Obituaries
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Prudy Matthews passed away peacefully with her son at her side in Alameda Feb. 26, 2014. She is survived by her son Burnham “Burny” Matthews of Alameda, grandchildren Nicole Swanson (Steve) and David Matthews.
She is also survived by her great grandchildren Anna and Clara Swanson. Prudy was born in Paris, France on July 18, 1914. She immigrated to the U.S. at age 12 and settled in Chicago with her parents Al and Alice Burdock. She was a professional Classical Opera singer for many years. In 1941 she married Burnham Matthews they moved to New York City, New Jersey and back to Illinois. In 1959 Prudy and Burnham purchased I.T. Bookstore and Prudy ran the retail side of the business.
Prudy was very active in the community and was a volunteer at the St. Mary’s hospital in Streator, Ill. for 20 years. After many years in Streator they sold their business and moved to Rossmoor in Walnut Creek. Prudy again became very involved in the community. She chaired the Rossmoor Music Program and the Rossmoor College Scholarship Program. One of her Crown Jewels in life was her recognition as one of the top volunteers at John Muir Hospital in Walnut Creek.
She was widowed 24 years ago. In 2008 she moved to the Water’s Edge Lodge in Alameda. Private family services will be held. For further information call: Harry W. Greer, Funeral Director (FDR-745). Alameda Funeral and Cremation Services FD-2139 1415 Oak St. Alameda (510) 522-6020
Born in Tacoma, Wash. on Jan. 2, 1925, to the late Bill and Rachel Rhoads, Georgene, as she was known by everyone, passed away peacefully in Oakland, on Feb. 24, 2014, at the age of 89. Beloved wife of Roy Mizer and loving mother of Walter Adams of West Point, Calif., David Adams, also of West Point, and Robert Adams of Vallejo; two stepsons, Rick and Allen Mizer; 12 grandchildren and 14 greatgrandchildren. Rachel moved to Oakland as a child; living there for many years until moving to Alameda in 1972 with Roy.
She was an active member of East Hills Community Church and for many years worked with a local senior citizen’s center, where she participated in many crafts and led the singing group. She enjoyed reading, doing crossword puzzles, music and singing. She had a wonderful voice and in her younger years sang with the San Francisco Opera. She will be missed by all who loved and cherished her. No services have been planned at this time.
Greer Family Mortuary and Cremation Services FD 1408 www.greermortuary.com 865-3755
Kathleen J. Strait was born March 23, 1944 in Alameda, to Eugene and Ann Hughes after sister Stephanie Young (Hillsboro, Calif.) and before brother Eugene (Alameda). Obtaining her Nursing Degree at SOC in Ashland, Ore., her 52-year devotion to the medical field was outdone only by devotion to her family.
It was in Ashland where she met and married Wilbur H. Strait, who preceded her in death (1999), together raising Kyle, Kirk and Kristen. Kathleen passed away February 22, 2014 in her hometown, surrounded by her children. Service will be at 11 a.m., Friday, March 21, at Scenic Hills Memorial Park, Ashland. A r r a n g e m e n t s in Oregon will be handled by: Litwiller- Simonsen Funeral Home, Ashland. www.litwillersimonsen.com.
Greer Family Mortuary and Cremation Services FD 1408 www.greermortuary.com 865-3755
