In Memoriam Phyllis L. Poper Phyllis Levonne Lawton Poper, 102, of Long Beach, California, peacefully passed away on Aug.24, 2024. She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Richard L. Poper, and is survived by her children Roy (Laura), Penny, Jim (Mary), three grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and sister Martha Walker (Bill). Born in Emporia, Kansas, she was the third of four children born to Henry and Edna Lawton. After high school, she moved to Long Beach, where she met her future husband Richard on a blind date. They married, and raised three children in Long Beach. Phyllis was active in service organizations and clubs; Virginia Country Club, Long Beach Yacht Club, California Council of Women’s Architectural League; St. Mary’s Guild; Rancho Los Alamitos; LBCC Fine Arts Foundation; Naples Island Garden Club; Los Altos Methodist Church, and the Philanthropic Educational Organization. Her many interests and hobbies included golf, poetry, oral history, bridge, jewelry making, crocheting, knitting, and creative writing. She had self-published two poetry books, wrote short stories, and penned a novella. Phyllis and Richard moved from Los Altos, to Naples, and then to Leisure World, where she was active in the Leisure World Community Church, Lapidary Club and the Creative Writers Club. She said that her service organization experiences enriched her life. Memorial donations may be made to the Long Beach City College Foundation; Richard and Phyllis Poper Scholarship Fund, 4901 E. Carson St., Long Beach, CA 90808; 562-938-4267 or 562-938-4139.

Homer LaGene “Gene” Hutchings 1925-2024 Homer LaGene “Gene” Hutchings, 98, passed away peacefully on Aug. 9, 2024, in Seal Beach, California. Born on Aug. 14, 1925, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Gene lived a life marked by dedication to his family, his country and his passions. Gene served with distinction in the military, first joining the Army Air Force at the tender age of 18. His commitment to his country was exemplified by earning two honorable discharges: one from the Army Air Force and later from the U.S. Air Force. He cherished his service memories and could recite his dog tag numbers by heart until his final days. Following his military service, Gene embarked on a successful career as a chiropractor, establishing the largest practice in Southern California with three offices. After selling his practice, he transitioned to a second career in the brokerage business with Crowell-Weedon in Long Beach, where he worked for 42 years, retiring at the impressive age of 90. Gene’s personal life was filled with love and joy. He met his beloved wife, Carol, at a dance at the Senior Citizens Hall in Eldorado Park, Long Beach. They married two years later and enjoyed 17 wonderful years together. Gene was a devoted family man and is survived by his wife, Carol; sons, Mike Hutchings (Shannon) of Yorktown, Virginia, and Jon Hutchings (Mauri) of Milton, Georgia; stepson, David Lynn (Tami) of Buena Park, California; and stepdaughter, Evelyn Green of Placentia, California. His legacy continues through his grandchildren, D’Arcy Hutchings, Brett Lynn, Jackson Hutchings, and Ava Hutchings, and greatgrandchildren, Odin Heath and Vaida Larkin. He was predeceased in death by his parents, Homer and Maida (Adams) Hutchings, and his sisters, Joan (Hutchings) Lovitt and Joyce (Hutchings) Prestesater. An avid aviator, Gene loved flying his Piper Comanche. His flights to Joplin, Missouri, and monthly trips to Big Bear for a sandwich were cherished adventures. He continued flying until age of 96, demonstrating his endurance for aviation. Gene and Carol also cherished many cruises and road trips. Services to honor Gene’s remarkable life will be held at Rose Hills Memorial Park and Mortuary in Whittier, California. Viewing will take place on Aug. 24 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., followed by the funeral service from 3-4 p.m. Rose Hills Memorial Park and Mortuary in Whittier, California is assisting the family during this time. Gene’s life was a testament to his strength love and perseverance. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Erna Lina Durando 1935-2024 Erna Lina Durando, 88, passed away at her home in Leisure World on Aug. 11, 2024. She was born in the Rheinland-Pfalz of Pirmasens, Germany, in 1935. She came to America in 1957 to marry her husband and became a proud citizen in 1972. She resided in New Jersey for 54 years, having owned her own business for over 10 of those years before moving to Leisure World in 2011. She was an active member of her Leisure World community and belonged to multiple clubs including Wa-Rite, The Red Hats, the Garden Club and the Italian American Club. She was predeceased by her husband, Dominick J. Durando; her parents Friedrich and Lina Sommer; and her brother Fritz Sommer. Erna is survived by her children: Debra Pedersen and her husband, Kaj; and Dominick F. Durando and his wife, Diane,her grandchildren: Sarah Cullinane and her husband, Ryan; Kristina Law and her husband, Eric; Dominick J. Durando; Emma Durando; Dana Pedersen; and her great-grandchildren: Hailey Cullinane; and Sevryn Law. Erna will be returning to New Jersey, where she will be laid to rest alongside her husband and surrounded by her loved ones.

Marguerite Marie Pizzuto May 6,1934-August 3,2024 Marguerite Pizzuto, Margie to her friends and family, passed away Aug. 3, 2024, at the age of 90. She was born May 6, 1934, to Harold and Marguerite Tate in Brooklyn, New York. Marguerite came from a big family of four brothers and three sisters, and a lot of good memories of family and friends were made in New York. In 1951 she married Joseph Pizzuto, the love of her life, who preceded her in death May 11, 2024. They were married 73 years. The couple enjoyed playing bingo once or twice a week and took many trips to casinos. They came to California in 1963 and lived in Leisure World Seal Beach for 30 happy years. She has many friends and really enjoyed living in LW. Margie was a generous and caring person, who always thought of other people before herself. She was a devoted wife, a great mom and a special grandma and great grandma, plus friend to everyone. Margie is survived by son Joseph (Arlene) of Laguna Woods, California, and daughter Marguerite Bailey (Randy) of Gig Harbor, Washington; grandchildren Eric Bailey and Stephanie Thelen (Mitch) and great grandchildren Levi Bailey, Owen and Reese Thelen, also from Gig Harbor. She is also survived by her sister; Grace Bottari of Montauk, New York, and many nieces and nephews. She will be missed, and now she can be with her beloved husband, Joe, forever. There will be a memorial service and reception Tuesday, Aug. 27, at 9 a.m. at Westminster Memorial Park and Mortuary, 14801 Beach Blvd., Westminster, CA 92683. In lieu of flowers, people can make a donations to the Alzheimers. org or a dementia-related foundation of their choice.

In Memoriam Gerald R. “Jerry” Brady Gerald R. “Jerry” Brady, longtime Leisure World resident with his partner, Patricia James, passed peacefully on Sunday, July 28, 2024. A devoted member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Jerry served on the church board, and as congregational President for 10 years. A career newspaperman, he spent 60 years in display advertising sales, working for local newspapers in Huntington Park, Downey and Norwalk, as well as the Los Angeles Herald Examiner. Also active in community activities, Jerry coached youth teams with Downey Junior Athletic Association for many years, and served one term as president of the Downey Chamber of Commerce. Jerry loved community theatre; he acted in or directed countless productions over the years. A sports fan “extraordinaire,” he supported baseball, football, basketball, hockey... but, especially, arena football! He is survived by a son, daughter and grandson, as well Patricia’s son, daughter and grandchildren A memorial service will be held at Redeemer Lutheran and Saint Theodore’s Episcopal Church on Saturday, Aug.10, at 11 a.m. Luncheon to follow.

In Memoriam Elaine Larson Condon Elaine Larson Condon of Mutual 1, passed peacefully on June 29 after a brief illness. Beloved mother, devoted sister, and true-blue LA Dodgers’ fan, Elaine enjoyed a life filled with international travel, great friendships and plenty of chilled rosé. Born in Whittier, Elaine attended Whittier High School and Stanford University, enjoyed a successful 30-year career as a runway model, and lived in France with the loves of her life, her husband André and her cherished dogs, Boo Boo and Magic. Elaine is survived by her daughters, Debbie Levine and Loren Halleran and son-inlaw John Halleran; sister and brother-in-law Pat and Bob Kalayjian; grandchildren Taylor Petty and Bo Halleran; and great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and their children, along with countless admirers. We will all miss her quick wit, keen intelligence, kind heart, and elegant style. Donations would be welcome at any animal-related charities.

Lavern Hal Jackson 1940-2024 Lavern Hal Jackson, born in Afton, Iowa, on Jan. 8, 1940, passed away on July 7, 2024. Preceded in death by his parents Loretta and Haldon Jackson, Lavern is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Sandra Jackson; his sons Randall, Landon, and Brandon Jackson; his three cherished grandchildren; his nieces and nephews; and his sister Hallie Jackson Moon. Lavern moved to Buena Park just a few weeks after high school to begin his singing career with the Wagon Masters at Knott’s Berry Farm. This initial foray into music laid the foundation for a life filled with melody and song. He had a long and fulfilling career running catering trucks for Orange County Food Services. His passion for music remained strong, leading him to open the John Wayne Theater at Knott’s Berry Farm with his band, The Here and Now. Lavern’s singing career truly flourished later in life when he was discovered by the Trinity Broadcast Network. He became a celebrated gospel singer, renowned for his soulful voice and heartfelt performances, achieving over 20 chart-topping albums over his more than 20-year career. Lavern will be remembered for his exceptional talent, his dedication to his family, and his unwavering faith. His music touched the hearts of many, and his legacy will continue to inspire and uplift those who knew him and those who will come to know him through his recordings. There will be a service on Saturday, July 27, at 3 p.m. at HIS Place Church, 14061 Chestnut St., Westminster, CA 92683.