Obituaries
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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
John Patrick Brosnan, 88, passed away in Vero Beach, Fla. on Sunday, March 9, 2014, following a courageous battle with cancer. John was born in Oakland to Denis and Margaret Brosnan and lived there for 70 years before moving to Vero Beach in 1996. He then moved to Rio Vista, Calif. in 2003, returning to Vero Beach five years ago. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps and served with the 15th Air Force in Southern Italy where he flew 35 missions on a B-24 Liberator.
He had his general contractor’s license in California for more than 50 years and was a manager for Airco in California (BOC) for 45 years prior to his retirement. He was an American Welding Society member and past chairman of the San Francisco Section as well as past chairman of the Emeryville Planning Committee. He was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church and VFW Post #3918 in Vero Beach where he served on the Honor’s Team.
John was an avid boater and 49ers fan who often watched Monday night football with his sonsin- law while living in California. He was an expert craftsman with projects ranging from furniture to docks, restaurants and homes. Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Arlene, daughters Joan Kammerer, Nancy Brosnan (Alan) Cohen, Patricia (Mark) Haggen and Mimi Brosnan and grandchildren Johanna Kammerer, Denis Cohen, Andrew Haggen and Rachael Haggen all of California.
He is also survived by his beloved dogs, Rudy and Kerry. Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Cross Catholic Church, 500 Iris Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32963. Family and friends are invited to a celebration of life funeral mass Monday, March 17, at 10 a.m. at St. Teresa’s Catholic Church, 30 Mandalay Road in Oakland followed by a lunch reception in their hall. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Oakland. Grant Miller-John Cox Mortuary 510-451-6434 FD# 171 www.grantmillerchapel.com
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
