Obituaries

Oct 21, 2025

Chizuko Gracia Higuchi was born September 1 st , 1949 in Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan.  She was a kind woman of many interests and accomplishments.  She passed away on October 21 st , 2025 at the age of 76 after struggling with pulmonary hypertension which wore down her lungs and ultimately her heart.

Since she grew...

Oct 19, 2025

Dr. Bert Lawrence McCoy

With love and gratitude, we honor the life of Dr. Bert Lawrence McCoy, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, whose faith and character touched all who knew him.

Born in Santa Monica, California, Bert was the second son of Paul and June McCoy and grew up with his brothers...

Oct 19, 2025

1932 – 2025 • Passed away peacefully on October 19, 2025 • Age 93

Thomas Lloyd Thorkelson, lovingly known as "Batman," passed away peacefully at home on the morning of October 19, 2025, at the age of 93, with his beloved wife, Sheila, by his side. He lived a remarkable life filled with faith, service, courage, humor,...

Oct 18, 2025

John Brandlin, Jr., born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the first child of Mary Cecile Mc Laughlin and John Joseph Brandlin, passed away peacefully of Alzheimer's on October 18, 2025.

John attended the University of Arizona, where he completed a bachelor's degree in history. He went on to attend law school at Southwestern School of Law and began...

Oct 17, 2025

Laurie Jan McClure was born on May 19, 1949, in Corvallis, Oregon, to Leslie and Jeannie Rhodes. She was the oldest of two children, with her younger brother, John, completing the family. After attending Oregon State University, Laurie traded the gray skies of the Pacific Northwest for the sunshine of Southern California, moving with a close friend in search of...

Oct 17, 2025

Kevin Alan Pezzolla, 79, of San Clemente, California, passed away on Friday, October 17th at City of Hope Hospital in Duarte surrounded by loved ones. Kevin was born on August 9, 1946 in Jersey City, New Jersey, to Frank and Doris Pezzolla. Kevin had his son Brian in 1973 and married the love of his life, Maria Collica in...

Oct 15, 2025

Janet Elaine Gahagan died October 15, 2025 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.   A lifelong lover of books, Janet turned that love into a career and managed bookstores for B. Dalton Booksellers among others.  Upon retirement, she was active for many years with the Rancho Santa Margarita Friends of the Library, managing the bookstore and eventually serving...

Oct 11, 2025

Richard “Dick” Nettelman

Born July 30, 1942

Died October 11, 2025

Richard William Nettelman was born in San Francisco CA to Austrian/German immigrant parents, Nettie and Otto. He attended St. Agnes school and later Riordan High School in San Francisco, where he graduated in 1960. Dick grew up working his paper route, building...

Oct 11, 2025

Giao Ma February 2, 1938 – October 11, 2025

Giao Ma, 87, of Laguna Niguel, CA, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2025. Born in Vietnam, Giao served as a pharmacist in the South Vietnamese army during the war. In 1980, he courageously immigrated to the United States with his family, seeking a better life....

Oct 9, 2025

Jody Ann Starr was born Jody Ann Skopinski on October 8, 1947, in Lincoln, Nebraska.  Her father Frank Skopinski and mother Joan Skopinski were always on their toes with Jody and her brother Skip.  When they were young they moved to Dearborn, Michigan.  Jody loved baseball and wanted to play (no girls allowed at the time), and so she...

Oct 9, 2025

Ross Turner (1946-2025)

Ross Turner, beloved husband, father, grandfather, educator, and founder of Guided Discoveries, passed away unexpectedly on October 9, 2025 from a cardiac arrest in Dana Point, California. He was 79.  His passing was sudden and peaceful — just as he would have wanted — leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire for...

Oct 7, 2025

Linda Susan Laituri, 76, passed away peacefully on the evening of October 7, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on June 1, 1949, in Lynwood, California. Linda was the heart and soul of her family, known for her generous love and infectious laughter.

A dedicated wife, mother of five, and grandmother of six, Linda's greatest joy...

Oct 7, 2025

Dennis E. Smith

October 12, 1935 – October 7, 2025

It is with great sadness the family of Dennis E. Smith (of Warren, MI and Ladera Ranch, CA) announces his passing away on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, surrounded by family at home.

Dennis was a devout Catholic with a devotion to Mary and...

Oct 6, 2025

The Rev. Dr. Ellen R. Hill died peacefully at home, on Monday, October 6, 2025, in Irvine, California surrounded by her family.  Born in Akron, Ohio, Ellen was the eldest daughter of Milo Ratkovich and Alice (Marksity) Metzel. In 1960, Ellen received a bachelor’s degree from Ohio Wesleyan University, and married Lamar Mott Hill later that year.  The Hills...

Oct 5, 2025

In Loving Memory of Kaiden Drew St. Martin (2000 – 2025)

Kaiden St. Martin, 24, of Dana Point, left this earth far too soon on October 5, 2025. Born November 10, 2000, Kaiden is the beloved son of Lyndsey St. Martin and Steven Shunk.

Kaiden's wit and subtle sense of humor always seemed to surface...

Oct 4, 2025

Camilla "Millie" Herrera

September 11, 1953-October 4, 2025

Camilla "Millie" Herrera, age 72 of Colton, California, passed into glory on October 4, 2025. Millie was born in San Bernardino and raised in Colton, California.

Millie was known as a dedicated mother to her two sons Matthew and Andrew Herrera. She was best known...

Oct 4, 2025

Patrick Lawrence Birkett, a longtime resident of Laguna Niguel, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2025, at the age of 94. He was a loving father, grandfather, brother, and father-in-law, and a devoted husband to the late Sharon Birkett, his beloved wife of 65 years.

Patrick was born on September 28, 1931, in Detroit, Michigan to Arthur...

Oct 4, 2025

Floyd Anthony King

February 20, 1957- October 4, 2025

A true Southern gent who was quick to shake one's hand while flashing a big, genuine smile, Tony's presence was always hard to miss in the room. With a drink in one hand and a laugh that lit up the room, Tony's warm welcome...

Oct 4, 2025

Spencer Timms

Spencer was an Eagle Scout from Troop 634 in Lake Forest, CA.

As an Industrial Design honor student at California State University Long Beach in the College of the Arts/Design, Spencer had tremendous potential for a great career in vehicle and product designs.

Spencer enjoyed working on his car, a 1990...

Oct 1, 2025

Rollin Seth Binzer

October 4, 1939 – October 1, 2025

Rollin Seth Binzer passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on October 1, 2025, at his home in Long Beach, California.

Born on October 4, 1939, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Dr. Harry and Elsa Binzer, Rollin's life was defined by creativity, curiosity, and...