Dorothy “Dottie” Page
Dorothy “Dottie” Page. Born in Altoona, Penn. on Dec, 10, 1919, as Dorothy Carpenter, “Dottie” soon moved to West Palm Beach where she grew up and graduated the “High School on the Hill, ” Palm Beach High, in 1937. She was a member of the Theta Delta Delta sorority, French, Spanish, Swimming, and Glee Clubs. Later during World War II, “Dottie” joined the Army Air Force where she flew small planes and edited the TAC-WAC newsletter of the 902nd Army Air Force base in Orlando. She rose to the rank of Tech Sergeant. Following the war, she met and married
her “sailor” Charlie Page of Miami, in November of 1947. By October of 1948, little Jimmy had come along. Dottie, Charlie, and Jimmy lived out their lives in Miami where “Charlie” was an official with the Dade County court system and Dottie had a 20+ year career as a Legal Secretary with the law firm of Feuer and Feuer who represented the Dade Federal Savings and Loan Association. Throughout her life, Dottie was a devoted member of the Christian Science Church of Coral Gables, was an avid University of Miami football fan, couldn’t wait for her next Florida vacation, and loved stray dogs, cats, birds, or any other animal that might be down on its luck. Following the death of Charlie in 2000, Dottie moved back to Palm Beach County where she resided at The Pointe at Newport Place with “Grandma Sams, ” with whom she developed a very special friendship. Dottie passed peacefully under the loving care of the J. Robert Lauer Hospice unit of JFK hospital on May 11, at age 89. Dottie is survived by her loving son Jimmy and Daughter-in- Law Tammy of Hypoluxo, Fla.
Doris Turner
Doris Ruth Page “Jody” Turner, 90, of Coral Gables and Franklin, Tenn., passed away peacefully in her sleep of old age May 11. Jody’s life consisted of three grand phases. Childhood in Syracuse, New York, where she was the consummate tomboy; sailor, ice hockey player, horsewoman, and all around competitor. Then her college life in Coral Gables, where she was a University of Miami Kappa Kappa Gamma back in the day when it was the “Cardboard College” and where she met her husband in the cafeteria. This period includes her married
Gables life on Granada Boulevard; CG Garden Club, CG Country Club, Riviera Country Club, Coral Reef Yacht Club and P.E.O. member, sports mom of three sons, bridge player and bodacious green thumb with a specialty in orchids. With Ben, her regular participation in the life of Coral Gables First, Key Biscayne and Granada Presbyterian Churches. Her lifelong teams in their glory years were the University of Miami Hurricanes and the Miami Dolphins. Jody was preceded in death by her infant son, Richard Emerson Turner; by her parents, Robert Emerson Page and Ruth K. Page; by her loving husband Benjamin Worcester Turner; and by her wonderful granddaughter, Page Virginia Turner. She is survived by her three sons, Robert Hunter (Sharon) Turner, Benjamin Worcester (Ruth) Turner, Jr., & Douglas Page Turner. Also by four grandchildren, Jonathan Emerson (Elaine) Turner, Daniel McClain (Deana) Turner, Stuart Marshall Turner & Benjamin Fouche Turner; and two great-grandchildren Sophia Grace Turner & Jackson McEuen Turner. Memorials may be sent to Alex’s Lemonade Stand, a non-profit organization to research childhood cancer. Memorial Services was held May 20 at Granada Presbyterian Church with a private family interment to follow at Woodlawn Park Cemetery. VAN ORSDEL www.vanorsdelfuneralchapels.com
Frank Crippen
Frank Crippen, of Coral Gables and a summer resident of Boone, North Carolina, was born in Rochester, New York on Jan. 23, 1930 and has gone to our Lord on May 1. He was the son of Joseph and Sarah Crippen (deceased), and brother of Christine Lippa (Paul) (both deceased). Frank is survived by his spouse of 58 years and the love of his life Dorothy Summers Crippen, four children, thirteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren: daughter Deborah Caruso (Dr. Mark Caruso), Michelle Keldie (Chris), Stephanie Caruso, Stephen Caruso; son Jeff Crippen (Susie Cresci Crippen) Jeffrey Crippen, Jr., Nicole Crippen, Susanne Crippen, Kristyn Crippen; daughter Sharon Crippen-Ginsburg (Steve Ginsburg), Frankie Summers Crippen, Bonnie Ginsburg, Jason Ginsburg, Daniel Ginsburg; son James Crippen (Carolyn Crippen) Jennifer Devesa (Manny) Isabella Devesa, Sophia Devesa, Jessica Barbosa (Nicholas), and many nieces and nephews, and special friends. After Frank served our country in the U.S. Navy he became General Sales Manager for Story Oldsmobile in Lansing, Mich. (1954-1965). Frank moved to Miami and founded Crippen Oldsmobile, serving as its president from 1965 to 1994. He purchased Starnamen Oldsmobile in Lansing in 1973 which remains in the family as Crippen Auto Mall in its 35th year. Frank was the winner of numerous General Motors sales and service awards. Frank was involved in his children’s’ schools and activities, but always had time to fundraise for church and community. He served on the Board of Trustees of Barry College (now Barry University) for 25 years, was President of the Bal Harbour Club, and active member of the Rotary Club of Miami Shores, the Committee of 100, and the 200 Club. In recognition of faithful and outstanding service to his church and community, Frank was invited and installed as a Knight of the Order of Malta in 1991, a worldwide lay, religious order of the Roman Catholic Church which promotes sanctification through work with the sick and the poor. Frank was Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and for over thirty years, a Board member of the Marian Center, a non- profit private school for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Funeral Services were held. The family requests memorial donations be made to either or both the Marian Center School and Services 15701 NW 37 Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL 33054, or the Order of Malta- South Florida 16401 NW 37 Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL 33054 Att: Mark J. Wolf, KM. Stanfill Funeral Home 10545 S Dixie (305)667-2518 Family Owned/Operated www.stanfillfh.com
Lee R. Kjelson
Dr. Lee R. Kjelson, of Coral Gables, passed away on May 4. He is survived by his beloved wife and best friend Betty; a sister Sally Kjelson of Omaha NE; a son Jay Kjelson (wife Margee) of Winston- Salem NC; ten grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his oldest son, Richard Kjelson of Placerville, CA. Dr. Kjelson, Professor Emeritus, Frost School of Music was Director of Choral Activities at the University of Miami from 1967-1993. He leaves a legacy of excellence in the professional field of choral music, having conducted and taught throughout the world. “Doc” has touched each one of us in his own unique way, striving for excellence, professionalism and dedication to music throughout his career. We will miss his compassion, devotion, and limitless energy. A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 16 at 1 p.m., at Coral Gables Congregational Church, 3010 De Soto Blvd.. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lee & Betty Kjelson Scholarship Fund at the University of Miami. Checks are to be made payable to the Frost School of Music, 1320 S. Dixie Highway, Suite 300 Coral Gables, FL 33146.
Ralph K. Lichtenberger
Sgt. Ralph K. Lichtenberger, “The Real 240” As a young man, Ralph served his country in the Navy as a radar operator. In 1957, he joined the Coral Gables Police Department and continued to serve 25 years until he retired as a Sergeant in 1982. Ralph was a devoted husband of 54 years to Malvin and proud father of son Ralph and daughter Stephanie; Grandfather to Ralph and Jenifer; and Great-grandfather to Dylan. Ralph often appeared in the Coral Gables Times for his exemplary law enforcement accomplishments. Ralph received the very first Jaycees Officer of the Year award. In addition, he was given the prestigious honor of the Key to the City of Coral Gables for his brilliant capture of a notorious burglar responsible for 300 burglaries in the city. He was an outgoing personality who loved his profession and was well known for his wicked sense of humor. Ralph was an avid outdoorsman and shared his passion for hunting and fishing with his family. Ralph’s family was blessed with an additional 13 wonderful years after he sustained a massive stroke in ’96. Ralph passed away May 8 , and leaves a hole in our hearts and lives forever. Services were held May 11.
Karen F. Rossman
Karen F. Rossman, 62, died May 3 at her home in Coral Gables after a battle with heart disease. A longtime teacher, counselor, advocate for people with disabilities and volunteer in the community, she is survived by her devoted and loving husband of 37 years, Stephen F. Rossman, of the Miami law firm Rossman, Baumberger, Reboso, Spier & Connolly, P.A., three children, four grandchildren and a sister. Born in New York on June 22, 1946, to Karl and Amelia Franzblau, she received her B.A. in Education at Queens College, and her M.A. in Counseling from the University of Miami. She met her husband in September 1970 while teaching elementary school for Dade County Public Schools and they married
July 4, 1971, in Miramar. She later became a vocational rehabilitation counselor helping to train disabled individuals for employment, thereby helping hundreds of people get on their feet. She retired in 1976 when their children came along, but remained committed to her vocation as a tireless volunteer. Her passion for teaching and service left a lasting mark on her family, friends and countless others, opening doors for people with disabilities and those without homes. She was active for nearly 30 years as a volunteer and fundraiser with the Children’s Home Society of Florida and with Easter Seals in Miami-Dade. In addition to her husband, Steve, Karen is survived by their son Adam and his wife Ally of Aventura; daughters Karly of Cutler Bay and Rebecca of West Palm Beach; and grandchildren Danielle, Karina, Jacob and Gabriella. In addition, Karen is survived by her sister, Andrea Peska of Tamarac, and her mother-in-law, Sylvia Rossman of Kendall. She is also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins and hundreds of friends. Services were held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Easter Seals South Florida, the Temple Beth Am Day School Scholarship Fund or the Temple Judea Pre School.
Samuel Bell Jr.
Samuel Bell Jr., died surrounded by his family, after a long illness at his home of 20 years, in Queenstown, MD on November 25. He was born on May 25, 1924 in Chestnut Hill, Pennsylvania. He graduated from St. Paul's School (Concord, New Hampshire) and Princeton University and served in the US Navy from 1943-1945. After working for The Miami Herald, he started his own advertising agency, Bell & Saunders, Inc. in Coral Gables. An avid yachtsman, he spent many years sailing with his wife Anne on his beloved sailboat Blue Angel. He was also a longstanding member of the Cruising Club of America. Besides Anne, his wife of 61 years, he is survived by three sons, Samuel Bell, III, Charles L. Bell, Nicholas S. Bell and a daughter Tiffany Bell, a son-in-law Richard Gluckman and two granddaughters, Nell Gluckman and Marina Gluckman. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Old Lyme, Connecticut.
Doris S. Goldman
Doris S. Goldman, 81, of Coral Gables, wife of the late Morton T. Goldman, died in her sleep at home on Tuesday, December 8. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Bruce J. Goldman and Rosemary D. Goldman, as well as her grandchildren, Melissa D. Goldman, Joshua D. Goldman and Gabriella D. Goldman. At her request, Kaddish only will be said for her starting at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, December 11, 2009 at Temple Beth Am Synagogue, 7300 North Kendall Drive, Pinecrest, Florida 33156.
Catherine Dare Halbert
Catherine Dare (Hodgman) Halbert passed away Saturday, Nov. 28, 2009 at Addison Gilbert Hospital 13 years after a remarkable second chance at life. Cathy was born in Miami, on Nov. 14, 1947, the daughter of the late P. Herbert and Louise Dare Hodgman. She graduated from Coral Gables High School and pursued a psychology major at the University of Miami. She moved to New York, living in New York City and upstate New York. After returning to Coral Gables, Cathy opened a used bookstore until she moved to her parents' home to provide for their care. She moved to Gloucester in 2001 to be with her sister. Cathy loved tropical rain, her screened-in porch, and her bromeliads in Miami as well as her flowers and the wonderful view of the harbor from her deck in Gloucester. She had an inquisitive mind and total recall for lyrics, composers and authors. She loved art, history, music (especially all things Puccini), science, and really enjoyed the entire horror genre. Above all, Cathy had a unique, never-ending sense of humor. Everyone who knew and loved Cathy found her bigger than life and our lives will be a little smaller without her. She is survived by her sister, Patricia Barreiro of Gloucester; her brother, Herbert C. Hodgman and his family of Plantation, Fla.; her son, Joshua Halbert; her nephew, Bryan Barreiro and his wife Yvonne; and their daughters, Kylee and Shyla of Gloucester. She also leaves behind her cherished "other sister, " Carol Salzman of Rockport, the DaCruz family of Bayview, her wonderful friends at Beauport Ambulance Service, and her feline companion Kookla. In keeping with Cathy's wishes, she will return to her birthplace for private services. In her memory, please consider organ donation. Funeral arrangements are being conducted by the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington St., Gloucester. Condolences may be sent online to www.greelyfuneralhome.com.
J. Morgan Heacock
J. Morgan Heacock, 89, peacefully passed away December 6, 2009. Born on June 12, 1920 in Gloversville, NY. Father to James, Robert and Nora; cherished grandfather to Matthew and wife Jill, Christina, Natalie and Francisco Javier, and great-grandfather to Braden, Zachary, Fletcher and Orestes. Son of James Arlo and Madeline Steele Heacock, and brother to Elbert. Settled in Miami, FL after marrying Betty Heacock, October 16, 1943. They were married
for 65 years, before her passing in October 2008. Served in the United States Navy. Long time active member of the Coral Gables Congregational Church and Kiwanis. A memorial service will be held in his honor at 7 pm on Thursday, December 10, 2009, at the Coral Gables Congregational Church followed by a reception in Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Coral Gables Congregational Church would be appreciated. VAN ORSDEL-BIRD ROAD 9300 SW 40 St. 305-553-0064 Family Owned Since 1924 www.vanorsdel.com
Woodrow Wilson Nicholas
Woodrow Wilson Nicholas, 87, was taken to Heaven on November 24, 2009, in Mount Vernon, Ill., while returning from the Iowa farm to his home in Coral Gables. Woody was born in Jacksonville, Fla., March 21, 1922, and moved to Miami at age 5 with his father, mother, brothers and sisters. He attended Miami schools. He married
Frankie (Crussell) Nicholas on August 17, 1951, at the First Presbyterian Church of Miami. The births of his daughter, Lisa Nicholas Smith, and son, Louis K. Nicholas II, completed his family. Having attended the church with his father, he joined at age 12. His 77 year membership was the longest of active members. He served the Lord faithfully as a Trustee, Elder, Treasurer, and Usher. The Nicholas' made life-long friends at the church. After school and military service in the Army Air Force during World War II, Woody joined the family wholesale distribution business, J.K. Nicholas & Co., Inc., where he served as president until his retirement. In a tradition started by his mother, and continued by his sister Frances and wife Frankie, the family and guests still gather on Sundays after church for a traditional Lebanese dinner at Woody's home. After retiring, Woody and Frankie restored the Iowa farm home where Frankie's grandfather, Frank McNeal, was born. For over 20 years, the Nicholas family, children, grandchildren, relatives, and friends have vacationed at the farm, where they enjoyed the peace and joy of the farmlands, and good times with Crussell relatives, neighbors, and friends. On his first trip to Iowa, Woody stood on the hill at the small, countryside Rose Hill Church, and said. "How beautiful. This is where I want to be buried." Woody was preceded in death by his father, Louis, mother, Aneesie, brothers, Louis Jr. (Faith) and James, sisters, Frances (Louis) Jepeway and Margaret Evans, and nephew, Tom Evans. He is survived by his wife and two children; dearly loved son-in-law Phil Smith and daughter-in-law Teri (Solis); grandchildren Will, Drew, and Stephen ("Mark") Smith, and Frances and Louis ("Nick") Nicholas, who were a source of joy and pride; and nieces, nephews, in-laws and cousins. Woody was a man of God; a good son and brother; a devoted husband; a loving father and grandfather; a caring uncle; and, a faithful friend. A private, family only gathering, "A Time of Remembering, " was held on Sunday, Dec. 6, after the traditional Lebanese dinner. At a later date, a memorial service and burial at the Rose Hill Church in Iowa will follow. The family suggests memorials to The Rose Hill cemetery Endowment Fund, c/o Marvin Freed, Treasurer, 306 South Center Street, Shenandoah, Iowa 51601.
Anna Marie Marshall Peterson
Anna Marie Marshall Peterson , formerly of Coral Gables, died November 30, 2009, in Dana Point, CA. Mrs. Peterson, a life-long resident of Florida, was born in Jacksonville on September 19, 1919. She was an active member of First United Church of Coral Gables, where she served on numerous committees and in later years married
fellow parishioner, Albert Peterson. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ezekiel and Myra Cribb and husband, Albert Peterson. She is survived by son, John Marshall and his wife, Nancy of West Palm Beach; daughter, Jeanne Anne Moore and her husband, Melvin of Dana Point, CA; brother, Victor Cribb of Homestead, FL; sister, Edna Santa of Naples, FL and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian in West Palm Beach on December 11, 2009 at 10 AM with the Reverend William Stepp officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Mrs. Peterson's name may be made to the Arthur R. Marshall Foundation's Scholarship Fund, PO Box 2620, Palm Beach, FL 33480.
Nancy Quigley Powell
Nancy Quigley Powell, 86, died on Dec. 2 in Grafton, West Virginia, where she had lived since 2002. Born in Baltimore, Nancy and her family moved to Miami Beach, in 1927. Nancy was active in volunteer work as a Girl Scout leader, a docent at the Miami Museum of Science, and a member of the Coral Gables Junior Women's Club. She went to work for the City of Coral Gables and served as the first secretary to the Chief of Police. Nancy is survived by her children Linda Lee Powell of Raleigh, NC, Barbara Lee Powell of Parkersburg, WV, her brother The Reverend Dr. Frank Vernon Quigley of Orlando. She also leaves her wonderful caregivers at Rosewood in Grafton. Nancy was predeceased by her husband, Robert H. Powell. A memorial service will be held at 11am on Saturday, December 12, 2009 at St. Philip's Episcopal Church, Coral Gables. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Humane Society of Greater Miami / Adopt-A- Pet, 16101 W. Dixie Highway, N. Miami Beach, Florida 33160.
Katherine P. Rosenblatt
Katherine P. Rosenblatt, (formerly of Coral Gables)Administrator, educator, playwright, poet and activist died peacefully in her home on November 10 in Oakland. She is survived by her partner Joyce Pierson, daughters Susan & Elizabeth, son Hal and was pre- deceased by son John. Memorial gifts to the charity of your choice.
Sara Craig Samet
Sara Craig Samet, 75, passed away on December 1. Sara was a native Miamian whose parents, Roland W. and Dorothy Craig, pioneered Craig Key in the Florida Keys. Indeed she loved the Keys and had fond memories of being able to grow up with fabulous fishing flats for a back yard. She graduated from Coral Gables High School and was a member of the Cavaliettes. She was proud to be a University of Florida Gator and sorority sister of Alpha Delta Pi . Sally was also a young gifted pianist. As a final farewell, Sara was an organ donor, giving the most precious gift of all to those who might live on. She is survived by her twin sister, Suzanne Cooper, sister Julia Gottlieb, 4 children - Richard, Andrew, Walter and Valerie Kniffin and 6 grandchildren. At her request, her remains will be scattered on the water at Craig Key as a memorial by her family.
Isobel E. Taylor
Isobel E. Taylor, 89, died Dec. 5, 2009, at Indian River Estates Medical in Vero Beach. She was born in Norfolk, Va., and lived in Vero Beach for 30 years, coming from Coral Gables. Before retirement, she was a guidance counselor and teacher in the Norfolk public schools. She was an active member of the American Association of University Women for many years. Survivors include her son, Charles A. Taylor III of Virginia Beach, Va.; two grandchildren; and three great- grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles A. Taylor Jr. services: A memorial service and burial will take place at the U.S. Naval Academy Columbarium at Annapolis, Md., at a later date.
Kathryne Eugenie Ford Vachon
Kathryne Eugenie Ford Vachon, 94, died December 1 at Citrus Memorial Hospital in Inverness, Fla.. She was born in Miami on April 11, 1915 to the late Eva Ford. She and her late husband, Ted Vachon, moved to Inverness in 1982. Kathryne retired as CEO of Tropical Telco Credit Union. A student of University of Miami School of Business, she worked her entire life in Coral Gables and Kathryne became the first female CEO of Tropical Telco Credit Union. She was appointed by President Gerald Ford as a member of the National Credit Union Board, and she successfully lobbied Congress for all credit unions to be insured by the FDIC, to insure the deposits of members. Remembered as a beloved wife, mother and grandmother, her survivors include her daughter Jean Dexter of Crystal River, granddaughter Lora Jean Basara of Miami, FL; sister Eugenie Winters of Inverness, FL; one great-grandson, Austin Phillips and three great-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Ted, daughter Betty Jo Jordan and great-grandson, Chris Basara. Burial Office with Requiem Eucharist was celebrated on December 7 at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church of Invrness with Fr. Eugene F. Reuman officiating. Inurnment will follow in St. Margaret's All Saints Memorial Gardens. Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Harry Wolfsthal
Harry Wolfsthal, 88, formerly of Mt. Vernon, NY, resident of Coral Gables, passed away on Nov. 30. Survived by beloved wife of 60 years Hanna, loving children Susan and Ted , grandchildren Rebecca, Jennifer, Elizabeth, Katherine and Steven. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Donations in his memory can be made to the Alzheimer's Association , Coral Gables Chapter. Services on Wednesday, December 2 at 2:30 p.m. Riverside Gordon Memorial Chapel at Kendall, 5900 SW 77 Ave., Miami, FL. Interment at Mt. Nebo Kendall. 305-274-0641.
Blanche Becerra-Albl
Blanche Becerra-Albl, of Coral Gables, has passed away on November 12 at the age of 77 after a courageous struggle against a devastating illness. Blanche was active as a business owner and participated in a variety of local organizations, especially the Country Club of Coral Gables and the Fleet of the Country Club. She was well- known as an avid golfer, bowler and bridge player. She was also known for her generosity to a multitude of charities and was glad to give of her time to the organizations to which she belonged. She was a faithful and devoted wife for 40 years to the late Joseph H. Becerra, a leading Coral Gables businessman who passed away in 1991, and by whom she had two loving sons who survive her: Joseph of Weston, Fla (daughter-in-law Amy) and Robert of Palmetto Bay, Fla, (daughter- in-law Christiana). She was also preceded in death by her second husband, David Albl of Coral Gables, who passed away in 2007. She had five grandchildren: Joseph, Daniel, Lisanne, Matthew and Luke Becerra, who will miss her greatly. She is also survived by two sisters, Rose Castro of Bradenton, Florida and Leonore Barbosa of Port St. Lucie, Florida, as well as by nephews Hugo Lopez of Bradenton, John Barbosa of Tampa, niece Heidi Starr of Port St. Lucie, and her extended family and many friends. VAN ORSDEL - CORAL GABLES 4600 SW 8 St. 305-446-4412 Family Owned Since 1924 www.vanorsdel.com
Johnnie Anderson
DAYTONA BEACH - Johnnie Will Anderson, 88, of Pleasant Drive, a retired worker for the Daytona Laundry Service, died Saturday at Memorial Hospital-Ormond Beach.
Ms. Anderson was born in Bronwood, Ga., and moved to this area in 1936 from her birthplace. She was a member of the Church of God. She enjoyed fishing and flowers.
Survivors include a son, Rufus Terry, Daytona Beach; four grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. R. J. Gainous is in charge.
Esther Armstrong
DELAND - Esther M. Armstrong, 83, of Alliance Court, a resident since 1995, died Friday at a local care center.
Mrs. Armstrong, a homemaker, was born in Halifax, Pa., and moved to this area from Orlando. She was a member of the Alliance Church, and enjoyed children.
Survivors include her husband of 56 years, Robert; a son, John, Portland, Ore.; and a daughter, June Armstrong. Allen-Summerhill, DeLand, is in charge.
