NANCY LOU (KING) SMITH
Nancy passed into the presence of her Lord on May 6, 2006 after a three-plus year battle with colon cancer. Born December 6, 1939 in Laramie, Wyoming to John Ross King and Gertrude (Gunnison) King, she moved to California on her ninth birthday, living first in Menlo park, then moving to Mountain View in the summer of 1956. She graduated from the old Mountain View High School in 1957 and subsequently received an AA degree from San Jose Community College.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Chester King, and is survived by her husband, Richard M (Dick) Smith and his family, and by her sister, Bonny Mosher-Collins (John Collins) and by nephew Dale Mosher (Kim) and niece Mary Hansen (John); also by grand niece Kimberly Hansen and grand nephews Chris Hansen and Eli and Justin Mosher. A host of friends developed over the years at work, at church and in the neighborhood also will miss her.
Nancy was a long-time active member of First Baptist Church of Los Altos where she ministered more than thirty years with pre-school children and also served as a Deaconess. She worked at Stanford University at the time that the Linear Accelerator was starting up. In October 1963 she took employment with Signetics/Phillips Semiconductor, where she worked until retiring in December 2001.
Nancy loved people. Her cheerful spirit, helpfulness and quiet counsel made her a desired companion to many over the years, whether family, coworkers, neighbors or fellow church members. She had a special gift for working with the very young and the elderly.
A family committal was held at Alta Mesa Memorial Park, followed by a memorial celebration at First Baptist Church of Los Altos on May 11th.
Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers may be made to the church.
JEAN WRIGHT BURGER
A Los Alto Hills resident for 38 years, Jean passed away peacefully at age 85, at El Camino Hospital in Mt View, early Sunday morning, May 7th, from the effects of a stroke. Born in 1920 in Bloomfield, New Jersey, to Olive and Donald Alexander Wright, Jean graduated from Bloomfield High School in 1938. She was locally employed until she joined the Navy and served in the WAVEs during World War II. She married her sweetheart Cornelius (Neil) Burger in 1944, after a three-day engagement, prior to Neil’s Naval deployment. Jean was a homemaker for 50 years and supported Neils’ career through many moves between the East and West Coasts. When her children were young, she was a library volunteer. Later, she was an avid and accomplished golfer and an active member of Hits & Misses Golf Group. When her children were grown, she became a dedicated Red Cross volunteer. An accomplished hostess, she proved a great asset to Neil’s professional career and also provided a welcoming atmosphere for her many friends. Jean and Neil were founding members of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Palo Alto. Later, they purchased property in Los Altos Hills and Jean was instrumental in establishing the landscaping and making the new house a home. Nothing however, could top her love & devotion to her family. When Neil suffered a devastating stroke in 1990, she faithfully attended his daily care for four years, serving as an example to her children and friends of selfless love and marital devotion. She and Neil were married for just over 50 years prior to his passing. She spent her last years as a resident of the Forum in Cupertino. Predeceased by her husband Neil, her three sisters, Dolly, Edith and Betty. Jean is survived by her four children, Scott Burger (Mae), Susan Brandt (Al), Nancy Wyer, and Jeanie Best (Dean); and seven grandchildren, brother Donald A. Wright, Jr. and many loving nieces and nephews on both coasts. A memorial service was held at Covenant Presbyterian Church on East Meadow Drive, Palo Alto on Thursday, May 11 with reception following. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Covenant Presbyterian Church. Roller Hapgood & Tinney Funeral Home in Palo Alto handled the arrangements.
DALEENE CROASMUN
Born Lela DaLeene Carper on May 26th 1915 and passed away May 5th 2006. DaLeene is a graduate of the University of Nebraska - Lincoln in elementary education. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Homer Croasmun, daughter Karen Shelt (Frank), granddaughter Kristine Ann Shelt and grandson Christopher Matlock. DaLeene was preceded in death by her son Alan Croasmun and daughter Kristine Virginia Croasmun Matlock. Private family services will be held in Nehawka, Nebraska where DaLeene was born and raised.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Chi Omega Foundation, Kappa Chapter Scholarship fund, PO Box 2121, Memphis, TN, 38159.
