him very much. A Memorial Mass will be held Tuesday, November 22 at 10:00am at St. Francis Church, 1112 26th Street, Sacramento, CA. A reception at the same location will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations in Wladek's memory may be made to Habitat for Humanity.

KURT von MEIER

October 15, 2011

Kurt von Meier, PhD. Professor Emeritus of Art History at Sacramento State University, Kurt von Meier, PhD. passed away suddenly on Saturday October 15th at the age of 77. Kurt was born in San Francisco, spent his early years in Berkeley and then Carmel, California. After earning his undergraduate degree at the University of California at Berkeley, a stint in the U.S. Navy and obtaining his PhD. at Princeton University, Kurt enjoyed a distinguished and storied 40-year teaching career, influencing and inspiring generations of students with his uniquely engaging style and encyclopedic knowledge of world culture and art. To his friends he was a vibrant, entertaining, generous and unpredictably creative presence; a mentor, companion, teacher, lover of life. To his family he was supportive, encouraging, loving and steady. A true polymath, in addition to the world of art, Kurt mastered multiple languages, higher mathematics, physics, cosmology, physiology, and varied wisdom traditions. His discourses were wide-ranging, surprising, insightful, hilarious and most often brilliant. Kurt leaves behind his loving companion of many years Marijane Anthony, his two daughters Amanita and Alexandra von Meier, grandson Ishi, sisters Katherine and Karen and a devoted circle of friends who will dearly miss his sweet and beguiling presence.

WANDA COLLINS

Obituary Published October 25, 2011

Wanda Reiersgaard Collins was born May 13, 1927 in Petaluma, California. When she was young her family moved to Thief River Falls, Minnesota where Wanda graduated from high school. As a young adult she attended Santa Rosa Junior College in California, where she was named outstanding woman graduate of California by the Alpha Gamma Sigma Society. She earned a Bachelors and a Master of Social Work Degree from University of California Berkeley. In her Social Work career she worked as a psychiatric social worker in a San Francisco Mental Health clinic, a field instructor of graduate students at UC Berkeley School of Social Welfare, Dean of the College of Social Work at California State University, Sacramento where she continued her career as a Professor of Social Work. In 1971, working with the National Senior Citizen's Law Center and National Paralegal Institute, Wanda developed legal services for the poor and elderly. She was an advocate for poor and disadvantaged people.
Wanda was a leader in the National Association of Social Work. In 1965, she joined a protest action in support of social workers who defied punitive practices, became a Vice President of the San Francisco Chapter (1966), President of the California Council of Chapters in 1970s, President of the California Chapter (1987-88) and Board of Directors of the National Association of Social Workers (1973-75).
Wanda Collins was a long time member of the Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer in Carmichael where she served on the Worship Steering Team and church councils as well as the Board of Lutheran Social Service and was active in Lutherans Concerned, of Sacramento. She was a prior member of Saint John's Lutheran Church where she sang in the choir, was active in the church activities, and served as President of Women of the ELCA. Wanda often opened her home for church or NASW events and for her many friends.
Wanda was passionate about her love of all animals but especially her dogs, most recently Sheba and Hannah. Her care for animals led her to become a vegetarian, which she practiced and supported for thirty plus years.
Wanda is survived by her sister Linda Barney of Leesburg, Florida and her niece Sue Hornik of Bellport, New York. A funeral service to celebrate Wanda's life will be held on Monday, October 31 at 10am at the Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer (4641 Marconi Avenue) with the Rev. Jason Bense officiating.

TIM HODSON

October 25, 2011

Tim Hodson, a widely recognized expert on California politics who spent 35 years working, teaching and preparing future leaders for the state Capitol, died Tuesday at age 61. Mr. Hodson, who previously had prostate cancer, revealed to friends in August 2010 that he had been diagnosed with brain cancer. News of his death was announced in an email from his wife, Ruth Holton-Hodson, state deputy controller for health and consumer policy. Mr. Hodson, who began his Capitol career as a Senate staff member, retired a few weeks ago as executive director of the Center for California Studies at California State University, Sacramento. In February, he completed a four-year term on the state Fair Political Practices Commission, a watchdog agency. As leader of the Center for California Studies since 1993, he oversaw expansion of the Capital Fellows Program, a nationally recognized internship that counts more than two dozen judges and current or former elected officials as alumni. He started the LegiSchool Project, which promotes civic engagement among high school students. "Tim was an interesting combination of somebody who had serious academic skills but really liked real-world politics," said Ted Lascher, the center's interim executive director. "He really believed in public service." Mr. Hodson was a professor in the departments of government and public policy and administration at Sacramento State. He also taught at the University of Southern California and began teaching in 1976 at Claremont McKenna College.

"He has legions of students who love him because he mentored them and helped them get jobs," said Barbara O'Connor, former director of the Institute for the Study of Politics and Media at Sacramento State. "He was never too tired to talk to a student. He was a full-time, engaged human being." An expert on elections, reapportionment and government reform, Mr. Hodson wrote articles on California politics for academic journals and newspaper op-ed pages. He was quoted often in The Bee and national newspapers, including the Los Angeles Times and New York Times. His expertise on California's political process was rooted in his experience at the Capitol from 1978 to 1993. He worked for the Select Committees on Political Reform and Government Regulation, the Senate Office of Research, and the Senate Elections and Reapportionment Committee. "Tim was a consummate public servant whose brilliance was belied by his dry wit and down-to-earth personality," Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg said in written statement. "Most importantly, he maintained a lifelong commitment to sharing his knowledge and his insights, leaving an indelible mark through mentoring and training the next generation of leaders."

Timothy Alan Hodson was born in 1950 and raised in Santa Ana. He graduated from California State University, Fullerton, and earned master's and doctoral degrees in political science at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He lived in the Land Park neighborhood with his wife, a former executive director of California Common Cause. He had a son during a previous marriage, which ended in divorce. A former board member of Capital Public Radio, he enjoyed reading and attending San Francisco Giants games. He was a history buff who explored Civil War battlefields on family vacations. He traveled to the Grand Canyon, Galapagos Islands and Alaska. As a California native, Mr. Hodson "reveled in the state's history, present and future" and "loved helping develop careers of people going into public policy and government," said his son Matt. "Someone said he was like a maple tree whose seedlings are throughout California," his son said. "That's exactly what he would have wanted."

JEAN KLINGELHOFER

September 22, 2011

Jean Klingelhofer, an assiduous reader, world traveler and inveterate worker of hard crosswords died September 22. She was 87. Her parents, Ed and Ethel Merrick of Keokuk, Iowa preceded her. She leaves in mourning her husband of sixty-five years, Ed, daughter Dr. Anne Fleuret and her husband, Patrick, and son Jon Klingelhofer and wife, Kay Hansen, and granddaughters Amy Klingelhofer, Julia and Jennifer Fleuret, and step-granddaughter Lucy Nobles. Her love for books found expression in her work as a reference librarian at the Carmichael Library. Her love for travel, never sated, took her throughout Europe, the South Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, and especially Africa, notably Tanzania and Malawi when Ed's work brought them to these African nations for extended periods. She will be missed by a raft of close friends. Consonant with her wishes there will be no memorial observances. Friends are encouraged to remember her as she was -- a bright, informed, caring, liberal-progressive with a gift for friendship who was always on time for things. Remembrances in her name would be welcomed by the Heifer Project, her pet charity -- or by the reader's own choice. A private gathering of kin to celebrate her life will be held at some future time.

BILL SCHUSTER

November 24, 1920 - August 19, 2011

Passed away Friday, August 19, 2011, at the age of 90. Mr. Schuster was preceded in death by Lise Schuster, his wife of 65 years. Bill is survived by his four children: Peggy, Bill, Terri and Michael. He has seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Bill was born in Superior, Wisconsin where he attended high school. He graduated from University of Wisconsin with a B.A. degree and received a law degree from the same University. He lived in the Sacramento and Carmichael area for over 60 years. He retired from Prudential Insurance Company after 25 years. His second career was as an Emeritus Professor of Business Law at California State University, Sacramento. He taught 20 years before retiring in 1994. Bill enjoyed playing basketball at the YMCA when he worked downtown. He enjoyed playing tennis through his 80's. A lifelong lover of music, he and Lise wrote songs in their 70's and 80's. Ten of their songs were produced on a C.D. Bill hoped one of their tunes would one day be recorded by a professional singer. Friends and family are invited to a Funeral Mass at St. Ignatius Loyola Church, 3235 Arden Way at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday September 14, 2011. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of his many charities, the Sacramento Food Bank, or a charity of your choice.

GERTRUDE LEWIS "GOLDIE" LEIBERMAN

December 29, 1923 - August 7, 2011

Goldie Lieberman, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, cousin, aunt and friend passed away on August 7, 2011, at the age of 87. Dearly loved, Goldie opened her heart and home to many wherever she lived. She was born in Brooklyn, New York on December 29, 1923, the third and last surviving child of three sisters born to Rose and Victor Lewis, immigrant parents from Ukraine. Graduating from high school at 16, she served as a cadet nurse during World War II. Goldie married her husband Dan, a Marine Corps veteran, in 1948, and later moved to California. In the early 60's, Goldie was among the pioneering group of nurses earning certification as a Public Health Nurse Practitioner. She contributed to innovative programs fostering parent-child bonding and follow-up of premature infants at LA County Hospital, Children's Hospital of Oakland, and the Berkeley Health Department. She also taught well-baby classes in Berkeley and Sacramento. Goldie ultimately worked as a nurse practitioner at CSU Sacramento Student Health Center. After retirement, Goldie and Dan traveled to Europe, Hawaii, the Southwest, and Alaska. They also raised golden retrievers for Canine Companions for Independence. Goldie's resume was equally manifest in her garden. She was also lit up by: her travels in Belize; her long-standing book/discussion club friends; being a zoo docent; teaching her grandchildren to play blackjack; and especially, when she was on a hot streak at cards, in being unaccountably lucky. She also loved to sing. In her last years, Goldie was grateful to all of her caregivers at Kaiser Hospital Morse Avenue, the Chateau at Rivers Edge, and Sutter Hospice. Our thanks go out to these warm and generous professionals, and to loyal friends who provided caring assistance. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Daniel; three children: Victor of Missoula, Montana, Amy of Hastings-On-Hudson, New York, and Matthew of Sacramento; and three grandchildren, Noah, Joel, and Mira. Goldie is also survived by her loving daughters-in-law Linda and Julie, and her son-in-law David. We will remember her wide-ranging commitments of heart and mind, her caring for individuals and about fairness in the world, as well as her commitment to throwing a party whenever possible, where all were well-fed and all were family. She holds an enduring place in our hearts. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Canine Companions for Independence, P.O. Box 446, Santa Rosa, CA 95402-0446.

SHEILA KILPATRICK, PHD

July 21, 2011

Of Fair Oaks, July 21, 2011, a native of Mankato, MN, age 74 years. Wife of Joseph Kilpatrick. Mother of John Kilpatrick and Katherine Kilpatrick. Sister of Kathleen (James) Dailey. Faculty member of School of Business Administration at CSUS and American River College. Member of AAUW. Memorials preferred to Sacramento Food Bank (3333 3rd Ave., Sacramento, CA 95817).

JEAN JOHNSON

May 26, 2011

Catherine Jean Johnson passed away on May 26, 2011, surrounded by her family. She was 87 years old. Jean was born and raised in Jackson, Michigan. She graduated from Michigan State University and did graduate work at Wayne State University. She married Dr. Douglas Johnson and they moved to Sacramento, as he was offered a Professorship at California State University, Sacramento. They were married 52 years. Jean was active in her childrens' educations. She has been active with the Assistance League of Sacramento and the Retired Faculty Wives of CSUS. She is survived by her husband, Doug, her children: Mary Martha Carson (Mervin), Drew Johnson (Pamela), and Marie Millin (Brian). Also by a sister, Priscilla Lusty of Jackson, Michigan; seven grandchildren: Greg, Stephanie and Dan Carson; Connor, Genevieve and Taylor Millin; and Celeste Johnson. A memorial mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Carmichael on Tuesday, June 7 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Assistance League of Sacramento or Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

CHARLES E. NELSON

October 31, 1933 - May 23, 2011

Retired Professor of English at CSUS, was born October 31, 1933, and passed away May 23, 2011. Charles was preceded in death by his parents Hal and Velma Waid Nelson, and his brother F. William Nelson and sister Mary Nelson Lymburner. He is survived by brothers John and Tom Nelson, and his beloved wife Shirley, sons Ted and Jack, grandchildren Nicole, Kyle and Jake, and great-grandson Dean (with another great-grandchild on the way). A celebration in his honor will be held at the CSUS Student Union, Redwood Room, on Sunday, June 5, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions in his memory be made to Shriner's Hospital for Children, 2425 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95817.

JANICE CORRIN GREGORICH

July 21, 1938 - May 14, 2011

Janice was born in Stringtown, Oklahoma on July 21, 1938. She died in Placerville, California on May 14, 2011 following a decade-long battle with COPD. Janice was pre-deceased by her mother and father, Lucy and Charlie Rowland of Atoka, Oklahoma and her sister Byrdean Marley of Stringtown, Oklahoma, and grandson Bryan Richmond of Truckee, California. She is survived by her husband, Steve Gregorich of Placerville, California; her daughter Michelle Richmond, son-in-law Don Richmond, and grandchildren Diane, Giselle and Andrew Richmond of Palo Alto, California.

Janice graduated from Stringtown High School, received a bachelor degree from East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma, did graduate work at the University of New Mexico, and received a Master of Arts Degree from California State University, Sacramento. She taught public school at Armijo Elementary in Albuquerque, New Mexico and McKee Elementary in Elk Grove, California. She retired from the Elk Grove Unified School District in 1997.

Janice loved exploring country roads and gathering interesting recipes from around the world. Her life's focus was her family.

Jan requested that there be no services and that gifts be sent to St Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 in lieu of flowers.

RUSSELL "RIIS" BOHR

June 15, 1916 - February 18, 2011

Born to father Amos Benjamin and mother Mary Alice Bohr on June 15, 1916 on Dietrich Avenue in Orwin, Pennsylvania. Passed away on February 18, 2011 at the age of 94. Russell as known by most as “Riis” was both a long time resident of Sacramento and Professor Emeritus at Sacramento State for which he taught Art History for more than 35 years. Riis came to California from the East Coast to attend Cal Berkley before embarking on a teaching career. Preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Dorothy “Dorka” Bohr, Riis loved travel, gardening, and the arts. He is survived by his son Thys, Daughter-in-law Lisa, Niece Helen Harendza of Binghamton New York, and other family members in the East Coast. A private gravesite service will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Sacramento, California. In lieu of flowers, interested parties can make a donation to The “Russell “Riis” Bohr Memorial” Fund at the Sacramento State Development Office – Sacramento Hall #118, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95819-6030.

ROGER WILLIAM LEEZER

March 22, 2011

Roger William Leezer, 68, of Rancho Murieta, drowned in the waters off Poipu Beach opposite the Sheraton Kauai Resort on March 22, police said.

Leezer had recently retired after a long career but was teaching part-time. He joined the university in 1965 as a part-time member of the faculty in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. After completing his doctorate in Mathematics from the University of California, Davis, in 1968 he became an assistant professor in the math department at California State University, Sacramento. During a long career, he was elected chair of the department several times. From 1978-1984 he was dean of the School of Arts and Sciences with responsibility for 500 faculty members and nearly 30 academic departments. "The School of Arts and Sciences served more students when Roger was dean than a number of smaller CSU campuses in existence at that time," said David Wagner, vice president for Human Resources. From 1984 to 1986, Leezer was the assistant vice president for telecommunications. He was the founding administrator for the university's Telecommunications Program Center responsible for electronic communication, computing and distance education, according to information provided by Sacramento State. Upon his completion of his stint in telecommunications he returned to the math department as a professor.

(BILL) CHARLES W. LOVITT

March 15, 2011

Charles William Lovitt, "Bill" to those who knew him, died peacefully March 15, 2011 at his home in Davis, California. He was 82 years old. Bill was born in Long Beach, California, at Seaside Hospital. Bill graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Pomona College in Pomona, California. He went on to receive a Master's of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary. Later, Bill attended Columbia University where he received a PhD in Philosophy of Religion and Ethics. While attending Columbia, Bill received the coveted Fulbright Fellowship, the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. Government allowing students to study abroad. As a Fulbright Scholar, Bill studied Philosophy and Theology at both the University of Strasbourg in France and The Albert Ludwig Universitat in Freiburg, Germany. Bill met Harriet, the love of his life, while both were teaching at Skidmore Women's College in Saratoga Springs, New York. In 1962 they were married and shortly thereafter moved to Sacramento, California. Bill started as a professor of Philosophy at California State University - Sacramento in 1966. He proudly taught at that institution for 42 years and was named chair of the department. In 1998 Bill was selected as the recipient of the 1997-98 CSUS Outstanding Scholarly Achievement Award. This award is made annually to a CSUS faculty member who, over an extended period of time, has made significant scholarly contributions. Bill retired from the University in 1999. The author of numerous reviews and articles, his most significant work is two volumes that he co-authored with Harriet, titled Modern Technology in the Heideggerian Perspective, published in 1995. Commenting on this work, one reviewer noted "...this is not really a work to read through at one sitting and be done with, not an introduction for the impatient, rather a careful study that everyone seriously interested in Heidegger will want to have at his side, return to over and over again, truly a companion to Heidegger." In 1999 Bill and Harriet moved to Davis, California, where they have made their final home. Bill was an avid reader, but most of all enjoyed caring for his beloved Harriet. Bill is preceded in death by his father, Charles Leo Lovitt, and his mother, Aileen (Linney) Lovitt. He is survived, and will be truly missed, by his wife Harriet, brothers Richard Lovitt (Kathryn) and John Lovitt (Diane), niece Andrea McCann (Shannon) and nephews John Lovitt (Michele) and Chuck Lovitt (Sally). A funeral will be held on March 26, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Luke's Episcopal Church at 515 Second Street in Woodland, California. Immediately following the service, friends are invited to attend the interment at Davis Cemetery at 820 Pole Line Road in Davis, California.

HAROLD W. KERSTER

July 6, 1932 - February 16, 2011

Died in Sacramento on February 16, 2011. Dr. Kerster was born in Chicago, Illinois July 6, 1932. He served in the U.S. Army from 1948 to 1952, and completed two years of USAFI college courses before separation from the Army. He later attended the University of Illinois at Urbana and received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1955. He received his Ph.D. degree in Biology from the University of Chicago. Dr. Kerster taught at the University of Illinois in both Chicago and Springfield, Illinois before coming to the Environmental Studies Center at CSUS in 1973. He retired from CSUS in 1994, and continued to participate in volunteer activities in several scientific and environmental organizations in California. He is sorely missed by family and friends.

RAGNOR J. SEGLUND

January 1, 1929 - February 17, 2011

Born in Munising Michigan 11/01/29, Ragnor, 81, passed away peacefully at home with family on 02/17/11 after a courageous battle with leukemia. He is missed by beloved Diana of 20 years, 6 children: Patti, John, Paul, Cecilia, Julia and Amy, 3 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren and his older brother James Seglund of MS. We will miss his curious mind and adventurous spirit. Ragnor shared his educational PhD knowledge as a professor of Accounting at CSUS for 20 years and taught at other Universities in AZ, Finland & Australia. Ragnor loved the outdoors as a tennis player, spent time with his dog Sonny, pursued his passion for world travel and discussed world affairs. He was a strong stubborn man who was a fighter and embraced life to the fullest. We will miss his positive cheerful nature, but we know he is free and in the presence of the Lord. A Celebration of Life Service will be held in Wells Chapel at Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church, 11427 Fair Oaks Blvd, Fair Oaks, on Friday, 3/11/11 at 1:00 pm. 916-863-5618

JAMES A. SAUM

January 21, 1922 - January 27, 2011

Jim Saum died peacefully in his sleep at Palm Gardens Assisted Living facility on January 27, 2011 at age 89. He had suffered from Alzheimer's disease for several years. Jim grew up in Emmett, Idaho. He attended Oregon State College leaving to serve in the Army 1943-46. Following his discharge he completed a master's degree at Oregon State, then earned his doctorate degree at Stanford University. He worked as a professor of counselor education at Sacramento State College/University for 36 happy years. Jim was particularly active in legislative concerns related to establishing professional standards for counselors, helping to write most of the pertinent legislation. He was the recipient of many awards and much recognition for his professional and community service. Jim is survived by his wife Susan, five children, eight grandchildren, three great grandchildren and three nieces. A memorial service is planned for March 26 at 2:00 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Davis. Donations may be made in Jim's memory to the Alzheimer's Association , Yolo Hospice or the church.

MARYJANE REES

January 9, 2011

Dr. Maryjane Rees died on January 9, 2011. Dr. Rees grew up in rural Oregon. Graduated high school 1939, Oakland, OR; BA, Music (French horn), U of OR, 1944; MS, Special Education, U of OR, 1947; Ph.D., Speech Pathology and Audiology, U of Iowa, 1954.
She founded the Speech Pathology and Audiology program at CSUS that same year. She continued as department chair until 1983, and retired in 1984. 34 years of dedication! Dr. Rees built the Department to be one of the best in the state. She insisted on rigorous thinking, commitment to the profession, and quality clinical training. She was elected Fellow of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 1966, and was project director for ASHAs year-long study of Speech and Hearing services in the schools. She was president of the California Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 1981-83, and received the Honors of that Association in 1984. Beyond her discipline, she served CSUS in many other ways, in budget, program review and other committees. Her teaching was exemplary. She was rigorous and demanding but inspiring; knowledgeable but not dogmatic. Half-baked was not in her vocabulary. She developed a clinic at CSUS that provided both superior services to the public and training for students. The clinic was named the Maryjane Rees Language, Speech and Hearing Center. Finally, Maryjane was a most interesting and lively person. She enjoyed opera and the theater, especially Shakespeare. She was a member and supporter of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival for many years. She loved words (rationale was a favorite) and was a stickler for precise language. She pursued studies in philosophy at CSUS after retiring. She loved the sounds of the ocean and the smell of redwood trees. She even loved target shooting! Dr. Rees was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon, and by her brother, James Richard Bovington and sisters, Josephine and Patricia. She is survived by her sisters, Ann Malarisie and Rebecca Bales. Dr. Maryjane Rees was truly a pioneer. She was a female Ph.D. before that was common. She influenced the development of speech pathology and audiology throughout the state. She inspired generations of clinicians. She will live on in the guidance she provided for the profession, and in her students and the clients they serve. She touched many people personally. A brilliant and unique person.
Dr. Rees specified that there be no memorial service. Rememberances may be addressed as follows: Speech Pathology and Audiology Student Scholarship Endowment, Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, CSUS, 6000 J St., Sacramento, CA 95819-6071.

FRED JOYCE

January 10, 2011

Fred Joyce passed away Monday, January 10, 2011 in Jackson at the age of 90 years. He and his twin brother, Thomas, were born November 11, 1920 to Thomas and Alice (Cookson) Joyce in Jackson, CA. His mother died six days after the birth of her twins and Fred and his siblings were raised by their aunt and grandmother. Fred attended local schools and graduated from Sutter Creek High School before attending Hartnell Jr. College in Salinas, CA. He received his BA degree at San Jose State University. Fred did graduate work at Stanford University and the University of Southern California. He was a veteran serving in the U.S. Navy during WWII, and remained in the reserves until 1958. Fred began his teaching career at Pine Grove Elementary School. Years later he was named principal of the Jackson Elementary School and taught the 8th grade. In 1955 he accepted an administrative job in Sacramento with the Rio Linda Union School District working as principal, assistant superintendant, and then superintendant of that district for 20 years. Fred has a school named in his honor in North Highlands. He retired in 1975 and began working for California State University Sacramento in the school of administration. Fred was involved in the planning and construction of the Amador Senior Center in Jackson and devoted many hours to the operation and management of the center.

He was a 60 year member of the Volcano Masonic Lodge #56 and other Masonic lodges. Fred was a Shriner, past patron of the Golden Star, and Order of the Eastern Star. He is survived by his sister, Carolyn Wilson of San Jose and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his twin brother, Thomas Joyce and brother, Michael O'Connell. Friends are invited to attend a visitation Sunday, January 16th from 3:00 to 7:00 P.M. at Daneri Mortuary in Jackson, CA. A funeral service will be held Monday, January 17th at 10:00 A.M. at Daneri Mortuary Chapel in Jackson. Fred will be interred next to his mother in the Jackson City Cemetery in Jackson, CA. Memorial contributions may be made to Amador Senior Center, 229 New York Ranch Rd., Jackson, CA 95642. Condolences may be made to the family, via e-mail, at condolences@danerimortuary.com Services have been entrusted to Daneri Mortuary in Jackson, CA.

ELTON WARD LONG

April 5, 1943 - February 12, 2011

Passed away on February 12, 2011. He was the youngest son of James and Susie Long, a black family who came to Sacramento in the 1940's. Elton was born on April 5, 1943. He graduated from Bishop Armstrong High School (now Christian Brothers) in 1960 where he played varsity baseball and was a member of the debating team. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from the College of Fine Arts from Howard University in Washington, D.C., in 1967. Elton received his Juris Doctor from Howard University in 1970. Dr. Long was a Professor of Criminal Justice for 30 years at California State University, Sacramento. Dr. Long was one of the 4 co-authors of a textbook entitled 'American Minorities: The Justice Issue'. He was known as an outstanding teacher of law enforcement personnel in this community. Elton is survived by two sons from his first marriage, Andre Long and Dimone Long; his sister June Long; his brother Judge James L. Long; his second wife, Annie Manuel Long; and six grandchildren. In accordance with Elton's wishes, there will be no memorial service or funeral service. Any remembrances should be sent in Elton's name to Christian Brothers High School, 4315 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Sacramento, California.

LEOPOLD (LEO) MARTIN

September 17, 1923 - February 11, 2011

Leo Martin of Placerville, California passed away February 11, 2011 at 87 years of age. He was born September 17, 1923 in Woodlake, California. Leo worked harvesting grapes and other field work with the Red Banks Fruit Company during his school years until 1942. He moved to Richmond and worked at the Kaiser Shipyard #3 in 1943 as an cutting torch operator until July 29 of that year and then enlisted in the United States Navy from that year to March 30, 1946. Leo received his basic training, fleet, advanced and aerial torpedo school in San Diego and graduated as a Torpedo-man 3rd Class. During his years in the Navy Leo served in the South Pacific aboard the aircraft carrier USS Independence CVL22. Battle campaigns and memorial experiences were Asiatic Pacific area 5 battle stars, Philippines; Liberation 1battle star, Luzon invasion Formosa, Indo China, Okinawa invasion and the occupation of Japan-Admiral Halsey's 3rd fleet. After serving in the Navy, Leo married Virgina Rosa McClain, a native of Glasgow, Montana on February 1, 1948 and settled in Carmichael.

Leo was a member of the teamster Union Local #150 from 1948-1968 while working with the J. Powell Material Company. For the next 20 years he worked for the University of Sacramento and retired from there in 1988 as the Supervisor of Building Trades. As an active person Leo engaged himself and his family in many activities, one being the San Juan Judo Club. He persisted in this and rose to rank of second degree black belt. His training also included time at the Kodokan Japan Institute in Tokyo, Japan. A memorable experience was a demonstration of the club at the half-time activities during a football game at Candlestick Park. After moving to Placerville, Leo remained active as a Boy Scout Master for Troupe 164 in Pollock Pines. He was a proud veteran of WWII and served various positions in many veteran organizations; Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Fleet Reserve Assoc. #275, American Legion Post 119, District 31, Forty Eight Voiture. Other organizations were Native sons of Golden West and the Federated Church.

Leo was preceded in death by his wife Virginia in 2002. He is survived by his daughter Mary Susan Hoshall; three sons, Edward, Gary & Chris; nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Leo was a hard worker and a good provider to his family, he will always be remembered by many for his loving nature and good heartedness. Visitation Wednesday, 2/16/2011, 4 to 6pm and funeral service Thursday 2/17/2011 at 12:00 noon, both at Chapel of the Pines Mortuary, 2855 Cold Springs Rd., Placerville, CA. Interment to follow funeral at Westwood Hills Memorial Park. Family and friends may sign a guestbook and leave condolences at www.chapelofthe pinesfunerals.com