Darlene Milek 1953-2023 There are times in our lives that we meet that person and instantly “click.” That would describe the friendship that I had with my dear friend, Darlene Milek. She moved into Leisure World in the spring of 2018. By summertime, we were in the pool and planning monthly get-togethers for our “Glenview Friends.” In the fall of 2018 and throughout 2019 we all learned about preparedness in the event of any emergency. Little did we know that in the spring of 2020, we would be put to the test of how well she had prepared us. Darlene was born in the spring of 1953, raised in the Lakewood area, attended college, married, and raised two children in Cypress, California. She eventually moved to Reno, Nevada, to become a school principal. Darlene worked hard and was always learning about something new. Nevertheless, she always had time for her family, neighbors and her community at large. During her time here she became a director and, at the time of her passing, she was secretary for Mutual 12. She spent countless hours in the service of her family, our neighborhood and community. In 2020, she lost her beautiful daughter, Robin. Even with that loss she pushed on and started an Etsy store, The Brown Hen Farm. Her sewing and embroidery projects were beyond amazing. She also assisted those who needed alterations and other sewing services. She never said “No.” I would frequently remind her that “No” was a complete sentence. She was my sidekick whenever I wanted to go on an adventure. We went to the pool in the summer and tried to keep busy in the winter rather than fall asleep at 7 p.m. and be up at 4 a.m. We cooked for each other one night a week. On Fridays, we had a regular date to Fantastic Café. I have a huge hole in my heart. We were supposed to be old ladies together. I am sad for me; but, happy for her. She died peacefully in her sleep on Nov. 7, 2023. No horrible illness, no more pain for the loss of her daughter. Darlene leaves behind her son John and his family, including three grandchildren and one great-grandchild, former husband and friend, Steve, and her son-in-law Jeff and her four grandchildren. I have asked our neighbors to share their thoughts: Mary said, “Darlene was always available to help if I had a problem. She was always friendly no matter what I asked her.” Linda and Jerry said, “Darlene was the first to welcome us to Glenview. Her warmth was real and made a difference. She always listened and always cared. She made a difference; and, we can only hope she knows how much we loved her. Farewell my friend.” Jeanette and Fred said, “Darlene was such a special gift to our neighborhood and broader community of Leisure World. Each and every day she did something to contribute to the good of others. Darlene set an example for us all to follow. She will be greatly missed.” Richard and Suzannah said, “We’re good with what each of you have written. So many thoughts and so hard to find the right words.” Kathie said, “Darlene was my next door neighbor and my anchor to LW since I moved in two years ago. She seemed always available to answer questions about LW, Mutual 12 and our block. It turns out that Darlene was everybody’s anchor and resource—because she cared deeply about the welfare of her neighbors, family, and friends. Regular sightings of Darlene, Cinnamon (her dog), and the golf cart are sorely missed.” Cyndi said, “Her door was always open and I was always welcomed. I will miss our girls’ lunches.” Rich said, “Darlene was the neighbor that was always available for anything and everyone. Darlene had her ways of making people feel at ease and included. Darlene was smart, witty and always creative. Darlene was able to pull the neighbors together to create our neighborhood.” Evelyn said, “Darlene was a real gem. She was never too busy to lend an ear or a helping hand. I will forever miss her and her kind ways.” Caren said, “Darlene was a force of light and positivity in our neighborhood. Through her selfless support, many people were able to continue to live independent lives. Her comforting presence in our community will be sorely missed.” Julia said that Darlene helped her to remain in her home. Rest in Peace, our dear friend. — Paid obituary written by Valerie McRoberts

In Memoriam Alex Alfonso 84 Joe Itow 70 Robert Larbig 70 Antonio Lopez 69 James Stewart 90 Paul Perencevic 80 Cynthia Vukic 65 Alice Keesee 75 Cydney Arenda 68 Jeneane Benedict 94 Christinia Crain 79 Leonard Drey 85 Kimberly Elliot 64 Families Assisted by McKenzie Mortuary, 562-961-9301 —paid obituary

In Memoriam Judy England 62 Susan Morris 79 Delma Reath 86 Richard Snell 72 Dolores Stoker 82 Glen Wheeler 86 Doris Aito 89 Mary Coleman 84 Henry Hightower 57 Edward Sale 75 Cynthia Maiden 65 Robert Wadey 76 Dwayne Larson 81 Leonard Jackson 79 Daniel Roberts 67 James Farmer 60 Olga Cantu 86 Concepcion Acosta Garcia 63 Families Assisted by McKenzie Mortuary, 562-961-9301 —paid obituary

In Memoriam Trinidad Hernandez 55 Barbara Harlocker 93 Jonathan Waxman 60 Robert Collopy 77 Patsy Separd 84 Andrea Demone 81 Jo Ann Zergman 92 Felipe Alemon 71 Mark Glenn 68 George Howard 78 Khiev Koeut 66 Leon Leonardo 85 Kim Ran 60 Rosemary Hulen 101 Ramiro Diaz 86 Victor Alijan 92 Kathleen King 72 Peter Moy 70 Jesus Martinez Fabela 59 Fred Mbachu 61 Guadalupe Ramirez Mora 58 Charlene Reynolds 69 Melvin Makahanaloa 85 Jacqueline Oglesby 72 Stephen Reneau 63 Nancy Chenoweth 70 Janice Davidson 79 Frank Kropacek 86 Daniel Hayes 67 Families Assisted by McKenzie Mortuary, 562-961-9301 —paid obituary

In Memoriam Dashell Hart 76 Paul Park 83 Tommy Mejia 75 Cynthia Wheeler 69 Joyce Anderson 83 Karyl Crosthwait 81 Teresa Sanchez Monge 70 Jill Zunigar 59 Tekle Zigetta 63 Barbara Spangler Sorenson 92 Charles Alford 74 Joe Morse 84 Douglas James 65 Lawrence Fitzgerald 76 Laronda Harris 55 Robert Moore 88 Meris Sibley 87 Jenifer Wald Morgan 69 Yvette White 82 George Johnson 98 Brian Hodge 59 Minnie Nua 83 Barbara Lackey 79 Jane Nesmith 77 Ralph Rasmussen 91 Carla Antuna 74 Darla Bartoli 58 Norman Beaty 71 Nancy Jordan 78 Nancy Fagen 102 Robert Hale 90 John Hall 82 Orav McCullough 91 Bertram Northrop 77 Theresa Roach 70 David Peterson 86 Peri Rasko 59 Phyllis Hege 84 Kenneth Whitney 82 Guy Martin 92 Tim Gill 78 Families Assisted by McKenzie Mortuary, 562-961-9301 —paid obituary

In Memoriam David Peterson 86 Peri Rasko 59 Phyllis Hege 84 Kenneth Whitney 82 Guy Martin 92 Tim Gill 78 Judith Lines 70 Marlene Kudryk 84 Frances Ritchey 64 Kelly Brown 67 Families Assisted by McKenzie Mortuary, 562-961-9301 —paid obituary

Janice Laine 1937- 2023 Janice Laine, a friend to many in Leisure World, passed away on Sept. 6, 2023. Born in Iowa and raised in Nebraska, she then moved to California. She got her master’s degree and taught at Westminster High School. Janice, her husband and three children lived in Westminster. After her husband died, she moved into Leisure World. Janice was in many clubs, including the Video Producers Club, where she filmed many of the club’s performances. She also co-taught an improv class, was an avid reader and a member of a book club, and wrote the newsletter for the Seniors for Peace Club. Janice is survived by her son Rustan Laine; daughter-in-law Joan; daughter Tina Laine; son-in-law, Van; her grandchildren, Chelsee Laine (married to Trevor McClung) Jake Laine and Victoria Laine; her great -grandchildren Lenin McClung and Mordecai Laine. If you wish to make a donation in Janice’s name donate to PlannedParenthood or Second Harvest of OC.

Richard “Dick” Stone 2023 It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Richard “Dick” Stone. He passed away peacefully at the age of 87, surrounded by his loved ones. He was survived by his daughter, grandson, granddaughter and four great-grandchildren. Dick was a longtime resident of Leisure World. He had served as president of Mutual 1 and also as a board member of the Golden Rain Foundation. He was a Marine, pilot, sailor, engineer and friend. He was also a longtime beloved member of the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club. He was also the founder and president of the Special Forces Home For Christmas Fund. Dick received the Spirt of Hope Award from the Marine Corp in 2017, epitomizing the values of Bob Hope. Dick was also recognized with the Armed Forces Service Medal for all his hard work with the Special Forces Home for Christmas Fund. Since 2003, Stone has helped send over 1,000 Marines home for Christmas. He will be deeply missed but will live on through his foundation. SEMPER-FI

Herman Fogata 1924-2023 Herman Fogata, a dedic ated and compassionate individual, peacefully passed away in Seal Beach, California, on Aug. 26, 2023, at the age of 98. Born on Sept. 29, 1924, in Socorro, Texas, Herman had a remarkable life filled with achievements and contributions to his community. Herman pursued higher education at Berkeley and proudly served his country as a Signalman, Second Class in the U.S. Navy. He embarked on a career dedicated to professional service and civil leadership. For over two decades, he served as the executive director of the East Los Angeles Regional Center. Herman also worked in government, spearheading community action projects and advocating for the rights of the disadvantaged and disabled as well as a professor of social work at University of Southern California. Herman’s thirst for knowledge was insatiable, and was recognized as an avid reader and continuous learner. He was often found engrossed in research, studying, and sharing his wisdom. Music, literature and working on his computer outdoors were among his favorite pastimes. In his later years, Herman relocated to Leisure World, residing with his daughter Deborah and son-in-law Kelly. There, he embraced an active lifestyle, visiting the gym daily, attending concerts, engaging in discussions with neighbors, and working on his autobiography. Herman’s enthusiasm for life and his vibrant presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Herman Fogata’s passing is mourned by his family, friends, and the community he served with unwavering dedication. His commitment to the wellbeing of others will forever be remembered and cherished. ••• The obituaries deadline is Friday at 4 p.m., prior to the desired Thursday publication date. Obituaries that are received later than Friday will go in the following week’s issue. Email obituary notices to laurieb@lwsb.com with photos attached as jpg files. The first 250 words, plus one picture, are free to publish in the newspaper; each additional word is 25 cents. For more information, call 562-430-0534, ext. 801, or email laurieb@lwsb.com.