In memoriam: Funeral notices, May 16, 2021

BINGHAM, Janece Erlene (Pfersdorf)

passed away peacefully on April 16, 2021 in Glendale, AZ. She was 81. She was well known for her vivacious personality, and her greatest joy was making others happy and spreading good cheer.

Janece was the daughter of James Edward Pfersdorf and Helen E Pfersdorf (Klinko) of Tucson. She grew up in Tucson and graduated from the Valley School for Girls in 1958.

She is survived by her son, Dale Bingham (Robin) of Charleston, SC; and nieces and nephews, Shawn Pendley Fichtner (Cornelius), John Pfersdorf, James Pfersdorf III (Nancy) all of Tucson AZ, and Brett Malone (Maria) of Trabuco Canyon, CA. She was preceded in death by her grandson, Dale Bingham Jr.; her parents, her brother, James Pfersdorf Jr. (Sylvia); sister, Lenette Pfersdorf Dunham, and nephew Richard Pfersdorf.

Private services will be held. Arrangements by AVENIDAS FUNERAL CHAPEL.

COLLINS, Samuel Henry

80, died peacefully on April 27, 2021, in Tucson AZ. Born in Shreveport LA he grew up on the island of Pedernales in Venezuela where he learned to speak Spanish. Sam graduated from LSU where he also earned a law degree. He practiced law for 40+ years in New Orleans LA, Denver CO, and Tucson AZ with a unique focus on Social Security Disability and Workers Comp law, primarily for Spanish-speaking clientele. Sam is survived by his sister, Betty Lisle, in Gulf Shores AL.

FIGUEROA, Viola

On Tuesday, May 4, 2021, Viola Figueroa, loving wife and mother of three sons, passed away at the age of 91. Viola is survived by her husband Joe, their three sons, Joe, Carlos and Jim; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Viola was born on October 27, 1929 in Tucson, AZ to Aldolfo Quihuis and Beatrice Garcia. She grew up on a ranch and loved every minute of it. After graduating from cosmetology school at a young age, she opened Viola's Salon of Beauty and ran her own beauty shop for over 50 years. Over the years, she won several awards and contests for her artistic ability to style women's hair. She enjoyed spending time with her family and loved to work in her yard. Viola and Joe were married in AZ, on October 16, 1945. During their 76 years together, they made many wonderful friends and despite many challenges lived a full and satisfying life. She will live forever in the hearts of those whose lives she has touched. Arrangements by CARRILLO'S TUCSON MORTUARY, INC.

FLAHARTY, William Joseph (Joe)

died suddenly on Saturday May 8, 2021 in Tucson. Joe was born to William and Joan Flaharty in Philadelphia, PA in 1956. He was a graduate of the University of Arizona and remained an avid Wildcats sports fan throughout his life. He was pre-deceased by his parents and sisters, Karen (Flaharty) Daley and Kathleen Flaharty. Joe is survived by his two brothers, Patrick Flaharty (Kristen) and Christopher Flaharty (Nicole); three nieces, Kathryn, Caroline and Kendall and two nephews, Calen and Nevin. The Funeral Mass is scheduled for Wednesday,

May 19, 2021 at 9:45 a.m.

in the Chapel at St Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. Arrangements by EVERGREEN MORTUARY.

FORD, Cornelia (Nina) Porter

of Stamford, CT, beloved wife of the late Thomas R. Ford, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at her home in Stamford. She was born in Tucson, AZ, to Rutger and Bernice (Walkley) Porter, who operated a nursery and landscaping business on land that is now the Tucson Botanical Gardens. Thus began Nina's lifelong passion for horticulture, botany, and conservationism. After her graduation from Vassar College in 1957, she and Tom settled in West Hartford, CT, where they raised four children over many happy decades. There, Nina cultivated verdant gardens filled with diverse flowers, herbs, vegetables, and shrubs. The family spent every summer in Center Sandwich, NH, in a setting little changed by modern times. She had a love of music and encouraged it in her children. At the piano she led sing-alongs with family and guests, especially at Christmastime. In the 1970s she played banjo and sang in a folk group. Later she played electric piano in a cover band of popular music. In 1976 she bought Herbs and Whey, a natural-foods store in Avon, CT, of which she was the proprietor for four years. In 1983, She joined the Connecticut Unit of the Herb Society of America, serving as Vice-Chairman in 1989. In 1987, she graduated from Central Connecticut State College with a master's degree in biology. In 1990, Bat Conservation International received Nina's permission to publish her teaching unit "A Year in the Life of the Little Brown Bat" in an Educators Activity Book. Nina was a quiet feminist and a life-long spiritual seeker. During 1996-97, she was a student in the inaugural class of the Women's Leadership Institute at the Hartford Seminary. After the passing of her husband, Nina moved to southern Connecticut to be closer to those children and grandchildren living on the East Coast. Throughout her life, Nina sought personal connection with everyone she encountered, always asking their name and taking genuine interest in their lives. Strangers were simply friends she hadn't met yet. Nina is survived by her loving family; her children, Becky and Nick Lai of Stamford, CT, Dan and Mary Ford of Ridgefield, CT, Ted Ford and Anne Fitzgerald of Seattle, WA, and Andrew and Molly Ford of Seattle, WA; grandchildren, Sarah Ford, Roxanne and Sophie Lai, and Audrey and George Ford; brother-in-law, Richard Hill of Tucson, AZ; sister- and brother-in-law, Mimi and Christopher Stahler of Wenatchee, WA; sister-in-law, Eli Ford of Cape Cod, MA; and several nieces, nephews, cousins as well as an abundance of loving friends. Contributions in Cornelia's memory may be made to the Tucson Botanical Gardens, Bat Conservation International, or The Miriam Therese Winter Chair in Transformative Leadership and Spirituality at The Hartford Seminary. Arrangements by Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home.

GRUVER, Dorothy

age 83, died on Sunday, May 2, 2021 at Splendido at Rancho Vistoso in Oro Valley, Arizona. Dorothy Gruver was born Dorothy Jane Dykstra on December 25, 1937, to Jonas and Theresa (Stubbe) Dykstra at De Smet, SD. She graduated from De Smet High School in 1955 and continued her education at St. John's School of Nursing in Huron, SD, earning her Diploma in Nursing in 1958. She married Gene Gary Gruver in 1959 and the couple moved to Arizona in 1964. They were married for 46 years until his death in 2005. Dorothy played piano and took lessons up until early this year. She was a member of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Tucson and volunteered in the church office. Dorothy liked to travel and enjoyed museums and fine art along with the daily crossword puzzle. She was a loving presence to family and friends. She is survived by two chosen daughters, Judith Slawson, Highlands Ranch, CO and Shirley Gerardo, Phoenix, AZ. and their children as well as her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; Galen Gruver of Sweet Home, OR, Charles (Dee) Gruver of Pico Rivera, CA, Bonnie (Wayne) King of Silver City, NM, Merry (Rob) Shaver of Austin, TX, Dorian (Dave) Garner of Tulsa, OK, and Shelly (Russell) Tarvin of Tucson, AZ., and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Gene Gary Gruver; her parents, Jonas and Theresa Dykstra; her sister, Hattie Alane Dykstra and brother, Henry Alvin Dykstra. A Memorial Service is scheduled for Saturday, May 22, 2021 @ 10:00 a.m. at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church. Her ashes will be interred next to her husband at Restlawn Memory Gardens Cemetery, Huron, SD. Memorial gifts may be made to St. Andrews Presbyterian Church or the American Cancer Society.

LINDBERG, John Edmund

(AKA Wonderdad) died peacefully on April 28, 2021, surrounded by his family. Born on January 11, 1926 in Madison, Wisconsin, John grew up in Cloquet, MN. Following service during WWII in the Army Air Corps, he attended the University of Notre Dame, earning a degree in Commerce in 1950 and a law degree in 1951. His legal career spanned over 40 years, serving as clerk to US District Judge James Walsh, subsequently becoming Assistant US Attorney, followed by partnership in the law firms of Price, Tinney, Lindberg, & Gianas; Bilby, Shoenhair, Warnock & Dolph, and Snell & Wilmer, then Judge Pro-Tempore for the Pima County Superior Court.

Dad's life's work was his family. He married Jean (Bryant) Lindberg in 1950, and together they raised 11 children. He instilled in them a strong sense of family, faith, service, and humor. Family trips were always "adventures" and the source of some of the best family stories. He was very active in the Church, particularly at Sts. Peter & Paul Parish in Tucson, where he and Jean made lasting friendships with other member families in the Christian Family Movement (CFM). His life of service included volunteering well into his nineties for Mobile Meals, St. Vincent de Paul Society, and Sts. Peter & Paul.

A lifelong sports fan and athlete, he played a variety of sports throughout his life. He played golf and tennis regularly and skied until he was 93. He was an enthusiastic supporter of Notre Dame and University of Arizona sports and could play the Notre Dame Victory March on any instrument, once, even bagpipes!

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jean; son, Hon. Thomas B. Lindberg, and grandson, Daniel Penrod. He is survived by his brother, Arthur; children, John (Helen), Mary (John) Penrod, Robert (Jill), Ann (Duncan) Carrick, David (Tammy), Jean (Dave) Ouellette, Joan (Dick) Gladson, Laura, Patricia, Julia; daughter-in-law, Donna; 22 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and countless friends and admirers. He will be greatly missed by us all. On Tuesday, May 25, 2021, a rosary (9:30 a.m.) and Funeral Service (10:00 a.m.) are scheduled at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 1946 E. Lee St. Interment will be at Holy Hope Cemetery at 11:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, or the charity of your choice. Arrangements by ANGEL VALLEY FUNERAL HOME.

PANCHESIN, Thomas Dr

(67) died in the company of his daughter on January 13, 2021 in Tucson, AZ. He is predeceased by his son PV2 Stefano Panchesin (19); his father Michael Panchesin (67); his mother Leona Panchesin (71) and his sister, Melodye Panchesin(64), and is survived by his daughter, Mikelena Panchesin (22); his brother, Stephen Panchesin (68); his brother, Dale Panchesin (74), and his ex-wife Lorraine Obregon (59). Dr. Panchesin, a local chiropractor, was raised by his parents with his siblings in Morton Grove, IL and later attended Sherman College of Chiropractic in Spartanburg, SC. After graduating and moving to Tucson, he opened Panchesin Chiropractic in 1982. Dr. Panchesin was in practice for 38 years and deeply passionate about it. He also practiced Tai Chi and loved nature and animals. He often traveled to national parks and believed in honoring nature's ability to heal the body. He adored his children and cherished time with family, including his dogs Snoopy(decd.) and Peanuts. After developing facial cancer in 2018, he battled it vigorously with natural methods before retiring on June 19, 2020. He passed away seven months later.

Donations can be made in his name to Sherman College of Chiropractic, or Oklahaven Children's Chiropractic Center. Due to the stress of bereavement and other responsibilities, his daughter has decided to forego memorial services until further notice.

REGULINSKI, Thaddeus

98, completed his long and full life on April 6, 2021, dying peacefully after a brief stay in hospice in Tucson, Arizona. His beloved wife of 35 years, Anne Bradford Stericker, was at his side. Thad was born on October 9, 1922 in Torun, Poland, the youngest of three children of Wanda Olszewska Regulinska and Adam Regulinski. His parents were naturalized American citizens who had returned to Poland on business for several years, and Thad was born there. He came to the United States with his parents at age 12 to begin a life distinguished by high academic and career achievement and an idiosyncratic personal style. During his educational journey Thad earned a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering degree from Manhattan College, a Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering from New Jersey Institute of Technology and a PhD in Electrical Engineering from the University of Bradford, West Yorkshire, England. He was named a Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and earned many awards in the field of reliability engineering and related fields, as well as in teaching. He was known as an expert in reliability design and engineering and published scores of professional works in the field of reliability, including deep space communications. Thad was named to President Reagan's Commission to study the January, 1986 Challenger Shuttle explosion, but respectfully declined to serve, in favor of helping to plan his wedding to Anne that spring. Following four years in the Army during World War II, much of that time in the Army Signal Corps, Thad began his professional career as a researcher at the US Army Communications Laboratories at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, then as a professor at the Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. In 1979, he and his family moved to Arizona, where he served as a staff engineering consultant at Goodyear Aerospace (now Lockheed Martin) outside of Phoenix until 1989. He also held a professorship at Arizona State University in Tempe, and later at the University of Arizona in Tucson. Thad had struggled mightily with English as a young Polish born boy in America, and throughout his life worked to master the language. He took pleasure in speaking in interesting sentences and crafting eloquent letters and emails, which recipients often delighted in receiving. He was an effective and entertaining lecturer, whom classes rated highly. At least one class reserved the final class period to "roast" him with their favorite "Regulinski-isms". In the early 1970's Thad courageously chaired the De Facto Segregation Committee of the Catholic Diocese in Dayton, Ohio, which produced recommendations for desegregating Dayton's Catholic schools. More than a desegregation plan, the report sought to even out the widely divergent funding of poor and rich parishes, by redrawing wealthy and poor district lines so that high-income and low-income students would attend school together. The archdiocese however, fearing that wealthy families would flee to the suburbs taking their dollars with them, rejected the plan, while the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur who were the teachers and principals in the Catholic schools strongly supported it. Ultimately Dayton public and private schools were integrated, but not until years later. Always a believer in the power of education to lift people out of poverty, after reading about the privation and hardship endured by children in Haiti living near the border with Dominican Republic, in 2014 Thad undertook to have a school built in Haiti. Working with the elders in a border region and with Jesuit Refugee Services which oversaw the project, Thad helped plan and funded the building of a sturdy three story, eighteen room elementary school in Haiti, which was finished in 2017. The school has survived storms and hurricanes. Several hundred children are educated in the school every semester. Thad was predeceased by his first wife and mother of their nine children, Barbara W. Regulinski; and by their oldest child, Christine Gallo. He is survived by his current wife, Anne Bradford Stericker; and eight of his children, Leah, Nina Stephens (Thomas), Stephan (Christine Myers), Mark (Alisa Lange), Paul (Debra Emmons), Michael (Maureen), Phillip, and Sabina Dahl (Richard); and eleven grandchildren. A celebration of life will be announced in the near future. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Thad's memory to a college scholarship fund of your choosing focused on academically high achieving but economically impoverished students, or to the Arbor Day Foundation, or to the Monarch Butterfly Fund. Arrangements by ANGEL VALLEY FUNERAL HOME.

SOTOMAYOR, Eduardo "Eddy" Granillo

descendant of pioneer families who settled Tucson in the early 1900's, passed away on March 5, 2021. Eddy was a life -long resident of Tucson. He attended Pueblo High School and was President of his senior class, drum major for the Pueblo marching band and was a talented athlete lettering in varsity football and baseball. He was also a talented and award-winning oboist who performed with classical orchestras statewide. He graduated in1969 and enrolled at the University of Arizona. While at the UofA he achieved a level of celebrity and renown as the high strutting, baton twirling drum major for the University of Arizona Marching Band. After college he served a short stint in the U.S. Marine Corps before returning to civilian life and pursuing a career as a legal assistant. However, over time he refocused his energies to improving his community and was instrumental in writing numerous grants for various local projects including the creation of La Mariposa Park in the Fairgrounds district of Tucson. He was a man of great familial pride as he was a loving and caring son, brother and uncle and he selflessly devoted his life to his immediate and extended family. His father and mother, Manuel "Chito" and Rosalia "Chalita" Sotomayor and his sister, Alice Duran having preceded him. He is survived by his brother, COL Manuel G.Sotomayor(USAR Retired) of Las Vegas, NV; his sister, Dr. Christina Lopez of Lakewood, CA and his partner, Elva Lujan of Tucson, AZ. He is also mourned by a host of nephews and nieces to whom he was affectionately known as "Uncle Eddie". The family asks that in lieu of flowers a donation be made to the American Heart Association. Mass will be offered on Tuesday, May 25, 2021, 10:00 a.m. at Santa Cruz Catholic Church, 1220 South 6th Avenue. Rosary at 9:45 a.m. Interment to follow at Holy Hope Cemetery.

TAYLOR, William C.

67, passed in the presence of his family April 4, 2021. He was born in 1954 in Dayton, OH. He lived in Tucson and worked in Business and Marketing. Services will be held at East Lawn Palms Mortuary & Cemetery, 5801 E. Grant Rd Tucson, AZ on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Food Bank Inc PO Box 26727 Tucson, AZ 85726-6727. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel.

TIGHE, Bridget Irene (Scurry)

82, of Tucson, AZ passed on to join her loved ones, Monday, May 10, 2021. Bridget was preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Elizabeth Scurry; her husband, Thomas; and children, Brian and Betsy. Born in Franklin, PA, Bridget lived in Tucson for over 45 years and was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and home maker. Bridget was a proud veteran of the US Air Force. She is survived by her children, Mark Tighe, Theresa (James) Tuttle, Kathy (Jerry) Carrillo, Deb (Bryan) Morris and Amy Maldonado; 13 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren. A special thank you for the loving hospice care she received from Cheryl, Patsy and Tonetta. We could not have done it without you. You may not have known Bridget personally, but you may have been touched by her warmth through her hundreds of afghans and quilts that she made for friends, family and patients at the Veterans Hospital. Expression of condolence can be made to the Community Food Bank of Tucson, AZ. This was one of her favorite charities. A Memorial Mass will be offered on Thursday, July 22, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Mother of Sorrows church, Kolb Road, Tucson. Arrangements by Lakeshore Mortuary.

WHITE, Brian (B2) Scott

February 10, 1977 - April 30, 2021

Brian lit up the world when born February 10, 1977 in Tucson, AZ. He was the middle of three boys born to Rich and LeeAnn White. Although unconfirmed, it's believed his first words were "B2" - letting everyone know he arrived. Brian attended Tucson Christian and Grace Christian schools for elementary, Magee Middle School and Sahuaro High School in Tucson.

Early on, we were able to witness his compassion and generosity. The family lost track of how many stray animals he found and adopted. Lizards, snakes, mice, rabbits, horny toads, tarantulas, a kitten and a turtle - he had them all - but dogs had a special place in his heart. No dog was too mangy or too ugly for Brian. When he could find one that appeared to be not from multiple breeds, but multiple species, he was at his pinnacle. This love for dogs carried throughout his life, with him having many canine pets - Patches, Sugar, Buttons, Brandi, Teddy, Dog, Cody, Toby, Brei, Miko, and most recently, Dammit, Baby and Bear.

Nothing Brian ever did was small - he gravitated to sports from an early age and excelled in soccer, baseball, basketball, track, wrestling and football - culminating in his playing days with the Bellingham Eagles semi-pro football team.

Brian joined the United States Navy on August 29, 1995 and after boot camp and "A" school, made his way to his duty station at Whidbey Island, WA. Following his service, Brian was honorably discharged in 1999 with a National Defense Service medal and a Good Conduct medal. Having carried on a proud family tradition of military service, Brian moved back to Tucson and leveraged his veteran's benefits to enroll with the University of Phoenix where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Business.

While employed at University Medical Center in Tucson, Brian met Candice Jensen in August of 2006 introducing himself to her as the "fry-guy" at the local McDonalds, responsible for working the French fry machine with aspirations of becoming assistant night manager. Recognizing his intelligence and potential, Candice provided him with college brochures to motivate him to get an education and take his fry-guy skills to the next level - you can imagine Brian's laugh when he revealed he had already done so and they were actually coworkers at University Medical Center.

Brian and Candice were married April 21, 2007 in Jamaica. The destination wedding was indicative of the couple's affinity for travel. They adventured in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, San Diego, Portland, Seattle, Miami, Las Vegas, Denver, New Orleans, Cheyenne, Hawaii, Utah, Iowa, Nebraska, Idaho, Montana, Canada, Mexico, Barbados, and France. Brian's favorite trips were those to meet up with family and friends, especially if he got to see his nieces and nephews. You might say Brian and Candice settled in Yuma, AZ but nothing Brian ever did was a "settle." Brian made the most of every situation and did so while making countless new friends along the way.Brian will forever be remembered for his ability to light up a room with his quick wit, wide smile, infectious laugh and epic storytelling, his matching hats/sunglasses/shoes/watches, his generous bartabs, his love for all things University of Arizona, his unquestioned patriotism, and most notably, his generosity and loving and caring heart. Brian touched countless people, all with many of their own Brian-stories which we would love to include here but would certainly require at least five thousand pages!

Brian is survived by his wife, Dr. Candice Jensen; parents Rich and LeeAnn White; mother-in-law, Lola Jensen; brothers, Brent White (Emily Thompson) and Brad (Shawna) White, Kristi and Dan Jones, Jeremy and Angela Jensen, Jordan and Janel Jensen, Sherri Casper and nieces and nephews Sydney, Jessica, Blake, Autumn, Avery, Malachi, Austyn, Schuller, Emma, Eliza, Alex, Carter, Ella, Abrianna, Hannah, Oliver, Leo; a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and countless friends who are really extensions of his family.

A viewing will be held from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 20, 2021 at Bring's Funeral Home (6910 E. Broadway Boulevard, Tucson, AZ - masks required) with a Funeral Service at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 21, 2021 at - and livestreamed by - Christ Community Church (530 S. Pantano Road, Tucson, AZ). Interment will be at Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Marana, AZ.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Brian's favorite charity, the Wounded Warrior Project.