LAFOND, ANN HOLIG
February 28, 2011
Ann Holig LaFond, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, foster mother and mentor, passed away peacefully on February 25th, 2011. Ann was born in Swanville, Minnesota and was the second of three children of Joseph and Marjorie Holig. She graduated from Swanville High School and St. Cloud School of Nursing, and shortly thereafter married and raised five children in Phoenix, Arizona. She dedicated the last twenty years to fostering over sixty special-needs babies through Christian Family Care. Ann will be remembered for devoting her life to caring for all those who crossed her path. She was loved as “Nana” by the many children in her care and cherished for her selfless service by her friends. Ann is survived by her five children, Michael (Misha), Michelle, Thomas (Monica), Stephen and Daniel (Tanya), ten grandchildren, brother Robert (Sandy), sister Mary (Jim), and niece and nephews. She is preceded in death by her mother and father and her nephew Josh. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley at 1510 East Flower Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014 or Christian Family Care at 603 North 7th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85013.
KELLY, SUZANNE VIRGINIA nee WHITE
February 25, 2011
beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and colleague, passed away on February 24, 2011. Born in Boston, MA, Suzanne was the third of four children of Paul White and Margaret (Sheehan) White. She grew up in Cambridge and graduated with highest distinction from Emmanuel College in Boston. After graduation, she taught elementary school. She met Peter Kelly, the love of her life, in the spring of 1961 at a party and they married on the Fourth of July, 1964. In 1965, Suzanne and Peter moved to Buffalo, NY for Peter’s medical training. In 1965, Peter II was born on Suzanne’s birthday, July 17. On the same date one year later Andrew was born, creating a crowded but very efficient birthday celebration for the family in the years to come. By 1970, Mara and Sarah had joined the family and Suzanne was raising four children under the age of five. In 1972, Peter and Suzanne moved to Phoenix. She met the challenge of a new city with no nearby family or friends with determination and humor. In 1975 Suzanne enrolled at Phoenix College to pursue her interests in math and science. Three years later, she earned a Master’s in Microbiology from Arizona State University (ASU). After, she did research for the Centers for Disease Control Hepatitis Laboratory, work she loved. When the CDC laboratory closed, Suzanne taught Microbiology and Environmental Science at Scottsdale Community College. For twenty years, she was a respected professor, heading up both the Biology Department and later, the Math and Science Division. In 1995 she received her PhD in Microbiology from ASU. She never grew tired of science, and learning was a lifelong value. Over the years, Suzanne built her network of friends until Phoenix became home in both place and spirit, and cold winters became unimaginable. Weekends were filled with kid activities, dinner parties and time with her girlfriends; Thanksgivings were spent on the Verde River; summer vacations in San Diego. She juggled a career and a houseful of children with an efficiency and zeal that was awe-inspiring to her now grown children and matched only by her love of chocolate. And, of course, there was her husband and best friend, Peter. Whether reading the morning paper, traveling or discussing daily events, Suzanne loved to be with Peter.
Suzanne was a truly exceptional person: deeply intelligent, loyal, driven, generous, hard working, fun, opinionated, and full of love. She lived life to the fullest and will be missed terribly by her family and friends. She is survived by her husband Peter; sons Peter and Andrew (Stacey); daughters Mara and Sarah; and grandchildren, Colleen, Bridget and Tara; sisters, Alice White and Mary White. She was pre deceased by her brother Joseph White. A Visitation will be held at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix Sunday, February 27th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with readings at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass at St Francis Xavier Church will celebrated on Monday, February 28th at 1:30 p.m. immediately followed by a reception at the Phoenix Country Club, 2901 North 7th Street, Phoenix. The burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the name of Suzanne Kelly to the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation at 2419 W. 14th Street, Tempe, AZ 85281.
CLARK, SALLY G. CELIA
February 23, 2011
83, of Phoenix, AZ. Died February 21, 2011. She was born in Phoenix, AZ October 31, 1927 and is survived by Ernie Balderrama (Lucy), Roberta Durazo (Freddie), Robert Balderrama (Gloria), Norman Balderrama (Norma), Magdelena Mendez (Robert) and David Morales, 25 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren, 16 great, great-grandchildren, sisters Emma Tabanico, Eva Nunez, 1 brother Ned Godinez. A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00am, Tuesday, March 1, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 909 South First Avenue, Phoenix.
GODOY, MARTHA V
February 23, 2011
81, was called to her heavenly home on February 23, 2011. A loving mother to Gene, Becky, Ana, grandmother to Gabriel, Anthony, Andrea, Adam, Darren, sister and daughter and mother-in-law to Armida, Ramona, Rachel, Mario, Joanne, Gary, David. She will be our guardian angel who will always be loved and will remain in our hearts forever. A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00am, Saturday, March 5th, 2011 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 1954 N. 24th Street, Phoenix.
ADELMANN, ALEXANDRA “ALI” ELIZABETH
February 23, 2011
April 17, 1989-February 20, 2011. Beloved daughter, sister and dear friend, Alexandra “Ali” Elizabeth Adelmann, 21, of Phoenix, Arizona transitioned to her heavenly home surrounded by family and friends on Feb. 20, 2011. Her passing followed a courageous seventeen-month struggle with a severe traumatic brain injury, the outcome of a car accident while driving home from the University of Arizona, where she was a business student. Loved by all, she will forever be remembered for her sweet soul, her unwavering loyalty to her many friends, and her deep devotion to her family. A peacemaker from the day she was born, Ali never failed to find the true beauty in every person and every thing. What takes many people a long lifetime to learn about grace and goodness, Ali came to know in just 21 years. Her father Terry, mother Geri, sisters Cara and Katie, brother Jon, brother Pete Vlastelica, his wife Hilary, and all other family members and friends look forward to lives endlessly inspired by the beautiful spirit of their sweet Ali. A Rosary Devotional will be held on Friday, Feb. 25, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. at Brophy Chapel, 4701 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona, followed by gathering and sharing from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 26, 2011 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 3801 North Miller Rd., Scottsdale, Arizona. Burial is at St. Francis Cemetery. A light lunch reception will follow at Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Arrangements are entrusted to Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, Ali’s family suggests that donations be made to Hospice of the Valley or Circle the City Foundation of Arizona. Where there’s love, there’s life.
BISHOP, JOHN IRVIN
February 21, 2011
John I. Bishop, 68, passed away on February 17, 2011. He enjoyed spending time on the golf course and heading out to Concho Valley to get out of the heat. He enjoyed traveling to Hawaii. He was an active member of the Hawaiian Club and the Hawaiian Golf Club of Arizona, American Legion and AZ American Italian Club.
John worked 30 years in the HVAC trade to include owner of Phoenix Sheet Metal and AC Supply Inc.
John is survived by his wife Katherine; his two sons and daughter-in-laws, Fred and Annette Bishop; Frank and Cecilia Bishop; daughter Margret Haliimaile (Deceased). He is also survived by 8 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren; sisters LaVonne Millien, Linda Anderson, Peggy Felten, step-sister Lois Ellis; brothers William Bishop and Larry Bishop along with several nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, February 25, 2011 at 10:30 a.m., at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 2312 E. Campbell Ave, Phoenix. Military Honors will follow at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix at 1:30 P.M.
The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014
COTA, CARMEN G
February 18, 2011
86 passed away on February 14th, 2011. She was born January 4th, 1925 in Hayden, AZ. She is preceded in death by her loving husband Antonio A. Cota and survived by siblings , Ricky Garcia, Jennie Pacheco, Rudy Garcia and Patsy Rios, her daughter Gloria Hughes and her son-in-law Burton Hughes, her son Antonio “Gordo” H. Cota Jr., three grandchildren Alisa, Teresa, and Luciano. Carmen was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She worked for Phoenix School District. She loved to read, especially the morning paper. Our family is deeply saddened by her passing but is happy that she is now home with her lord and Savior and loving husband of 53 years who saw it fit to bring her home on Valentines Day. Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00pm, with a Rosary at 7:00pm Monday the 21st at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road. Funeral Service will be held Tuesday the 22nd at 11am at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 909 E. Washington Street. Interment will follow immediately at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery.
ESQUER, CARLOS R.
February 17, 2011
91, passed away on February 16, 2011 of congestive heart failure. Born in Phoenix, Arizona on September 14, 1919. He was enrolled in the Civilian Conservation Corps from October 12, 1937 to March 31, 1940. He served in the U. S. Army during World War II from January 7, 1941 to June 13, 1945 when he was Honorably discharged. He was stationed in Panama City, Panama, New Guinea, New Zealand and Australia. He was a Bushmaster with the 158th Regimental Combat Unit, Company F. He is survived by his wife, Esther, son, Carlos, daughters, Terry (Dennis) Worel, Alma and Vivian. Granddaughters, Danielle Worel, Veronica Worel and Alejandra Vega. Visitation is scheduled from 6:00-8:00pm, Tuesday, February 22, 2011 at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. Memorial Mass will be at 10:00am, Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 909 South First Avenue, Phoenix. Interment will follow at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 2033 N. 48th Street, Phoenix.
NELSON, Ervin Edward, Jr
February 17, 2011
Age 95, died peacefully in his home, surrounded by his family, on February 12, 2011. He was an aircraft mechanic in WWII, and worked for the Corps of Army Engineers. He met, and married the love of his life for 59 years, Elizabeth Turnage, in a small town in Mississippi. After earning a degree in Civil Engineering from Ole Miss, he and Elizabeth moved to Phoenix in 1950. Eddie worked for the City of Phoenix and the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Sacaton, Arizona. Always involved in civic and philanthropic organizations, he felt it was important to help others and give back to his community. He belonged to the Civitan Club, the Don’s Club, El Zaribah Shriner’s Greeter Unit, The Nomads, AARP and NARFE. He was very proud to be a charter member of Paradise Valley United Methodist Church. Eddie is preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth and survived by his daughter Frances Lax-Carry (Mike), granddaughter Erin Lax-Robinson, and grandson Michael Lax, (fiancée Camber Johnson). He was blessed with many wonderful friends and we all will miss the warm, caring, humorous, fun father/grandfather/friend. Services will be held at 10:00am, Saturday, February 26, 2011 at Paradise Valley United Methodist Church, 4455 E. Lincoln Drive. The family suggests contributions to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014.
TAYLOR, PAUL L
February 17, 2011
Passed away on February 17, 2011 in Phoenix, AZ. A resident for 32 years, formerly from the Cleveland Ohio area. Preceded in death by his father Herbert C. Taylor. Survivors include his wife Catherine, daughters Katherine L. Roth, Laurie R. Sherwood (Jim). Also survived by his mother Irene L. Taylor, sister Sharlene Jayjock and brother David Taylor. Paul served in the Army in Vietnam. Paul was a loving and giving person who loved his Cleveland sports. He will be truly missed by his family and friends. Visitation will be held from 4-6pm, Sunday, February 20 at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road. Memorial donations to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014.