Tomasina Arlene Gettel
December 08, 1946 - September 24, 2010
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Tomasina Arlene Gettel
December 08, 1946 - September 24, 2010
Obituary
Tomasina Arlene Gettel
Born in Lynwood, CA – December 8, 1946
Passed away September 24, 2010
Memorial Services: Friday, October 1, 2010 10:00 a.m. – O’Connor Mortuary, Laguna Hills
Reception and ‘Celebration of Tomi’s Life’ immediately following 12:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. – San Juan Hills Country Club, San Juan Capistrano
Interment: Saturday, October 2, 2010 Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills
Tomasina Gettel was an amazing lady! Tomi grew up in Downey, CA. She worked 10 years for Dun & Bradstreet rising to Chief Bookkeeper until she met and married David Gettel on December 14, 1974. Soon after, Tomi relocated her family 13 times in 25 years, including Louisiana twice, Iran, Washington State, West Africa, Indonesia and up and down California before finally settling in Lake Forest and Palm Desert, California.
Tomi was an active member of the San Juan Hills Women’s Golf Association holding several positions including Membership Chairman and President.
Tomi was creative, funny, witty, strong, loving, caring a true fighter – the epitome of a hero! Tomi was a devoted wife, phenomenal mother, and loyal friend.
She leaves behind her husband, David Gettel; two daughters, Kristen Jim Gettel-Barrett, Brooke Rob Duval; four grandchildren, Joshua and Kailee Barrett, Jaydon and Collin Duval. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Elizabeth Evenson.
She will be missed!
Please visit: oconnormortuary.com for more information on services and to write your memories to Tomi.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to:
StandUp2Cancer.org
Knots-of-love.org
41 responses to Tomasina Arlene Gettel
katherine walters says:
September 29, 2010
i didnt get the chance to meet u personally…. But i felt i knew you . if u we’re anything like brooke you were a wonderful person….i know your’ll in a great place, may the lord watch over u and bless your family until u meet again… love katherine
Debbie Henninger says:
September 30, 2010
It was always a pleasure to see you Tomi, you always went out of your way to say Hi, and always blessed me with one of your wonderful smiles. As a bartender I always pick favorites to see, and you were one of them, you always made me laugh. You will be greatly missed. May GOD Bless YOU and keep you safe by HIS side. Love You Much Deb
Sharin says:
September 30, 2010
The flood of memories that come over me as I struggle with the realization that you have left this earthly realm is almost overwhelming. It turns out that you have had a memorable presence throughout each stage in my life, beginning with your marriage and subsequent pregnancy with Kristen that you so joyfully shared with my mother at my childhood home in Larchmont Village to my meeting David for the first time at your home across the street from the schoolyard which was soon followed by the official beginning of your adventurous life with David with the backyard wedding at Uncle Ed’s home. Brooke was born soon after and your family was relocated to exciting – and sometimes dangerous – parts of the world. Through it all, we always had points of close and special connection through which we shared the joys and sadness that life brought. We had heartbreaking moments and gut-aching laughter, sometimes in equal measure. When you traded in your joy for tennis to your joy for golf, a new path was blazed – one not to be overlooked by anyone near to you. Your strength in the midst of health crises was remarkable and your commitment to all those your loved was undeniable. Now that I am forced to acknowledge the fact that I can no longer take your availability for granted or hold onto the selfish desire for you to be near, I tearfully – and thankfully – consider the gift that you were myself and all those who came to know and love you. I can only stand in confidence that you will continuously be covered by the spirit of the moments and people that brought you the best of joy and love in this life. You will be held closely in my heart and mind and your absence will leave a void for my family always.
Gary & Patty Lee says:
October 2, 2010
Tomi,
Knowing you has enriched our lives. We will always cherish the fond memories of visiting with you at the kid’s Birthdays. You made us fee like part of the family. You are going to be missed so much by those who loved you. May we all feel comforted knowing you are watching over us.
With all our love,
Gary & Patty Lee
San Diego
The Duvals says:
October 4, 2010
We are so sorry for your loss. Tomi was always so fun to be around. In our eyes her biggest accomplishment was raising her kids to become kind, loving and strong adults. She will truly be missed but her spirit will live you always. We love you!