LINDA MARIE DOWLING
November 11, 1948 - May 29th, 2006
El Dorado Hills, California
Linda Marie was a life mate and true companion to her husband Stephen Dowling. They met in 1968 at a small courtyard party near San Jose State. Together they raised three children, Chad, Tamara, and Heather, and became a loving nana and poppi to Tamara’s son Jeremiah. Linda is gratefully honored in our hearts and deeds as a true mother and wife.
Linda, the daughter of the late Neil A. Vanni, is survived by her mother Janette Vanni, and her nine younger siblings; Neil, Mike, Cheryl, JoAnne, Deborah, David, Tom, Anthony and Michelle. She was also a beloved daughter-in-law to Chuck and Mickie Dowling, and sister-in-law to Ralph and Cheron McClintok and Craig and Terie Dowling. During her 55 years in the Bay Area, Linda acquired an abundant circle of family and friends and will be greatly missed. She was raised in Los Altos, graduated from Holy Cross and was a dedicated employee to Saint Francis High School for 25 years. She offered valuable service to her co-workers and also diligently supported and mentored family, friends and students. Her vibrant energy was infamous and was only surmounted by the care and encouragement she consistently gave her loved ones.
Linda will be remembered as a woman of grace and integrity. Those close to her speak fondly of her elegance and the memory of her smile and laughter. A woman of action, there were few challenges that stumped her. As a matriarch, she knew the importance of being together with family and friends, a tradition inspired by her mother and father. The loss throughout her community is deep, but we will find peace through God’s mercy. We thankfully accept the beauty of this wonderful woman and the knowledge she shared in remaining faithful to what is important about life.
Services were held at St. Simon’s Church, Los Altos. Arrangements by Cusimano Family Colonial Mortuary, Mtn. View.
OLIVE A. O’HARA
Passed away peacefully on June 21, 2006 surrounded by family. Olive is survived by her loving husband Jack of 57 years, daughter Sue, son-in-law Alan Miller, and granddaughter Joanna. Olive grew up in Philadelphia and moved to the Bay Area in 1963. A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Olive practiced from her Los Altos Hills home for many years. She was an active member of Los Altos United Methodist Church where she worked lovingly with youth. She was a sister of PEO and volunteered with the Girl Scouts, Community Services Agency, Casa SAY and many others. A memorial service will be held at Los Altos United Methodist Church on Tuesday, July 11, 2006 at 3pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Los Altos United Methodist Church Starfire Singers, to the Hospice Care Center at Palo Alto Veterans Administration Hospital, or Pathways Home Health and Hospice.
FLORENCE KLEIN SCHENK
Florence Klein Schenk, 81, of Los Altos died peacefully at her home on June 22nd surrounded by her husband, children and grandchildren.
Born in Chicago, Illinois on June 1, 1925, she was the daughter of Walter P. Klein and Stella Mae Floeter who preceded her in death. She married her high school sweetheart, Eugene Fredrick Schenk, and with whom she celebrated 59 years of marriage. Together they moved twelve times while raising their family.
Being a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother, she will be remembered for her gentle spirit, unlimited capacity for love and the unconditional support she gave her family. Florence loved nothing more than being with her family and she especially enjoyed spending time at Christmas with her whole family on Maui.
Giving back to the community was always important to her. She was active at her churches throughout the years and volunteered at hospital gift shops. Along with her husband, both Gene and Florence were honored by the Society of St. Vincent DePaul for their untold hours of service working with the poor in San Rafael.
She is also survived by her children, Eugene F. Schenk, Jr. of Willows, California, Terry P. Schenk of Maui, Cynthia Schenk Ziebelman of Palo Alto, and Michael P. Schenk of Menlo Park; her son-in-law, Peter Ziebelman; her daughter-in-law, Sara Spivey; grandchildren Bryan, Tyler, Scott, Amanda and Katie. She is also survived by her brothers, Harold Klein and James Klein of Fort Worth, Texas, and many loving nieces and nephews. Florence was preceded in death by her brother, Walter P. Klein.
Donations can be made in her name to Hospice of the Valley in San Jose, California. www.hospicevalley.org
SOLVEIG THOR
June 25, 1916 - December 23, 2003
Solveig, Mom, Mumsy, Grandma, Amma.
Born 90 years ago on the Canadian prairie with Icelandic roots. Made the house Rutur built in Los Altos in 1952 a home. They gave Ruth, Vicki, Chris and Laurie the American dream.Cherished her family.
We miss you.
Takk fyrir & bless!
