The Memorial Wall

Marilyn Visel Blue, 77, of Palm Desert, CA passed on Saturday, January 12, 2008 at Eisenhower Memorial Hospital.

She was born August 8, 1930, to Walter and Marie Metz in Los Angeles, CA. Well known for her beauty, social graces, innovative entrepreneurial businesses and charitable involvements, Marilyn Visel Blue was a much beloved personality in the desert for over 40 years. She died surrounded by her loving family and many friends.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Jerry Blue; daughter, Stacey Peterson and Stacey's four children; son, Scott Norton and his wife Laura.

KARCHER, CARL NICHOLAS More Than a Star Carl Nicholas Karcher was the very definition of a man of the people. Perhaps it might be better to say that he was a man for the people. Once you met him, you would always remember him, and he would remember you. He would greet you with that strong voice of his, large sincere handshake, and expansive countenance that seemed to enclose you with him in a private conversation. "How are you?" was his calling card. He always looked right at you, never intimidating but evoking a warmth that seemed to come from some inner reservoir of good will. It bespoke his true character: "How are you?" is what he said. For meeting Carl Karcher was not so much about him as it was about you. And you remembered. He had a remarkable memory for recalling names and could usually recite the exact date of a previous encounter with almost anyone he ever met. Of course, you would also walk away with a personally signed card entitling you to a free Carl's Jr. Famous Star Hamburger that was placed inside a card that expressed his personal philosophy, his gratitude, and a favorite family prayer: the Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi. He never left home without those cards that he loved to pass out, and many people kept them as a memento and never redeemed them for a meal. For many, the experience of meeting Carl Karcher might have happened at a community event, perhaps at a business lunch or a charity event. Over the years it seemed that he could be seen at most of the big Orange County and Southern California events, especially those dedicated to charity. This was the man the public saw, and it was certainly part of who he was. But the true measure of the man is what he did for others when he was away from the public eye. Carl lived first and foremost in the certitude of Family. It was within his family that he anchored his true self, and he cannot properly be understood apart from this fact. Friends, relatives and anyone who visited the Karcher home were thrown right into the family mix and felt very comfortable. Carl was smart and quick. He enjoyed conversations, telling stories, and being a "ham" with plenty of jokes and pranks with a good sense of humor. He also played a mean game of Ping Pong and loved card games. One card game called Casini was played with the children and grandchildren. It was part of the Ohio legacy and he enjoyed playing it for hours at family gatherings. Born on January 16, 1917, in the north of Ohio, Carl Karcher hailed from the pure farm country of America's heartland, and the seeds of that land were always in his soul. From his birthplace he took the deep, sincere values of the traditional American hearthstone: honesty in dealing with others, perseverance, hard work and the stable framework of the nuclear family. And he had faith -- a deep, abiding, penetrating faith in a God who directed and guided him through the teachings of Jesus Christ in the Catholic Church, the type of faith that has fallen out of favor for many, but was, for him, always his bedrock, his core. When he finally came to California to stay, it was for the person whom he would love with all his heart and for the rest of his life, Margaret Magdalen Heinz. It was in her that the values of his young life were to be realized. It was in Margaret that he truly found himself and was able to achieve his vast potential. It was with Margaret that he raised twelve children and immersed himself in their upbringing. Family was, literally, his life. He deeply respected the most important woman in his life, his beloved wife of 66 years whom he lost to cancer in June 2006 and missed every day of his remaining life. Margaret was not only his partner in family life, but in business as well. She operated his first hotdog carts when Carl was in the service during WWII and served on the Board of Directors when Carl Karcher Enterprises became a world-class corporation. She was a stay-at-home mom and the center of support for Carl and their children. If you wanted to see Carl on any given day, you had to rise early. You would find him at Saint Boniface Catholic Church in Anaheim attending Mass every day at six thirty in the morning. That was usually after two hours of personal work at home in the wee morning hours. He would go to the office only after time in prayer in the church. It was the same parish church at which he met Margaret, married her, and brought their children every Sunday for Mass. When Carl returned home at the end of the day, never missing family dinner, it was to the same home in Anaheim that he and Margaret purchased in 1949 when they had five children. Seven more would follow in that same home. Each night after dinner, the entire family would spend half an hour in family prayer around the dinner table. In the last few years of his life, living with Parkinson's disease, Carl experienced a diminished ability to speak clearly. This made him a bit quieter in the public eye. At home, however, he continued to be a communicator, even when he could not get the words out easily. Every grandchild knew that three knocks on the table meant "I Love You," and then he would wrap his large hands around their little ones to complete the message. Such love ennobled his life and ours. Carl Nicholas Karcher was not a great man because he had success in business; rather he had success in business because he was a great man. Carl passed away last Friday evening January 11, 2008, five days before his ninety-first birthday, surrounded by his children and grandchildren. He is survived by eleven of his twelve children: Anne Wiles, Patricia LaGraffe, Margaret LeVecke, Carl Leo Karcher, Kadie Karcher, Father Jerome Karcher, Janelle Karcher, Rosemary Miller, Barbara Wall, Joseph Karcher and Mary Miller. His daughter, Carleen Karcher, preceded him in death in 1993. He is also survived by forty-eight of his fifty-one grandchildren, forty five great-grandchildren and four brothers, Albert, Leo, Bernard and Frank. Visitation is Thursday, January 17 at Hilgenfeld Mortuary in Anaheim from 12:00 Noon to 2:00 p.m. A Vigil and Rosary Service will be held on January 17 at 7:00 p.m., followed by a Funeral Mass on Friday, January 18 at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Boniface Catholic Church in Anaheim. Burial will be January 19 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Orange. A Memorial Mass will also be celebrated on Monday, January 21 at 7:00 p.m. at Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Huntington Beach.

Mary T. Delgado, 82, founder of Las Casuelas restaurants, passed away peacefully December 14, 2007 at her home in Palm Springs surrounded by family and loved ones. With her husband Florencio, they moved from Colton to open the original Las Casuelas in 1958. During her years at Las Casuelas, Mary hosted and enchanted celebrities, vacationers and locals alike. It would not have been a surprise to see luminaries such as President Dwight Eisenhower, Sidney Sheldon, and Ray Bradbury stop in the original Las Casuelas to enjoy her hospitality. She has been recognized for her entrepreneurship and business acumen as Business Woman of the Year and with the Athena Award. Her star on the Walk of Fame in downtown Palm Springs recognizes her contribution to the city and is located in front of Las Casuelas Terraza. She is preceded in death by husband, Florencio and daughter Armida. Her children Patricia, Florence, Joaquin and Robert carry on her legacy as restaurateurs. In 1972 Mary and Florencio introduced Las Casuelas Nuevas to restaurant row in Rancho Mirage followed by Las Casuelas Terraza in 1979, with daughter Patricia. Son Joaquin and his wife Sharon now own and operate Las Casuelas Nuevas and are partners at the Casuelas Cafe and Corktree Restaurant, both in Palm Desert. Son Robert and his wife Lisa own and operate Las Casuelas Quinta in La Quinta. Daughter Florence now owns and operates the original Las Casuelas. She leaves behind her four children; nine grandchildren, Shannon, Patrick, Darrin, Alana, Crystal, Andres, Nicolas, Raquel and Robert Jr.; and three great grandchildren, Connor, Cortney and Cassidy. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to: VNA Hospice of Inland Counties, 42-600 Cook Street, Suite 202, Palm Desert, CA 92211, 760-346-3982 or: Parkinson's Resource Organization, 74-090 El Paseo, Suite 102, Palm Desert, CA 92211, 760-773-5628

Passed away on November 12th, 2007 at his home in Thousand Oaks with his family at his side. Charles “Chris” Bredall was born on March 3rd, 1919 in Overland, MO. He is survived by his loving wife, Gladys “Eve” Bredall, daughter Donna, sons Rick and Bill, grandchildren Janae, Kiera, Brianne, Kevin, Sarah, Mark Alan and Johnny and great-grandchildren Jordan and Justin.

Chris was a wonderful, loving, reliable father and husband. Deeply devoted to his wife, Eve, they were happily married for sixty-five years. Constantly one another’s companion, they hosted many parties in their warm and well-decorated home. They freely shared their love, humor and life stories, educating us all in the importance of friends and family.

Chris had remarkable drive, ambition and optimism. He was a self-taught pianist and builder, and a brilliant engineer.

Chris started his Engineering career during World War II at the U.S. Naval Research Lab. He spent a short time in the Navy working at the rank of Chief Perry Officer. In 1950, he earned a bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Maryland and graduated with Tau Beta Phi and Phi Kappa Phi honors. Armed with his college degree, Chris pursued his passion of Electrical Engineering by working for well known companies such as RCA, Packard Bell and IBM. In 1961, Chris began his employment with the Aerospace Corporation where he continued for over 25 years.

Funeral Services will be held at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church, 5801 Kanan Road, Westlake Village with a private burial service the following day.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Parkinsons Resource Organization may be made in his name www.ParkinsonsResource.org

Ana L. Schifano Beloved wife, mother and grandmother passed away peacefully on October 9, 2007, after a long battle with Parkinson disease. 

Ana was born in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico on June 14, 1930. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Joseph; sons, Isadore (Lisa) and Joseph M. (Pam) and four very special grandchildren, Anthony and Adam, Stephanie, and Alyssa. Sister Eva Urruita, Monterey NL, Mexico and brother, Fr. Luis Alonso Saldamando, Nogales, Sonora, Mexico and many nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews. 

Ana brought sunshine into all the lives she touched, and she will be deeply missed by all who loved her. 

A very special thanks go out to all the staff and caregivers from Carondelet Hospice, Frances Care Home and Assisted Living and Dependable Health Services; all had provided outstanding love and care during those difficult months. 

Footprints:

One night I had a dream - -

I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord

And across the sky flashed scenes from my life.

For each scene I noticed two sets of footprints,

One belonged to me, the other to the Lord.

When the last scene of my life flashed before me,

I looked back at the footprints in the sand.

I noticed that many times along the path of my life,

There was only one set of footprints.

I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest

And saddest time in my life.

This really bothered me, and I questioned the Lord about it.

“Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you,

You would walk with me all the way,

But I noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life

There is only one set of footprints.

“I don’t understand why in times when I needed you most,

You should leave me.”

The Lord replied, “My precious, precious child,

I love you and I would never, never leave you

during your times of trial and suffering.

“When you saw only one set of footprints,

It was then that I carried you.”

… Mary Stevenson

COHN, M.D., ALAN F. Dr. Alan F. Cohn passed away peacefully at home on September 5, 2007 at the age of 75 with his wife, Bonnie, at his side. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Louise Huff McClure, M.D.; and brother, Bertram Cohn, M.D. Born in Brooklyn, NY, he graduated from Boys' High, Columbia University and the Universite de Geneve Medical School in Switzerland. Interning at Cedars Sinai Hospital, he completed a residency in internal medicine at Harbor General Hospital. At age 55, he completed a fellowship in cardiology at St. Mary's Hospital in Long Beach, CA. Beloved and appreciated by his many patients, Dr. Cohn practiced internal medicine and cardiology in the South Bay for over 40 years and was active on the medical staff at Torrance Memorial Hospital and Little Company of Mary Hospital. A long-time resident of Hermosa Beach, CA, he loved sailing in the Caribbean and New England as well as to Catalina Island. He was well known for his dry sense of humor and wide grin, and after retirement was a familiar sight walking on The Strand. Family and friends were central to his life. His robust health and energy were seriously compromised during the last seven years of his life due to Parkinsons' disease. Dr. Cohn is survived by his loving wife, Bonnie Mercer Cohn; a brother, David Cohn, of Santa Fe, New Mexico; his daughter, Deborah Cohn Hoshide, of Capt. Cook, Hawaii; and his eldest son, Aaron Cohn, M.D., of Harlingen, Texas. He took great pleasure visiting his second son, Joel Cohn, M.D., and daughter-in-law, Karen, of Okemos, Michigan; and Nicholas, Emily and Rachel, his treasured grandchildren. A private cremation and celebration of his life are planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Parkinson's Resource Organization, 74090 El Paseo, Suite, 102, Palm Desert, CA 92260 (www.parkinsonsresource.org) Please go to the mortuary's website, www.LAfuneral.com to send the family a message or to share a memory. Rice Mortuary Torrance, CA 310-792-7599

Barbara’s long journey with Parkinson’s came to an end on August 12th, 2007. Many people in the PRO world came to know and love her as a supportive, thoughtful, caring ear and voice for those suffering with Parkinson’s. Her postings on the Internet can be followed as far back as 1995 and back to the BBS days before the takeoff of the Internet. Her regularly scheduled dinners and volunteer work at the Encino Hospital, in support of this disease, gave hope and a sense of normalcy for those living with Parkinson’s. Through her involvement, she could see her future and met it with dignity and humor.

Supporting people with Parkinson’s was a big part of life from her mid 40’s, but before that she was known for being the creative and talented mother to daughters, Sandra and Jamie, and loving sister to Margie. She was an amazing artist, landscape designer, avid book reader, and cat lover.

Our prayers go out to her and that she is finally at peace. Her four-year-old grandson, Ryan, hopes she enjoys heaven and gets to see G-D.

A memorial will be planned in the near future. To be contacted, please send an Email to memoryofbarbaramallut@yahoo.com.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to www.parkinsonsresource.org to the Barbara Mallut Memorial Fund.

Loving husband, father, and grandfather, died May 21, 2007 at age 86. Predeceased by son Gary and daughter Jill. Irving is survived by his wife Janet, son Mark, daughter-in-law Debra, and grandson, Sam. Irv and Jan shared a happy marriage for over 64 years.

Irv will be remembered by his family and many friends for his openness to new ideas, dry sense of humor, and bravery in coping with Parkinson’s disease. His lifelong passion for business and ethics helped build the Century Plastics partnership into the success it is today. Most of all, Irv will be remembered for his steadfast generosity of spirit, thoughtfulness, and consideration toward everyone he met throughout his life.

Funeral services were held Friday , May 25, 2007. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes contributions be made to: Parkinsons Resource Organization: www.ParkinsonsResource.org

Howard Goodwin, 80, of Rancho Mirage, CA passed away on May 2, 2007 in Rancho Mirage, CA of advanced Parkinson’s Disease. He was born on July 30, 1926 to Ernest Heckel Goodwin and Francis Murphy in Boligie, AL. He married Elyse Del Francia on July 6, 2003 in Treasure Island, FL. Howard was part of the founding business men who developed the tour & travel industry to Las Vegas from the early 60’s to his retirement in 2002.He was a member of the Hotel Sales & Marketing Association Skal, the Las Vegas Country Club and most recently the Palm Springs Downtown Merchants Association. He served in the Navy from 1943-1947 as a Flagman in WWII.

Howard is survived by his wife, Elyse Del Francia-Goodwin of Rancho Mirage, CA; daughters, Nowell Burne of Whitefish, MT and Holly Goodwin of Moreno Valley, CA; and 5 grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 30, 2007 at Copy Katz Showroom in Palm Springs, CA. Inurnment will be at 1:00 p.m. on May 31, 2007 at Hollywood Cemetery, Hot Springs, AR. Arrangements are being handled by Hollywood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to The Howard Goodwin Memorial Fund at The Parkinson’s Resource Organization:
www.ParkinsonsResource.org

Alan Rosen, FAIA prided himself in his personal involvement in many architectural projects, including the renowned Hollywood Bowl, Reunion Tower (Dallas, TX), the Fluor Project (Irvine CA), Tripler Hospital, (Oahu, HI), Terminal One (LAX), Security Pacific National Bank Buildings (CA) and Bullock’s Department Stores.

Alan Rosen was born to Saul and Mae Campbell Rosen, July 13, 1925 in Chicago, Ill. In 1947, after his WWII European tour of duty, he married his childhood sweetheart, Mildred Weinstein, the mother of his three children, who died April, 1976. In 1947 Mr. Rosen joined the architectural firm of Welton Becket, becoming a licensed architect in 1956 and a Fellow in the American Institute of Architecture in 1984. He retired as Director of the Los Angeles office in 1989. He died from advanced Parkinson’s disease April 29, 2007.

Soon after his retirement in 1989, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. It says much about his character, that rather than give in to the disease as so many do, he instead became heavily involved in helping manage the effects of this devastating illness on caregivers and their families, the oft-forgotten victims. Along with his wife Jo and others, he was one of the founders of the 501(c)(3) charity of Parkinson’s Resource Organization. As an active participant in the first psycho-social organization in the Parkinson’s world, he was an Integral part of the organization that for 18 years has helped over 7,000 families affected by Parkinson’s.

And while his iconic architecture is an achievement to be proud of, it is his contributions to the lives of thousands of fellow sufferers of Parkinson’s that left the world a better and more caring place.

Today we remember him as the beloved husband, loving father, adoring grandfather and dear brother. Private burial services are being held at Mount Sinai Memorial Parks, Hollywood Hills. Memorial Services being arranged in Palm Desert, CA.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to the Alan Rosen Founders Memorial Fund at Parkinson’s Resource Organization, 74-090 El Paseo, Suite 102, Palm Desert, CA 92260 www.parkinsonsresource.org.