Friday, 19 April 2024

Obits

Susan Lynn Wojcieszak. Courtesy photo.

Susan Lynn Wojcieszak
Nov. 16, 1946 — Nov. 11, 2023

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Our sweet Momma has gone home in peace to be with our Dad.

She left behind her legacy in her son, Darren (Tammie); daughter, Deana (Kenny); grandchildren, Jamie (Johnny), Michael (Samantha), Ariana and Aaron (Lyndsey); and 10 great grandchildren.

She is also survived by her brother, Steve (Cheryl); sister, Mary Ann; many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

We will miss you and love you forever.

Celebration of life will be held at Upper Lake Cemetery on Saturday, Nov. 25, at 11 a.m.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.

Illeanna Frease. Courtesy photo.

Illeanna Makena Frease
Aug. 11, 2006 — Nov. 10, 2023

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Our darling Illeanna Makena Frease tragically left us on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023.

She is survived by her mother, Michaela John of Lakeport; father, Salvador Frease of Washington; grandmother, Leora John of Lower Lake; brother, Michael Frease of Lakeport; and sister, Melora Mendez of Lakeport.

Illeanna was a smart, beautiful and loving girl. Many knew her for her determination and kind spirit.

Traditional visitation will be held at Big Valley gymnasium starting on Saturday, Nov. 18, at 10 a.m. Funeral service will be held there on Tuesday, Nov. 21, at 10 a.m.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.

Tom Powers. Courtesy photo.

Thomas Wayne Powers
Jan. 29, 1962 — Oct. 31, 2023

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Thomas W. Powers passed away on Oct. 31, 2023.

Although he was diagnosed with an advanced rare cancer called GIST in 2015, Tom's positivity and determination to live a full life gave us these past eight wonderful years with him.

Throughout his battles with cancer, Tom worked hard, played hard, and never stopped giving back to his community, all the while caring for friends and family, near and far.

Tom was born to Larry and Audrey Powers in Chicago Heights, Illinois in January of 1962, but he spent the majority of his formative years in California.

He was 16 years old when the family moved to Lakeport, California, and put down roots. He graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1980 and went on to receive an electrical engineering degree from the University of the Pacific in Stockton California.

It was during an internship at Underwriters Laboratories in Santa Clara that Tom met his future wife, Lilia. They were married in 1987 and forged an enduring 36-year partnership, growing together and nurturing a loving family

Tom was deeply involved in the Lake County community. He began working for the family business, Lake County Electric Supply in 1994 and became the owner in 1998.

Alongside owning a small business, he served on the Lake County Unified School District (LUSD) School Board for 14 years.

He was an enthusiastic participant and patron of the Westshore Youth Sports League where he coached soccer, baseball, football and basketball during his children's tenure and beyond.

As his children grew, Tom's involvement in youth sports extended to the Clear Lake High School sports programs, particularly wrestling.

Throughout his life he grew more and more invested in his community. He was a member of Lakeport Rotary and supported both the Hospice Services of Lake County and Lake County 4-H Junior Livestock Auction. It has always been Tom's nature to look for ways to volunteer his time and resources to the people and community around him.

Tom had a wide array of hobbies and interests. He was an avid and accomplished golfer earning a spot in the pro am tournament. He was a motorcycle enthusiast, a loyal 49ers fan, a water ski racing champion and a rock climber. He loved the outdoors, and snow sports in particular. On the homefront he was a walnut farmer, cherishing the opportunity to work with his father in the family orchard.

So many people loved Tom and the amazing things they've had to say have been truly overwhelming. He was an inspiration, bringing light and positivity to everything he touched, and warming those around him with his ever-present smile. Tom's loyalty and honesty struck everyone he met. His determination and his positivity allowed him to accomplish anything he set his mind to, and inspired those around him to believe they could do the same. For all of his many joys, the one he cherished most was becoming a grandfather. His grandchildren were the light of his life.

Thomas is predeceased by his sister, Terri; brother, Timothy; and father, Larry.

He is survived by his wife, Lilia; son, Nathan; daughter, Sierra (Nolan) Williams; grandson, Julian Gitlevich; granddaughter, Ava Williams; mother, Audrey Powers; sisters, Tammy (Stephen) Carter and Trudy Powers (Kurt) Hoffman; nieces and nephews, Kimberly Carter (Geneson) Agbayani, Stephen (Heather) Carter Jr., Powers Chandler, Jahleel Agbayani, Mason Carter, Audrey Agbayani and Kaylee Carter.

We have been so moved by the response of those who knew him. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Tom’s name to the Hospice Services of Lake County or the GIST Cancer Research Fund.

We love and miss you, Tom. Your light will always shine bright and you will be in our hearts forever.

A celebration of life will be held at Ceago Vinegarden 5115 East Highway 20 in Nice on Saturday, Nov. 11, at 2 p.m.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.

Mary “Ewii” Peters. Courtesy photo.


Mary ‘Ewii’ Peters
May 28, 1991 — Nov. 12, 2023

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Mary “Ewii” Peters will be entering rest along with her father, Lamar Peters.

She leaves behind her grandmother, Loretta Kelsey; mother, Theodora White; brothers, Joseph, Aaron, Kevin, ROB, Gabe and Dex; sisters, Brooke, Sophia, Stormy and Ashley; and many nieces and nephews.

Traditional visitation will be held at Robinson Rancheria gymnasium on Friday, Nov. 17, and Saturday, Nov. 18, and continue at Elem Indian Colony in Clearlake Oaks on Sunday, Nov. 19, with burial there on Monday, Nov. 20, at 10 a.m.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.

Joseph Benitez. Courtesy photo.


LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph Othon Benitez.

Joe was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He spoke fluent sarcasm, quick with puns, he was one of a kind! Many beautiful memories he left behind.

Joe was born Nov. 20, 1946, to Mary (Pina) and Gonzalo (Juarez) Burlanga-Benitez in Alameda, California, the youngest of seven.

He entered into rest on Oct. 21, 2023, leaving behind his wife of 44 years, Mary; kids, Coy, Lisa, Rose, Jesse and Michael (Cassandra); and seven grandchildren, Talyn, Maveric, Shalya, Zethan, Damian, Violet and Jeremy.

A celebration of life will be held in the near future.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.

Carol Ann Germenis. Courtesy photo.

Carol Ann Germenis
1938 – 2023

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Carol was born at Saint Mary’s Hospital in San Francisco on May 22, 1938. She passed away 85 years later in the excellent care of Sutter Health Hospital in Lakeport at 4:20 p.m. Sept. 7, 2023.

She attended grammar and middle school in the Excelsior District of San Francisco. She attended her first year of high school at Lowell College Prep, and later transferred to Balboa High School where she graduated six months earlier than her classmates due to her summer school credits.

At the age of 17, in February 1956, she married her loving husband, Peter, at the Greek Orthodox Church in San Francisco. They purchased their first home in South San Francisco. In 1957, her first son, Mark, was born, followed by Jeffrey in 1962 and David in 1963.

After the boys were grown, Carol went to work at Macy’s Serramonte in Daly City for 17 years as the manager of the Lancôme Cosmetics Department. She also spent four years as a member of the San Mateo County Mental Health Board and spent many days volunteering for the Blood Centers of the Pacific.

She also demonstrated food products on the weekends at various area supermarkets. Carol attended San Francisco State University where she graduated with a degree in the Greek Language and Studies.

In 1971 the family purchased a small cabin in the Gordon Springs subdivision in Cobb. Over a period of time, the cabin was remodeled to become a family residence. The family retired to Cobb in 2003.

Carol was a founding member of Safe House of Lake County which helped homeless teens find personal help and homes to live in.

She volunteered at Hospice of Lake County for many years in Middletown and Lakeport, repairing jewelry and having a weekly sale to help raise needed funds.

Carol was predeceased by her mother, Florence; her father, Alphonse; her brothers, Paul and David; and her sister-in-law, Jerry.

She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Peter, as well as her sons, Mark, Jeffrey, and David, and their wives, Diane, Elizabeth, and Debbie.

Carol is also survived by her five grandchildren, Jeffrey II, Brian, Julie, Jeremy and Joyce, and four great-grandchildren, Kayden, Marvelo, Marquez and Mateo, and two nieces, Michelle Walsh and Nicole Ziegler.

She was a wonderful wife, mother, aunt, cousin, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a loving friend to many people while always taking care of her family.

Services to be determined.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.

Upcoming Calendar

20Apr
04.20.2024 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Earth Day Celebration
Calpine Geothermal Visitor Center
20Apr
04.20.2024 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Boatique Wines Stand-up Comedy Night
25Apr
04.25.2024 1:30 pm - 7:30 pm
FireScape Mendocino workshop
27Apr
04.27.2024 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Northshore Ready Fest
27Apr
04.27.2024 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Prescription Drug Take Back Day
27Apr
04.27.2024 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Inaugural Team Trivia Challenge
5May
05.05.2024
Cinco de Mayo
6May
05.06.2024 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Senior Summit
12May
05.12.2024
Mother's Day

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