Obituaries

Donald Ray Johnson

Donald Ray Johnson affectionately known as "Casino" entered into eternal rest on November 24, 2023. He was 69 years young, a native of Los Angeles, CA, but San Diego was home.
Son of the late Dolores Johnson and survived by his father Woodrow Johnson, Sr. He was preceded in death by two of his siblings, Woodrow "Butch" Johnson, Jr. and Samantha Johnson.
Don is survived by his wife Denise King-Johnson, his two daughters Dee Dee (Lamar) Andrews & Nicole (Oscar) Martinez, and his four step children ~ Angelo Samantha) Henry, Sr., Wesley Smith, Nicole & Edwin King. Additionally, he leaves behind his sister Serada Johnson and his first wife & friend Norma Jean Johnson, along with his grandchildren ~ Savvy & Amon Andrews, Alaina, Alyvia, Elijah & Jaden Martinez, Angelo Jr., Andreas, Arianna & London Henry, Sarah, Taliyah & Kaylah King; and a host of nieces and nephews and his favorite furbaby Bella Wella. He leaves behind very dear friend & confidant, Pastor Mark Jappe & the community at Gateway Church, for which he called on for all his spiritual guidance & prayers.

Don served in the United States Navy and worked for General Dynamics.
He enjoyed singing, bodybuilding, bowling, playing basketball, shooting pool & going to the casino.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Rest easy Don Johnson!!

Relatives & friends of the family are invited to attend the Memorial Service which will be held at Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego, CA on Friday, December 15, 2023, beginning promptly at 11 a.m.
Funeral planning entrusted to the caring staff of Trinity Funeral Services, 3914 Murphy Canyon Road, San Diego, CA 92123. (POSTED 12/13/23)

John Louis Mattos Sr.

John Louis Mattos Sr. passed away in his home on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at the age of 89. John was preceded in death by his parents Manual and Elizabeth Mattos. John was born in San Diego, California. He grew up primarily in Point Loma and attended St. Agnes Catholic School and Saint Augustine High School. John was a tuna fisherman for about a decade before working as a bread delivery driver for several local bakeries. In retirement he lived in Las Vegas for about 20 years before returning to San Diego. John leaves behind his beloved wife of nearly 70 years Carol, his four children, John (Barbara), Jim (Ardene), Corrine Brindley (Tim), Claudine Espinosa (George), nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, and his sister Rita Carvalho. Services will take place Tuesday, November 21 at 11 a.m. at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Point Loma followed by a remembrance reception at the SES Portuguese Hall. In support of John’s love of baseball and youth league coaching, donations can be made to Peninsula Little League, P.O. Box 81684, San Diego, CA 92138.

Jennifer Pennix (Russell)

Obituary Content: Jennifer Lynn Pennix (Russell), 59, Born August 13, 1964. Passed away on Thursday October 19, 2023 at Hospice of Butler & Warren County with her family by her side. She was born in Middletown, Ohio to Nathan (Deceased) & Sue Russell. She leaves to cherish her Mother Sue Russell; 1 Son Connor Miller; 1 Grandson Gavin Miller; 2 Sisters Ann Harrison (Nick) , Jane Russell (Jeff) 1 Brother Christopher Russell; 2 Nephews Nicholas Harrison (Amanda), Cole Thomas. 2 Nieces Carrie McMahon (Dan) ; Heather Thomas (Cody). Special Friends, Peggy, Tonya, Pam, Brenda, LaDonna, Karen that all helped in caring for Jenny during her illness. Donations can be made to Hospice of Butler & Warren County or The Compton Center at Atrium. There will be no services. (POSTED 10/24/2023)

David Kent Miller

Obituary Content: David Kent Miller. July 16, 1955 - October 6, 2023. David K. Miller passed away peacefully on October 6, 2023, in San Diego, California. He was preceded in death by his parents; Frances A Miller and Raymond R. Miller; his sister Lynett M. Miller. David was born in Omaha, Nebraska. He traveled with his family as his father was in the Military. Upon graduation from Point Loma High School in San Diego, California, David joined the United States Marine Corps, where he did several tours of duty. He worked many years as a Supply Clerk until he became disabled. David is survived by his sisters; Lynell Randolph (James). Candyce Spruel (Michael). brother, Russell Cook III: Stepmother: Blanche Miller. A host of nieces and nephews. David was a loving son, brother and uncle. He will be greatly missed by all. (POSTED 10/16/2023)

Mary Hinds

4/5/1953-9/4/2023
In Loving Memory of Mary Sandra Hinds, a beloved mother, sister, grandmother, and great grandmother. Peacefully passed away on September 4, 2023. Mary is survived by her brother Rick, daughter Heather, Son in law Kevin, grandchildren Tiara, Kevin Jr, Tyra, and Tegan, and great granddaughter Tenley.
A celebration of Life will be held at a later date. (posted 9/11/2023)

Frances Jeanette Garrison

Frances Jeanette Garrison nee Gormley passed away at Pacifica Hospice House in Carlsbad, California on June 10, 2023.

Frances was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on May 20th, 1939 to Vivian Jean Terry and Frank Turino. Frances was lovingly adopted by Vivian's one true love, James H. Gormley along with her siblings; Samuel Roy Gormley and Jean Marie Gormley Myers. Frances is preceded in death by both parents and her two siblings.

Frances was a devoted and loving mother to her three children: David John Bremer, Susan Anne Bremer-May and Tamara Lynne Bremer. She was grandmother & nana to five grandchildren: Jennifer (Lily), Jonathan and Jessica Bremer and Blake and Kayla May. Though Frances wasn’t near all of her grandchildren she adored each one individually and she was extremely proud of them all.

Frances was raised in the Kensington area of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Catholic High School and spent a few years at Vanderbilt University before marrying John Bury. Frances was a military wife all of her married years. She was a strong, resilient woman who never wavered in her commitment, as a single mother, to take care of her children into adulthood.

Frances taught primary education in her early years. After moving to San Diego, Ca in 1972 Frances worked for Naval Ocean Systems Center as a clerk-typist. In 1976, Frances was the first person to successfully participate in an upward mobility program with NOSC to become a Still Photography Lab Technician. Frances wanted a career as opposed to a job and she did not let anything hinder her from reaching her goals. While attending classes and working for NOSC she also worked at Jack Murphy Stadium to supplement her income. Frances retired from the government and continued working until 2015, when she received a cancer diagnosis.

Frances was artistic; she loved to sew, crocheted many ponchos and blankets over the years. She was also very interested in genealogy and shared her gift of research. Frances could often be found playing cards and visiting with her dear friends. Frances was authentically herself always and made many in her path feel like family. Frances suffered from numerous health ailments for the past several years. Even in her most difficult days she remained a loving mother. We will miss her for all of our days and wish her Gods peace in the arms of her beloved parents.

Frances will be celebrated in a funeral mass August 18, 2023, at 11:00 am at Guardian Angels Catholic Church, 9310 Dalehurst Road, Santee, CA 92071 Presided by Father Andre Ramos. Frances will be interned with her parents in Roanoke, Virginia. Posted (8/17/23)

James PhiLlip Crosthwaite

James Phillip Crosthwaite passed away suddenly of a ruptured aortic aneurysm on July 9, 2023. Jimmy was born on January 9, 1963 as a sixth generation San Diegan. He is the great, great, great grandson of Philip Crosthwaite; a colorful Irish immigrant who married Josefa Lopez and maintained civic life on both sides of the border from 1846-1903. Philip’s 1800s adventures in Alta and Baja California were passed down through the generations, and Jim loved sharing the tales and history of the man whose name he shared.  

His deep roots in San Diego kept Jim anchored as he experienced living all over the county, including Normal Heights, Poway, Escondido, Pacific Beach, Point Loma and Encinitas. He raised his daughter - along with her mother, Lauren Crosthwaite - during her school years in the wine country of Temecula. 

Jim’s love for gaming, fantasy fiction, and World of Warcraft stemmed from his enduring passion for Dungeons and Dragons. He was also keenly interested in plants, coin collecting, and all things Disney. He was a voracious reader and lit up when discussing the Middle-earth world of JRR Tolkien or the philosophies of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. 

Jim maintained many friendships from high school and his years working his way to management at McDonalds Corporation. He applied his passion for reading by managing stores for Walden Books, then made his way into landscaping services where he could share his love of plants. 

“But where our hearts truly lie is in peace and quiet, 
and good tilled earth. For all Hobbits share a love of things that grow.” 

He spent the last four years of his work career at Home Depot, where he developed many close friendships with co-workers. Loyal customers would specifically seek him out for his advice and assistance.

As a caring person who looked out for others, he was a keen and observant listener. 

Jim leaves behind his true pride and joy: His kind and devoted daughter, Heather. He precedes his parents, Gil Crosthwaite and Elizabeth Etter in his parting. Holding memories of him are the many in-laws and out-laws of the Crosthwaite Clan. 

Please wear flowers in his honor and keep reading books - especially the banned ones!

“So long, and thanks for all the fish.”

(POSTED 7/25/23)

Paul David Sterbenz

PAUL DAVID STERBENZ SR (3/19/1945 to 3/19/2023) Army veteran who served in the Vietnam War as an M.P. 1st Calvary division 545th Military Police Company. We thank him for his service. An Automotive aficionado.. Leaves the world a beautiful family. Brother of Peter James Sterbenz , Husband of 51 years to Dottie Sterbenz, Father to Kealoha Paule, Pj Sterbenz and Paul David Sterbenz II. Father in Law to Mark Paule and Nina Sterbenz. Grandfather to Christopher Paule, Kanani Paule, Jacob Paule. Kyle Anderson Grant Thornburg, Matthew Thornburg. Kalani Sterbenz ,Aylssa Sterbenz ,Jayden Caudillo , Alana Sterbenz and Great Grandfather to Sophia Grace Paule. His example led us to be better people, we celebrate his peace. (Posted 4.14.23)

Peggy Hegner

Peggy (Lawson) Hegner passed away on February 24, 2023, at the age of 90. Peggy was one of a kind, sharp-witted, intensely curious and deeply creative. She added beauty and spice to every space and friendship. We wish her every happiness on this next journey. (POSTED 3/7/2023)

Jean O'Brien

With profound sadness we announce the passing of the amazing Jean (Kelly) O’Brien, devoted Wife, loving Mother, Grandmother and friend to all. She left us to join her family in heaven, predeceased by her devoted husband, Jack O’Brien (2007), her daughters Karen O’Brien-Brady (1997) and Erin O’Brien-Di Dia (2015).
An only child, born in Jersey City, New Jersey she was brought into this world by her mother Margaret (Canny) Kelly and father Gene Kelly. Her father instilled in her a love of horseback riding and a keen sense of Irish skepticism. She proudly attended Saint Aloysius Academy in Jersey City, where she earned her Varsity letter in Equestrian Sports and later attended Rutgers University. Shortly thereafter she met and married the love of her life Jack O’Brien.

Loving mother to Gail McGeady (Brian Buckley) Wayne, NJ, MaryBeth O’Brien, Encinitas CA, Lynn Quinn (Terry Quinn) Bloomfield, NJ and J.R. O’Brien (Tiffany Crain-Weis) Encinitas, CA. Proud grandmother of Mark Robinson (Amanda Nelson) Jessica, Jennifer and Charles Brady, Nicolette and Dominique Di Dia, Michael and Preston Quinn, and newest arrival great-grandson Jack Robinson.

Jean lived a full life as a wonderful mother, devoted wife and homemaker. Jean started her family in Clifton New Jersey and as they quickly outgrew the tiny cape moved on up to Wayne, New Jersey where she raised her 6 children with gusto. Kimberly Place was the perfect place to raise her children along with all the many wonderful families (The Borchards, The Minaricks, The Mc Goughs, The Giles, and The Dell’Ortos) on the block. The kids from the block are still close today and Jean would consider the kids her own. Wayne is where she and her husband worked in “townhall” for many years, meeting the most fantastic group of people while championing the town as the best place to raise a family!

Our Lady of the Valley in Wayne was her earliest social circle and place of worship. One of the first families involved in the beginning of OLV, she was a cheerleading coach, Girl Scout Leader, Carnival volunteer and involved in every aspect of the school which her children attended.

Jean was an avid skier, chaperoning the ski trips in town for many years. Never one to let grass grow under her feet, she took many recreation classes with Belly dancing being her finest! As an avid Jazzercise devotee, she kept in great shape. Jean shuttled her gorgeous children to NYC in the 60’s and 70’s introducing them to a life in the arts as child actors while also traveling as far as her car would let her, never afraid of the road in front of her. In fact, she drove from California to New Jersey with her daughter Lynn, stopping at many monumental sites along the way. Jean was a pioneer in being an independent woman instilling wanderlust and an indomitable, undefeatable spirit in her children.

Proud of her Irish heritage, she was an active member of the Women of Irish Heritage that championed charities and visits to the motherland which Jean got to visit, with her daughter Gail, in 2008.

She also loved her winter trips to California which allowed her and Jack to spend precious time with her West Coast children, Mary, Erin and J.R. and grandchildren Nicolette and Dominique. California is where she spent the final years of her life. She survived raising 5 daughters and 1 son, losing two daughters and a husband, which, in its own right, is a remarkable feat that will give her a one-way ticket to heaven!

She will be dearly missed and forever loved by her family that attributes their Irish stubbornness to their beloved matriarch.

In the end, Jean was surrounded by her daughters; Gail, Marybeth, Lynn, and her son J.R.

The services will be private taking place in California and New Jersey. (POSTED 3/2/23)

OLIVE STANGEL

Olive (Dolly) Stangel, 94, of San Diego, CA, passed away peacefully in her home on February 14, surrounded by family. Dolly was born in the Bronx on July 6, 1928 and grew up in the Catskill mountains in NY. There she met her future husband, Don, while they were in school. Dolly was a cheerleader and Don was a high school basketball star. They married on September 10, 1949 and began raising their family in Long Island. Don’s career as an FBI agent took them to Kansas City and Miami, Fl., before settling in Bowie MD. Don was the love of her life and they remained married for 40 years until Don’s death on August 20, 1989. While living in Bowie Dolly was a Girl Scout Leader, an active member of St. Pius X Catholic Church, a crafter, seamstress, party hostess, and loved to dance. She was the life of the party and had many life-long friends. Unlike many of her generation, she always seemed to embrace change and new technology, buying her first personal computer when they first come out. She held various jobs and served many years with the Prince George’s County Administrative Offices, where she retired in 1991. She was once honored to be named their Business Woman of the Year. Immediately after retiring, Dolly moved to San Diego to be closer to her children living in CA and HI.
In San Diego Dolly became an avid water aerobics participant, volunteer for infants born to drug-addicted women, and an active minister with St. Catherine Laboure Catholic Church.

Dolly and Don had four children: Rick (Cathy), Mike (Karen), Donna, and Jodi. She was devoted to her family and showed them unconditional love and she had the most infectious laugh! In addition to being a mother of four, she had eight grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and two great, great grandchildren. She also was a much-loved aunt to two nieces and three nephews.
In a blessing of a coincidence, her sister-in-law passed on the same day to join her husband and Don’s brother in heaven. All four together again for Valentine’s Day!

Dolly’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Dolly’s name to the Alzheimer's Association or to a charity of one’s own choice.

Services will be on February 25, 2023, at 11:00am at St. Catherine Laboure Catholic Church, 4124 Mount Abraham Ave., San Diego, 92111. Reception to follow. (POSTED 2/24/2023)

Ann Bell Gillies Merrill

December 10, 1931 - May 22, 2022

Ann will be missed by her family and friends. She lived her life with a loving exuberance. Ann would remind everyone to appreciate life's little pleasures. She called them ancient bliss: things like a fire on a cold night, a baby smiling in your arms, swimming on a hot day, and, of course, her diamonds, the sparkle of the moon on the surface of the sea.

Ann Merrill was a sailor and an activist and problem solver.

Ann lived in many places during her first 30 years: She was born in New York City and spent her first few years in Connecticut. By the time she was seven she lived in an artist’s loft in Los Angeles. By the time she was a teenager she lived in London. She came back to New York during the war. She met her husband of 25 years, Peter Merrill, at Berkeley and Peter and Ann and their family lived in El Paso, Kansas City and in and near Pittsburg before moving to San Diego in 1962.

Ann lived for sixty year in San Diego. Thirty-three of those years were on sailboats. After Ann and Peter’s divorce in 1977, Ann moved onto a 40 foot sloop named Fair Lady with her youngest son Allen. In Ann’s last days, Allen told her that he would always proudly tell people that he was raised on a wooden boat. In 1990 Ann sailed to Mexico and spent 4 years cruising around the Sea of Cortez. In 1995 Ann scrapped the Fair Lady in Mazatlan and bought 24 foot Thunderbird sloop called Adroit. In 2000 Ann commission a wood thunderbird, Makala’s Joy, built in Makala Boat Works of Fort Bragg California.

While sailing down the coast of Mexico, Ann’s boat was known as the boat with the women who row. She still loved rowing out to her boat, moored at the Embarcadero, until her last days on the boat when she was 78 years old.

Ann will be remembered for more than being a sailor. We remember many of Ann’s causes and projects.
Ann would quote "head, heart, hand, service.” Ann took her girl scout troop to ask city council to save the roller coaster. She took her cub scout den to the channel 8 TV studio to be on afternoon variety show. Ann had an uncanny ability to get people to volunteer, as seen when she organized dinner-dance fundraisers for the Unitarian church.

Ann took on political causes. She participated in the social justice activism of the early 1960’s. She was ready to fight for local candidates and local issues as well as campaigning for McGovern and Obama. She was active in stopping billboards from being everywhere and for the 30 foot height limitation near the beach. She lobbied the Port Authority for water faucets near dinghy docks. Ann often promoted the underdog candidate so her losses did outnumber wins, but she came to the table and made sure her candidates’ platforms were heard. She did have some regrets about the unintended results of her her activism. For example the unintended consequences of zoning that required parking spaces for all units was that it takes away so much garden space.

Ann worked with Canavan realty and learned the art of managing apartments. She helped many people buy property in and around the beach area.

While managing her victorian apartment building on 21st street, Ann operated a toy library. When she was on site doing maintenance she would open the toy library in the yard. Neighborhood children would then return previously borrowed toys and “check out” new toys.

Ann valued creativity and supported artists and musicians. Ann also helped her children and grandchildren design and create halloween costumes, such as an astronaut, a tree, Snoopy, and a bat that could hang upside down from the monkey bars to “sleep.”

Ann leaves behind the many friends she loved in her life as well as five children (Allen Merrill, Claire Merrill, William (Bill) Merrill and his wife Cuca, Stephen Merrill, and Laura Merrill and her husband Dan Bullock), five grandchildren (Jake Merrill and his wife Sarah and mother Christine Canfield, Pamela Merrill, Amber Merrill, Ian Bullock and his wife Fang Ren, and Evan Bullock Mitchell and his wife Betsey Mitchell) and one great grandchild, Arra Fang Bullock.

Ann’s memorial gathering will be at the north end of Crown Point Park at 10 a.m. on September 24th. (Rain date 9/25/2022.)

The closest parking lot is to the north of the corner of Corona Oriente Road and Moorland Drive at approximately 3650 Corona Oriente road. (posted 09/13/2022)

JAMES ROBINSON

James “Jim” Robinson of Chula Vista, California, passed away on Thursday, June 30, 2022, he was 60 years old. Jim was a loving father and husband, and a friend to many. Jim was born in Blytheville, Arkansas and grew up in Winter Park, Florida, was a proud graduate of Lake Howell High School, and enjoyed sports as a football player both there and at West Virginia State University. Jim continued his interest in sports as an active participant with both Iron Horse Rugby in Orlando and the Old Mission Beach Athletic Club (OMBAC) Rugby and clubs in San Diego where he relocated 26 years ago. Jim was a recently retired employee of Airgas (Air Liquide) with more than 30 years’ experience as a welding supply, shipyard and sales specialist. Jim was an active member of both the American Legion and local Elks Club. Jim was preceded in death by his wife Suzanne Repaire Harris, his parents Georgia Lee and (James) Wesley Robinson and his sister Freda Lee Spurgeon, of Bernie, Missouri and Winter Park, Florida. Jim is survived by his daughter Rebecca Leslie Robinson and her mother Alexandra Hurwitz Robinson of San Diego, California. He will be greatly missed. (posted 07/12/2022)

Cheryl Ann Lisbon

Cheryl Ann Lisbon, born March 6, 1957 in Provincetown, MA passed away on April 20, 2022 in San Diego, CA where she lived for the past 23 years. Cheryl loved music, travel and making memories with those she loved. She graduated from Provincetown High School in 1975 and Bryant College in 1977. Cheryl was dedicated to her work in the insurance industry first with Benson Young & Downs of Provincetown, MA and then New York Life of San Diego, CA. Cheryl welcomed everyone into her home and her heart. She loved hosting, decorating for Christmas and sharing a good meal with great company. Cheryl is preceded in death by her father Lawrence Cabral and late husband Bobby Lisbon. She is survived by her mother Shirley Cabral, sisters Karen Sanders and Linda Cabral, niece Lauren Sanders and her life partner Steven Vogel, his children Heather and Alan Vogel, and their beloved cat Smokey. Cheryl will lay to rest in her hometown of Provincetown, MA however services will be held locally, Saturday May 7th, 2022 11am at Community Church of Poway with a celebration of life at the family home to follow. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Alzheimer's Association in honor of Cheryl, Alzheimer's Association | Donate to Fight Alzheimer's Disease. Her laugh and her smile will be missed by all. (posted 04/27/2022)

Jared Daniel Turner

Jared Daniel Turner, 34 of Lakeside, CA Unexpectedly passed away Monday February 7, 2022. He was born September 30, 1987 in San Diego, CA to Charles and Clarecea (Pepper) Turner.

He recently worked at TUI as a Truck and Equipment Mechanic, Previous to that he worked at Diamond Striping Services, L&S Parking Lot Striper, Laborer at Native Construction, Little  Caesars Pizza and Stockperson at 7-11 in Lakeside.

He loved working on his Car and off-roading in his Jeep. He enjoyed BBQing TriTip and was obsessed with Kraft Mac and Cheese. He Loved going to the Park with his kids, and spending time with his Family and Friends.

He is preceded in death by his Grandparents, Lyle and Clara Turner

He is Survived by his parents; his fur baby Ryder, his Grandparents, Wilbur and Betty Eiler of Indiana; his 3 children, Aiden, Keelia and Keeva; his brother Will (Kayla) Turner, his nieces Amayah and Sarah and nephew Lucas; Along with Many Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and Friends.

I Could Not Stay Another Day
To Love, To Laugh, To Work or Play
Tasks Left Undone Must Stay That Way
And If My Parting Has Left A Void
Then Fill It With Remembered Joy!

James Gilderoy Tucker

James Gilderoy Tucker Born March 31, 1959 in Dallas, passed away February 5, 2022 in Del Mar, CA where he lived for the past 35 years. Jim grew up loving sports and excelling as a junior tennis player. He graduated from Highland Park High School in 1977 and University of Texas at Austin in 1981. While at UT Jim was a member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity. Jim worked in the banking and oil and gas industries early in his career and retired from government service in 2020. Jim never met a stranger. He loved meeting and talking to anyone and everyone. Everyone was as he would say “his friend” even if they had only met that day. Jim is preceded in death by his father Gil Tucker, niece Elizabeth Tucker and his beloved dog Willie. He is survived by his wife Maria, his mother Ann Low, his aunt Gail Glaspy, his brothers Robert (Barri) and David (Nora), his sister Sally (Chuck Banta) and numerous nieces and nephews. Services and a celebration of life are pending. Arrangements by Trinity Funeral Services, Del Mar, CA. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Torrey Pines Nature Reserve where a memorial in Jim’s name has been established. https://www.torreypines.org/donate/jamestucker/ (posted 02/16/2022)

Suzanne Harris

Suzanne (Repaire) Harris passed away on January 21, 2022 in Chula Vista, California at the age of 60. Suzanne was a beautiful wife, mother and daughter. Her family will host a celebration of life in early Summer 2022. (posted 02/01/2022)

elise mcewen

Elise McEwen 60, of Oceanside California, passed away on December 15,2021 after a short battle with cancer. She was surrounded by family and friends who will honor her legacy by living their lives to the fullest.

Born in New York on April 16,1961 to parents Joan and Red Halwein, Elise was one of four sisters, one of whom was her identical twin, Debra.

At 20, she and her twin, Debra, set off on a bold adventure, moving from Brooklyn NY to the West Coast to enjoy the California way of life. As a self-proclaimed “Beach Girl” Elise could be found, most days, walking or basking outdoors in the winter, summer, rain, or shine. She also loved being on the hiking trails, practicing yoga, crafting, and spending time with her many friends.

A student of life and education, Elise earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Cal State San Marcos in 2000, majoring in Teacher Education and minoring in Spanish. She then went on to earn her Teaching Credential for multi-disciplinary subjects and became an educator. Her most recent position was with Pacific Coast Academy, where she provided education to children between K and 12th grade. Elise was passionate about and dedicated to ensuring each student and their family had optimum opportunities for achieving their greatest success.

Elise is predeceased by her parents, Joan and Red Halwein. Elise is survived by her sons, Cheyne and Jesse McEwen, sisters, Debra Schubert (Dean), Fredda Musoff (Roy), Gail Stepansky (Ruby), Tav McEwen, father of her children, nieces, and nephews: Meira Scheiner, Tehilla Steiner, Ben Stepansky, Sophia Stepansky, Mandi Musoff Bracho, Ashely Musoff Miller, Lindsey Musoff and many great nieces and nephews, friends, and colleagues. Elise will be missed dearly.

Special thank you to those, near and far, who supported and cared for Elise during this difficult time. Anne Devereux, Linda Bodiker, Janet Shepherd, Lori Colt, Sherri Starr McCusker, Mia Arellano, Erica Margarita Bryant, Theresa Weber and Heidi Borsch.

Contributions in memory of Elise can be made to the Elise McEwen Memorial Fund https://bewelltherapy.net/product/elise-mcewen-memorial-fund/ sponsored by Be Well Therapy. (posted 01/03/2022)