In memoriam: Funeral notices, July 19, 2020

In Loving Memory

AGUILAR, Lorraine Brichta

11/09/1932 - 07/18/2018

It's been two years, since you have passed. We all miss you dearly. You have joined Albert, your son, your sisters and brother. Not to mention your in-laws and other family members and friends. Please continue to bless and watch over each of us, especially your husband, Rudy! Rudy, Candy, Marie, Cecilia (Dave), Robert (Chris), Mark (Janine), Marcie, Tina (Fred), Scott (Marci), 21 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

BAKER, Sheila Ann Devine

1931 - 2020

Sheila Ann (Shan) passed away peacefully in the early morning of the pink supermoon, April 7, 2020 at 88 years of age. Sheila was a native Tucsonan, born at the Storks Nest to Leora Faye and Milford Edwin Devine on May 7, 1931. Five years later, she was joined by a younger sister, Janice. She graduated in the Class of 1948 from Tucson High School, and then pursued a degree in education at the University of Arizona as a Chi Omega sorority sister. It was during this time that she met the love of her life, Edwin Baker, through the First Christian Church choir and socials, taking his hand in marriage in 1951. Determined to complete her academic journey, Sheila graduated from the University of Arizona in 1953, with baby number two on the way. An avid reader and writer, and endowed with the gift of gab, Sheila forged into the future raising six children in the home on The Hill built by her husband Ed in 1965. In addition to partnering with Ed in his construction and porch swing business, she also had a successful career in real estate after most of the children were grown and on their way. She loved to travel and immersed herself in the diverse cultures and places around the world, starting with family trips to nearby Mexico, and then later in life far abroad to Europe, Costa Rica, Chile, Japan and more, forming affections for many peoples along the way. Sheila will be remembered for her warm and open heart, an endless love and dedication to her family, and living life at its fullest by listening, seeing, feeling, creating and sharing with grace and sincerity throughout her circle of life. Sheila is survived by her six children, David, Tom, Bonnie, Beverly, Brenda and Mitch; six grandchildren; four great grandchildren; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. Those wishing to honor Sheila's memory may make a donation to the First Christian Church Tucson or the charity of their choice. Following a private graveside service this summer, the family will host a Celebration of Life on Saturday September 26, 2020. Friends and acquaintances may contact a family member for details.

BURNS, James Bernard

a.k.a. Jaime, Honey, Jimbo, Gum Man, Dad & Tata…Passed away peacefully at home, Monday, July 13, 2020 in Tucson, AZ. Born in Denver, CO on May 26, 1932, Jim was raised in small town Highland, WI and graduated from Highland High School in 1950. At 19 years old, he contracted Tuberculosis and spent 18 months recovering in a sanitarium. Then asthma forced him to relocate to Tucson, AZ. There he entered the X-Ray training program at St. Mary's Hospital in 1954 and spent six years there. In 1957 Jim had the great fortune to meet his future wife, Carmen Consuelo Dominguez in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. Thus, beginning the 62-year romance with the love of his life, best friend, confidant and trusted business partner.In 1960, Jim joined the X-Ray department at Tucson General Hospital and became department supervisor. He retired from hospital work in 1973 to start a new career in real estate. He and Carmen spent many days painting and fixing up properties they would rent to college students. He and Carmen would go on to own and operate several businesses together: a second-hand store, furniture store, motel, rooming houses, single family home rentals, a restaurant franchise and lastly the Paddock Bar, in South Tucson for 14 years. Jim was a lifelong sports fan, always rooting for the Wildcats and his beloved Green Bay Packers. Together they raised 6 children and five grandchildren. Jim was a dear brother to Pat Burns, husband to Carmen, father to Jimmy, Denise, Kevin, Susie, Melissa, Bridgette and Tata to Carlos, Chris, Zander, Jackson and Lucy. He was greatly loved and respected, and leaves behind a lifetime of hard work, perseverance and dedication to family. His final wish was for his life to be celebrated in lieu of sorrow. "Hi'ya… Bye'ya… Hold fast, all I give you!".

In Loving Memory

CASEY, Sean Michael

20 September 1972 - 15 July 2000

20 years have passed but our remembrances of you have not diminished. We cherish the years we had with you and will never let you be forgotten.. Not a day goes by without you being in our thoughts, hearts and prayers. We love you Sean....Dad and the Family

COOPER, Louie (Luis) L.

Born September 17, 1942, joined his beloved wife and high school sweetheart, Rosalie; parents, Harry P. Cooper and Eva L. Cooper; and his brother, Richard Cooper in heaven with the Lord on July 12, 2020. Louie, a 1962 Pueblo graduate, was a University of Arizona alumni, played trumpet in The Pride of Arizona marching band and closely followed the Wildcat football team. Louie enjoyed treating the family to annual summer vacations, which preserved family memories that will continue to be cherished. Music was dear to his heart as well as many forms of creativity such as writing poems. Like Geppetto from his favorite movie, Pinocchio, Louie would often be found in his woodshop crafting gifts such as decorative bridges that adorn his family members' backyards and customizing toys for his grandchildren. Pinocchio was a large inspiration to his soul as well as anything else that brought out the pure of heart and childhood joy. Louie also had a talent for restoring vintage toy pedal vehicles. He was a devoted member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 1200 and served as a grand knight and recently earned his Fourth Degree, the highest degree of the order. TaTa, to many, will be forever missed. Louie and Rosalie's favorite 50's oldie but goodie love songs will bring fond memories to the hearts of their survivors, daughters, Judith Cooper-Wagoner and Elizabeth Venker, brother Alexander L. Cooper, sister Norma Santa-Cruz; three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was laid to rest at Holy Hope Cemetery after family mass at St. Ambrose Church. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel.

FLOREZ, Frank Mendoza

Frank Mendoza Florez, age 92, entered eternal peace on July 8, 2020 with his family by his side and is now reunited with his beloved wife, Mary Martinez Florez, his parents Juan and Paz, his brothers Carlos, Ramiro, Juan Bautista, and his sister, Leonor Martan. He is survived by his two sisters, Delia Buczek (Carl) & Olga Erickson, his six children, Jacque Florez-Ball (Todd), Frank (Cindy), Gene (Christine), David (Betty), Gail Ybarra (Albert) & Diane Dona (Jack), 15 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. A native Arizonan, Frank was born and raised in Hayden, AZ. His athletic skills, intelligence and determination served him well. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1946 to 1948. While on active duty, he earned his Golden Gloves by winning the heavyweight boxing title in 1948. He admired and respected all servicemen and took pride in being a veteran. After the Navy, he attended the University of Arizona College of Mines and graduated in 1954 with a B.S. degree in mining engineering. He was hired by Magma Copper Co. in Superior, AZ where he and his wife, Mary, raised their family. He earned the respect of his peers and worked his way up the ranks to General Manager. His imposing size and strong voice earned him the nickname "El Oso" (the bear). He retired after 40 years in the mining industry. He was well respected in the industry and the community of Superior. Frank was also known for his quick wit and dry sense of humor that would make anyone chuckle. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and instilling family traditions. He had a specialty of preparing barbacoa and cooking it underground with mesquite coals and provided his culinary skills for the Los Reyes Social Club and the annual Little League BBQ. He would also make his mother's "cocido" soup recipe every Sunday for all of us to eat, even during the summer. He especially enjoyed the annual multi-family camping trip in the Apache White Mountains North Fork area. He was proud of all his children and grandchildren and always encouraged us to do our best, continue our education and to pass on family traditions. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a celebration of his life will be held when we are free to share our hugs and stories. The family appreciates all the phone calls, text messages, cards and Facebook comments. Arrangements by SUPERIOR FUNERAL HOME.

GONZALEZ, Alicia

April 19, 1929 - June 28, 2020

Our beautiful mother has passed away after overcoming most of her insurmountable health obstacles over most of June. She conquered all but one. It's always ONE thing.She is survived by her sons David (Lani), Paul, Brian (Elia) and Stephen (Sher), her grandsons Davey, Alexander, and Kristopher, her nephew John Nuttall of London, England, her extended family here, across the country, and across the pond. Her husband Alfred Gonzalez, our father, predeceased her in July 2005. Our mother always considered her friends to be family. She had 91 years of family, life, love, kindness, and adventure. She traveled the globe from her birthplace in Bury, Lancashire, England. She endured World War II as a child, having lost her father at age 9, rations, fear, and poverty. Guided by the strength and moxie from her mother Anne, her older sisters Beatrice, and Florence. It built character, strength, and fortitude that carried our mother to the end. Our mother was a classical pianist from a young age. Chopin was her favorite. Her career as a Data Entry Supervisor and then Records Supervisor for 35 years at the Tucson Police Department ("TPD") was one of her proudest accomplishments. Retiring at age 78 in April 2007. She worked full-time while she raised four boys to men. She and our bon vivant father took on the world together with the love of life and adventure, all over the globe, in her many friends, and in her mission of making life better for everyone that she countered. She had a remarkable ability to say exactly the right thing, to flash her infectious smile, or to make a well-deserved compliment to brighten a day of even strangers. She had an uncanny knack for knowing who might need a well-deserved boost in their day. She made the world much better than when she was born to it. Kind, gentle, loving, and always positive. Always the first to smile, to hug. Our mother's spirit will live on, like endless ripples across life in her charity, love, and her enduring example. With her many friends at TPD, Pima County before, and Infilco before that, in her charitable work with the American Business Women's Association ("ABWA"), and the Society of Military Widows ("SMW"). She will live on in the family she raised and the family that followed from them. And in the countless people whose lives were brighter from having her in it. For even just a fleeting moment. As an enduring light and as an example for our lives. For so many others. We will miss you, love. Thank you for all that you did. Thank you for leaving the world better than you found it. Thank you for making us into the men that we are. God bless you. Due to the pandemic, we could not now have the public service that our social and personable mother deserved so a private ceremony was held at East Lawn Palms Cemetery. She was honored by the Tucson Police Department Honor Guard with pallbearers and immediate family only. We apologize to her many friends and family that could not be invited due to the pandemic. We will, however, have a later Celebration of Life, with all invited when it is safe for all to do so. Please come and celebrate with us then. Our mother was an active ABWA member for over 46 years. She was a five-time National President of ABWA and held every office in between. At the time of her passing, she was President of Chapter 14 SMW, primarily the Southwestern USA. She had too many awards and accolades to list here, but we are anxious to show you her life's work at the celebration.

In lieu of flowers, a remembrance can be made "In the Memory of Alicia Gonzalez" to the ABWA woman's scholarship fund, namely the "Stephen Bufton Memorial Educational Fund," a 501(c)(3) charity, to 9820 Metcalf Ave., Ste. 110, Overland Park, KS, 66212 or http://www.sbmef.org/sbmefcontributions.888.

In the alternative, a remembrance can be made in our mother's name to the Society of Military Widows, a 501(c)(4) charity through its webpage at www.militarywidows.org/donations.aspx. Her name can be noted at the "Special Instructions to Seller" portion of the page where credit or debit card information is entered. If preferred, by mail to SMW, Attn: John Mays, PO Box 91997, Washington DC, 20090-1997.

GRUBBS, Eleanor Gensel

Born July 26, 1927. On July 12, 2020, Ellie went to dance among the stars with her beloved husband, Charlie. Ellie was a talented musician and loved to play the piano at church and for her friends. She is survived by her children, Carolyn (Ron), Sharon, Sharilyn (Bryan), Jon (Danielle); eight grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Ellie was very loved by many wonderful family and friends and will be greatly missed. Arrangements by BRING'S BROADWAY CHAPEL.

HILLER, Richard

77, died at home surrounded by family on July 9, 2020. Born in Bellwood, NE, Dick served four years in the Army, graduated from the University of Arizona, worked 30 years for Mountain Bell and spent his retirement as Volunteer General Manager for HAWUA water company. He is survived by his wife, Pat; four children and five grandchildren; a brother and a sister. All will remember his easy smile, gentle strength, generous nature and his red truck. A private service was held on July 17. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. Arrangements by HUDGEL'S SWAN FUNERAL HOME.

HIRSCH, Diane Ellen Feldman

86, originally from New York City. She lived in Tucson since 1982. Survived by her husband, Edwin Hirsch, son, Gary Hirsch and daughter, Andrea Hirsch. She worked at La Paloma Resort. She often dined at the Double Tree and The Hilton with her husband. She was known as the Woman of Valor. Memorial service to be announced at a future date. Arrangements by BRING'S BROADWAY CHAPEL.

JACOB, John Edward

96, a native Tucsonan, peacefully saw the Lord's Face on May 12, 2020. He was born on February 25, 1924 to Taft and Mary Jacob. John is survived by his children, Loretta (Norman), Cynthia (Richard), Donald, Dianne (Monte), John II, and Daughter-in-Law, Marion. Grandchildren, Marc, Amber, Charlotte, Faye, Olivia, Graham, Jason, and Kevin. John is also survived by his brother, Richard (Barbara) and sister-in-law, Nell. John is preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Cecelia, and son Daniel. Brothers, Abe, George, Mike, Jim, and sister Rose Marie. His was a monumental life-one of sacrifice, commitment and joy...marked by integrity and a strong work ethic. Our eternal gratitude to the staff and caregivers of Sunrise Senior Living for their 6 1/2 years of care and love. A Mass and Celebration of John's Life will be held in the future.

KOLKER, Ruth

78, of Tucson, AZ died peacefully on July 13, 2020 of complications of ovarian cancer. Ruth was born in Newark, NJ and moved to Tucson in 1968 with her family. Ruth's primary loves were her family and the wellbeing of others in the community. She was involved with many charitable organizations and worked with children at Casas De Los Ninos. Ruth is survived by Ron, her husband of 56 years; daughter, Debbie Mastin (Wayne); son, Jeff Kolker (Anne), and her grandchildren, Max, Samantha, Jacey (Kolker), Carli and Lauren (Mastin). She will be missed greatly and was loved by all who knew her. Due to current health concerns services will be limited to family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in her honor be made to Congregation Anshei Israel (Tucson, AZ) National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (ovarian.org) or a charity of your choice. Arrangements by EVERGREEN MORTUARY.

KOTOFSKIE, James

April 14, 1939 - July 13, 2020

James William Kotofskie passed into his next life on July 13, 2020 as he wished, at his home in Show Low, AZ, surrounded by family, from congestive heart failure. He maintained his knowledge, wit and humor until his last breath. He was born on April 14, 1939 in Vancouver Barracks, Washington to Frank and Mary Jayne Kotowski. He is survived by children, Phillip Kotofskie and Susan (Don) Hicks; grandchildren, Hillary and Garrett; great grandchildren; Lilly and Giselle; and stepson, Steve (Connie) Ashton. Pursuant to his wishes, there will be no services. He was cremated and his ashes along with those of his wife Sheila and their pets will be scattered in Wolf Creek Pass on the Continental Divide near Durango, Colorado. The family also wishes to thank his Show Low Family, Jay and Corkie Hecker, and Pat Stocks for their never-ending friendship and support. James wrote a memoir detailing his life. Arrangements and additional information available at Owens Livingston Mortuary. Yesterday is a memory, tomorrow a promise, that is why today is a gift, and called the present.

MCELDOWNEY, John Stuart

(AKA Jack)

Expired June 30, 2020, age 91. Survived by loving wife and best friend, Charlotte; three sons and favorite daughter, and their original spouses; and ten grandchildren. No services per his request. Cremains scattered at a later date. Call for reservations. Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to the Santa Cruz Humane Society or a charity of your choice.

QUILLIAM, Colby (Cole) Herbert

9/28/1934 - 7/15/2020

With great sadness we announce that Cole died on July 15, 2020 at Peppi's House TMC Hospice, in Tucson, Arizona. His wife Robin; daughter, Mary, and granddaughter, Sarah were with him when he died.

Cole was born on September 28, 1934 in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, Canada, but grew up on a farm outside of Edmonton, Alberta. He graduated from Garneau High School in Edmonton, and then earned his Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of Alberta. Cole articled in Edmonton and became a Chartered Accountant. He was a founding partner of Quilliam, Stuart & Company, an accounting firm in Edmonton.

Cole married and raised four children in Alberta: Marjory, Cameron, Carol, and Charles. For many years, Cole served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Good Samaritan Society and was an active member of his church and the community.

Cole married Robin Klaehn in 1984 and moved to Tucson, Arizona; embracing her children Bob, Melanie, Dulce, and Mary as his own. In Tucson, he founded Quilliam Management Services. He was a member of Desert Skies United Methodist Church.

An avid skier, Cole enjoyed skiing many hills in both Canada and the United States. He also enjoyed hiking: he hiked the Grand Canyon five different times! Cole enjoyed restoring and driving classic cars. He and his wife, Robin, loved to travel. Together they visited nearly sixty countries.

Cole was a quiet philanthropist and loved business. He loved his profession and his work. Cole worked right up until the day he went to the hospital. As the old saying goes, "He died with his boots on".

Cole is survived by his wife Robin Klaehn Quilliam; his siblings, Connie Lougheed (Don) and Hal Quilliam (Lorraine), his children: Robert Klaehn, Melanie Bucon (Kirk), Marjory Ariza, Cameron Quilliam (Sue), Dulce Proud, Carol Quilliam, Mary Klaehn (Susan), and Charles Quilliam, and his grandchildren, Jessica Bucon, Ian Bucon (Alejandra), Noah Bucon, Sarah Klaehn, Stephen Quilliam, and Max Quilliam.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a Memorial Service for Cole will be held in the Memorial Garden at Desert Skies United Methodist Church on Saturday, July 25, 2020 for his family only. Arrangements by BRING'S BROADWAY CHAPEL.

SHARER, Kevin Barrie

Dr. Kevin Sharer 67, passed away at his home in Tucson on July 9, 2020 in the presence of his loving wife Sheila, who he married in 1989. Predeceased by parents, Wesley & MaryPat Sharer (Chicago) and survived by brothers, John (Dianne) of Phoenix, Judd of Philippines, Jerimy (Sue) of Mass., brother in law to Brenda (Ranga) of Swaziland, Susan of Hamilton, Ont., Claire (Clayton) of Thorndale, Ont., and Marvin (Joanne) of Thamesford, Ont.. He was an uncle to 15 and some fondly called him "Uncle Grinch". He had many close friends. Kevin was born in Chicago. He obtained a business degree and then an MBA. Not finding business his life choice decided to go to Medical School at the Univ. of Illinois in Chicago (84), Internship at Cook County Hospital (85) and Anesthesia Residency at Duke Univ. Hospital, Durham, NC (85-87). He did a fellowship in Cardiac Anesthesia at VA hospital in Durham (88). Kevin moved to Arizona in 1988 and joined SA Anesthesia and worked for 18 years before becoming a sole practitioner. He was board certified in Anesthesia. Kevin published several articles and abstracts about anesthesia and wrote a booklet on PCA management as well as a Conscious Sedation training booklet for Doctors and Nurses. He enjoyed their pets, gardening, traveling, camping, hiking, hunting, skiing and cooking. Kevin will truly be missed by his family, friends and pets. We will remember his sarcasm, facial and eye expressions and his wit! A private celebration of his life will be held at a later date, when friends and family can congregate. Donations may be made to a charity of choice or MD Anderson Sarcoma research, Houston, Tx. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel.

WILSDON, Vivian Kaye Johnson

Vivian passed away July 9, 2020 at Elderhaven Assisted Living in Tucson, AZ. Born April 27, 1946 in Phoenix AZ, she was preceded in death by her parents, Clifford and Ada Johnson. Also, sister, Leola Moore; her husband, Sherman; brother, George Johnson; brother-in-law, Bob Gabriel. Vivian is survived by her brother, Frank Johnson; sister-in-law, Kathy; twin sister, Virginia; brother-in-law, Marv Glauvitz. She also leaves behind two wonderful daughters and their families; Heather Wilsdon, Omar Green, Jonelle and Brandon Seil; four cherished grandchildren, Destiny and Damien Green, Marley and Crosby Seil. Vivian was passionate about many things but will be remembered as someone who was always helping others and serving God. She found ways to incorporate this into her daily life including donating blood, serving the church, helping care for her Grandchildren and family, she was always looking out for others' needs. Most recently, Vivian was directing adult and youth bell choirs at Tanque Verde Lutheran Church, she brought joy to others while serving God through her passion for music.

Vivian's family extends their gratitude to everyone at Elderhaven for the loving care provided to her and the family. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Sunday, July 26, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. via livestreaming. A link will be available on the Tanque Verde Lutheran Church website: www.tvlc.org Arrangements by DESERT ROSE HEATHER CREMATION & BURIAL.