People

Margaret Sybil Morison Schwarze died on September 21, 2019, after a long and fulfilling life. She was born in Salt Lake City on August 23, 1925, to Emma (Condie) and Robert Morison and grew up in Riverside, California, with her three sisters, Marion, Patricia, and Suzanne. From an early age, Margaret exhibited the strength of character that served her so well throughout her life. She worked at various jobs—including two memorable summers working at Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks—from age 14 until she was almost 70. She put herself through college, attending UC Berkeley and graduating with a major in English and a teaching credential. While at Cal, she met a handsome young WWII veteran, Ralph W. Schwarze, whom she married in 1949. In 1957 Margaret and Ralph moved into the house that Ralph designed and built in Los Altos Hills, where, among the apricot trees, they raised their three daughters. Education, music, theater, and travel were among her lifelong interests. Margaret taught elementary school in the Bay Area for almost forty years, more than thirty of those in the Mountain View-Whisman School District.

November 10, 2019 marks the birthday of our beloved mother, Maria (Mika) Zawojski, who passed away November 7, 2017, just short of her 92nd birthday. Born in Poland and emigrating to the United States after WWII, she and her husband, Walter, and their children lived in Los Altos for many years. In 2011, Mika moved to Auburn, California to live with her daughter and husband. Mika was amazingly vital, out-going, and had an incredible sense of humor. She was the model of love, generosity and beauty – inside and out – and she remains in our hearts, her family, as we honor her memory with an everlasting smile. She leaves a lasting legacy to her family: her son, Chris (Camille); daughter, Karen (Bud); grandchildren Jessica (Nate), Emily (Joey), Alana (Greg), Katrina and Erik; and great grandchildren Wyatt, Hazel, Walter, Charlie, Isabella, James and Luca. We love you up to the sky and higher!

Richard John (Dick) Quinlan passed away peacefully at home on October 17, 2019 at the age of 86. He was born on April 18, 1933 and resided in Menlo Park since 1963 with Jeanne, his beloved wife of 59 years. Dick, a 4th generation San Franciscan, will be remembered as a family man with a generous spirit and an ever-present sense of humor. He is survived by Jeanne Ferrari Quinlan, his wife of over 59 years and his three sons, Greg (Kristin) of Los Altos, Roger (Cathy) of Los Altos and Matt (Kristen) of Menlo Park. He dearly loved his 7 grandchildren, Riley (Kristy), Ellen, Courtney, Katie, Sara, Nathan and Nick.

Ann Marie Barsi passed away peacefully with her family by her side on October 28, 2019, at the age of 91. Ann was born in San Francisco on October 9, 1928, to Giovanni and Mary Denevi. She grew up in the City, and together with her brother Willie and her cousins, had many exciting adventures including journeys on the street car to the beach, Playland and the movies every Saturday. She was an original member of the Village Girls from the North Beach neighborhood and never missed one of their dances or activities. She attended Girls’ High and worked part time at J.C. Penny’s and later for NASA at Moffett Field. Wherever she went, Ann made wonderful, lifelong friends. During a visit to see her cousin Bernice shortly after the War ended, she was introduced to Norman Barsi who had just been discharged from the Navy.