Thelma Woodard
MAY 15, 1921 -- JULY 24, 2003
HOLLY HILL -- Thelma Louise Woodard, 82, of Walker Street, a resident since 1992, died Thursday at Halifax Medical Center, Daytona Beach.
Born in Culloden, W.Va., Mrs. Woodward, a homemaker, moved here in 1992 from Huntington, W.Va.
Survivors include three daughters, Bonnie Stein and Patricia Jenkins, both of Ormond Beach, and Kathy Parsons, Louisa, Ky.; a brother, Dewey Foster, Teays Valley, W.Va.; a sister, Francis Lake, Maryland; seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Hecks Funeral Home, Milton, W.Va., is in charge.
Evelyn Vallis Nickas
Evelyn Vallis Nickas, a gentile southern lady & Coral Gables civic activist went to be with our heavenly Father on 06/22/08. Born in Kingsport, TN to Stella & George Vallis, raised in Jacksonville, FL. Pre-deceased by her loving husband Epaminondas (Monty) T. Nickas. They came to Miami in 1943 finding their paradise after a Miami honeymoon. They shared over 50 years together walking side by side and taught their children, love, patience & family values. Her children & grandchildren were very proud of Evelyn both as their Mother & for her tireless civic service. She was an integral part of the CGWC, a major fundraiser for its restoration & and her dedication towards its historical recognition. She had also been active & served as President, Board Member & other capacities for the CG Garden Club, CG Music Club, Dade & Florida Federation of Women’s Clubs, City of CG Youth Advisory Board, City of CG Merrick House, Dept. of Selective Services & Daughters of Penelope among many other organizations. She will be remembered as a loving hard working lady that always had a beautiful smile on her face to match her impeccable appearance. Many will also remember her by her beautiful handwriting. She is survived and will be missed by Daughters & Son In Laws Marion Koliniatis (husband George deceased), Stella (Leonard) Hedlund, Dorothea (David) Shaffer. Grandchildren Dean (Esther) Nickas, Katina (Loukas) Loukakis. great-grandchildren Christopher & Jonathan Nickas & George Loukakis. Viewing at Van Orsdel, 4600 S. W. 8 St., Coral Gables on June 24 with Trisagion Prayer Service at 7 p.m.. Funeral Services were on June 25, at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 2401 S. W. 3rd Avenue (Coral Way), Miami. Burial was at Miami Memorial Park Cemetery.
Francisco Diez-Rivas
Francisco Diez-Rivas, peacefully passed away May 26 at his home of Natural causes at 97 yrs of age. "Pancho" was born Feb. 4, 1911 in Havana, Cuba. He attended Manhattan College, New York in 1933 and later attended Fordham University and Miami University School of Law. He married
his wife Olga Garcia- Pulido July 1, 1942. Pancho moved from Cuba to Coral Gables in April 1960. He is survived by his three children Ana Maria, Lourdes Maria , and Francisco "Pancho", his son. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren Cristina, Mikey, Nicholas, Franky, Marcos, Gregory and Justin.
Beatrice Jacobi
Beatrice Jacobi, long time resident of Coral Gables passed away Friday June 13. She is survived by daughter Lynn Jacobi, Granddaughter Kelley Holland, & great-grandson Hayden Jac Harrison, 2 sisters-in-law, Florence Rice, & Lyla Rice. Three nieces and three nephews, Kelley Schild, Elise Gerrald, Gina Guilford, John Rice, Jack (puffy) Rice, Douglas Rice. A lifetime in the banking industry, retired as a bank president at Merchants Bank, and also active in many memberships and civic activities. She came out of retirement and started to work for Holland American Cruise Lines. Pre-deceased by her husband Robert Jacobi, and two brothers, Jack Rice Jr. and Frank (Butch) Rice. Kelley and I will miss you and love you mom. Van Orsdel - Coral Gables, 4600 SW 8 St (305) 446-4412. Family Owned Since 1924.
Dr. Lindsey Dewey Pankey Jr.
Dr. Lindsey Dewey Pankey Jr. moved through the gates of heaven June 13 after an extended illness. Lindsey was born during his family’s summer vacation in Waynesville, North Carolina on July 20, 1937. He was the son of Dr L.D. Pankey and Elizabeth (Betty) Taylor Pankey. Lindsey grew up in Coral Gables and graduated from the McCallie School for Boys in Chattanooga, Tennessee in 1955. He attended Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia before serving in the US Army. Upon discharge from the Army as a 1st Lt. he graduated from the University of Louisville undergrad and then the University of Louisville Dental School where he was first in his class of 1967. Dr. Pankey received his M.S. in Orthodontics from St. Louis University. In 1970, he began his practice of Orthodontics in Coral Gables and later moved to South Miami. He was in private practice for 30 years. He was a member of the American Association of Orthodontists; Fellow of the American Board of Orthdontists; Past President of the South Dade Dental Society; teaching alumni of the L.D. Pankey Institute on Key Biscayne, which was founded to honor his father. Lindsey served on various civic boards, including the YMCA in Miami and North Carolina. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Roberts Pankey and two children: Paige Pankey Barnes (Greg) of Miami and Lindsey Dewey Pankey III (Suzanne) of Stuart; four grandchildren whom he adored: Trenton and Derek Barnes, Taylor and Sage Pankey; and three sisters: Kitty Pankey Kirkland of Jacksonville, Beth Pankey Lotspeich of Miami and Anne Pankey Martin of Atlanta. Lindsey was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and brother. We will all miss that big welcoming smile that always greeted us. Forever a gentleman, Lindsey would want his many patients, staff and friends to know how important they were to him and how much meaning they gave to his life. A memorial service will be held at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Cashiers, North Carolina on Saturday, July 5 at 11 a.m. A celebration of Lindsey’s life will be held in the fall in Miami. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lindsey’s memory to: The Free Dental Clinic, P.O. Box 451, Cashiers, NC 28717; The McCallie School, 500 Dodds Ave., Chattanooga, TN., 37404 or The L.D. Pankey Institute, Endowment Fund, One Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne, FL., 33149.
Dimitri (James) Pechewlys
Dimitri (James) Pechewlys, 78, a resident of Hampton Beach, NH and Coral Gables, FL, died June 10 in Hampton Beach. He was predeceased by his parents, Charles Pechewlys and Demetra (Charles) Louis. Dimitri had an active and varied life as an educator, innovative business man and social / political activist. Dimitri is survived by his beloved sister, Mary Pechewlys and Jerrold Arons and his soul mate, Patricia Henao. Donations may be made in his memory to Helenic PCR (Papanicolaou Cancer Research / UM Sylvester Cancer Center) c/o Tom Zannis, Treasurer, 751 Maliaga Avenue, Coral Gables, FL 33134.
Carol Magidson
Carol Magidson, 62 of Coral Gables, passed away June 23. Beloved wife of the David L. Magidson for 37 years, cherished daughter of Anita Bickford of Chevy Chase, MD, loving mother of Rebecca (Matthew) Crawford of Miami & Ben Magidson of Miami, dear sister of Brad (Linda) Bickford, Washington, D.C., adored aunt of 7. Carol taught generations of students at Sylvania Heights Elementary School in West Miami for 35 years, teaching 1st -5th grades. She was an active member of Temple Judea of Coral Gables for over 30 years and was Chairperson of the Chai Society & other temple committees. Carol grew up in Washington, D.C. and attended and graduated from the University of Miami. For those who would like to make a donation, please donate to Temple Judea in memory of Carol Magidson for those in need of medical insurance. Services were held on June 26 at Temple Judea, 5500 Granada Blvd., Coral Gables. Interment at Mt. Nebo-Kendall Memorial Gardens. Blasberg Rubin Zilbert (305) 538-6371.
Evelyn Vallis Nickas
Evelyn Vallis Nickas, a gentile southern lady & Coral Gables civic activist went to be with our heavenly Father on 06/22/08. Born in Kingsport, TN to Stella & George Vallis, raised in Jacksonville, FL. Pre-deceased by her loving husband Epaminondas (Monty) T. Nickas. They came to Miami in 1943 finding their paradise after a Miami honeymoon. They shared over 50 years together walking side by side and taught their children, love, patience & family values. Her children & grandchildren were very proud of Evelyn both as their Mother & for her tireless civic service. She was an integral part of the CGWC, a major fundraiser for its restoration & and her dedication towards its historical recognition. She had also been active & served as President, Board Member & other capacities for the CG Garden Club, CG Music Club, Dade & Florida Federation of Women’s Clubs, City of CG Youth Advisory Board, City of CG Merrick House, Dept. of Selective Services & Daughters of Penelope among many other organizations. She will be remembered as a loving hard working lady that always had a beautiful smile on her face to match her impeccable appearance. Many will also remember her by her beautiful handwriting. She is survived and will be missed by Daughters & Son In Laws Marion Koliniatis (husband George deceased), Stella (Leonard) Hedlund, Dorothea (David) Shaffer. Grandchildren Dean (Esther) Nickas, Katina (Loukas) Loukakis. great-grandchildren Christopher & Jonathan Nickas & George Loukakis. Viewing at Van Orsdel, 4600 S. W. 8 St., Coral Gables on June 24 with Trisagion Prayer Service at 7 p.m.. Funeral Services were on June 25, at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 2401 S. W. 3rd Avenue (Coral Way), Miami. Burial was at Miami Memorial Park Cemetery.
Beatrice Holdcraft Thomas
Beatrice (Betsy) Holdcraft Thomas, 65, died Thursday, June 12, in Tallahassee. She was born July 2, 1942, in Coral Gables, graduated from Florida State University with a master’s degree, and taught at Oakridge Elementary School in Tallahassee for 35 years. Known for her love of family, students, friends and animals, she will be missed, enormously. She leaves behind her son Tyler Thomas, her grand children, Jason and Julia, and her brother Thomas Holdcraft.
Elizabeth S. Cooke
Elizabeth Stuckey Cooke passed away on Monday, June 30. She was predeceased by husbands Dr. R. Sam Mosley, E. Hugh Duffy and Dr. Francis N. Cooke. She was born in Inverness, FL on Feb. 20, 1914 and moved to Pahokee, FL as an infant where her father, L.L. Stuckey, was a big land owner and vegetable grower. She graduated from the University of Alabama where she was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority. After graduating, she went one year to William and Mary College for graduate school before taking an extended trip to Europe. She married
Dr. R. Sam Mosley and moved to Miami. She has a son, Robert S. Mosley, Jr. and a daughter, Janet E. (Mosley) Stoker who survives her and five grandchildren, Jennifer Brady (Jon), June Alonso, Rob Mosley Lyne), James R. Stoker (Maria), and Richard L. Stoker (Aileen). She also is survived by six great-grandchildren. Elizabeth was a member of the Riviera Country Club, Coral Gables Garden Club, Patrons to the Museum of Science, University Guild, Vizcayan Guides, Doctor’s Auxiliary Hospital, and a former member of the Century and Army-Navy Clubs. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the First United Methodist Church of Coral Gables. A memorial service was held on July 7 in the chapel of the Coral Gables Methodist Church.
Samuel L. Krasick
Samuel Lewis Krasick, (10/9/41-7/5/08) of Coral Gables formerly of Philadelphia, PA passed away peacefully on July 5 surrounded by loving family and friends. He is survived by his loving wife Sandy (Kaplan) his children: Scott (Amy), Larry, Marjie Kates (Barry), his grandchildren: Alexa, Allison, and Jillian, his sister Carole Krasick and niece Joanna Krasick Polaski. Donations can be made to the charity of your choice. Services were held at Riverside Gordon Memorial Chapel Mt. Nebo Memorial Gardens 5900 SW 77th Ave., Miami, (305) 274-0641.
Dennis B. Zaslow
Dr. Dennis B. Zaslow, 59, passed away on July 2. He is survived by his loving wife Dorlene, adoring sons Austin & Gregory, parents Stanley & Thelma, and devoted sister, Debbie Messinger. Dr. Zaslow was an internationally respected Orthopedic Surgeon in Miami and Coral Gables. He was a man of very high morals, character and served as a guiding beacon to his two loving sons. Services were held on July 6 at the Avenutra Turnbury Jewish Center, 20400 N.E 30 Ave, Aventura. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine In honor of Dr. Dennis B. Zaslow 4180 City Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19131, or to Hospice Care, Team 101, 16800 NW 2nd Ave, Suite 400 W. Miami Beach, FL 33169.
Glenn D. Arp
Glenn D. Arp, 82, of Ormond Beach, FL, and of 19 Sandy Road, Franklin, NC, died on July 23, at Memorial Campus, Mission Hospitals, Asheville, NC. Mr. Arp was a native of Fayetteville, NC. He was a Navy veteran of WW II and was retired after 37 years in law enforcement with the city of Coral Gables. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Sandra Gilbert Arp; one daughter, Carol Le-Bert Hinnant and her husband, Steve, of Jupiter, FL; one son, Richard Arp and his wife, Lourdes, of Miami; three grandsons, Coral Gables Firefighter John Jensen, Jr., Dr. George Le-Bert, and Scott Arp; two granddaughters, Kimberly Valdes and Celina Arp, all of Miami; one sister, Gladys Blanton of Fayetteville, NC; one brother, Boyd Arp and his wife, Nellie, of Sanford, FL; three great-grandsons and a great-granddaughter. He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Sandra Jensen, and a grandson, Robert Jensen. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you follow his example by providing a random act of kindness.
Michael Anthony Roach
Michael Anthony Roach, 55, born in Coral Gables and a resident of Miami since 1953, passed away unexpectedly on July 26. He was a Christian, loving husband and father for 26 years and was always dedicated to his family, friends, and Union brothers. He was an I.B.E.W. Local 349 Union Electrician for 34 years and Miami - Dade County employee for the last 14 years. He is survived by his wife Maria, sons Michael (Marisol) and Fred (Brianne), soon to be born grandson Joseph Raymond, sisters Laura and Angela, brother Paul, his mother Angelina, and many loved cousins, nieces, and nephews. Viewing was held on July 30, with a memorial service at Branam Funeral Home, 809 North Krome Ave., Homestead. Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 1 p.m. at the Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 464 North East 16th St. Miami. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Whitestone Fellowship, 2500 South Kanner Highway, Stuart FL 34994. Please make a note on checks for “Benevolent Fund”. The family appreciates the thoughts, love, and prayers so far received.
Colonel Bob Fuerst
In 1964, while still a Major, Bob served as Escort Officer for a group of 21 senior officers and civilians on a USAF Missile and Space Orientation visit to the field. This included senior officers from the State Department, Office of Secretary of Defense, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In a Letter of Appreciation from Colonel Benjamin B. Cassidy, Jr., Bob’s actions were commended: “reflected credit not only on himself but on the Department of the Air Force as well.” During his long and honorable career, Colonel Fuerst served with energy, judgment, and high professional ability and constantly displayed a high order of initiative, resourcefulness and devotion to duty. But, all good things must come to an end, and, in 1966, Colonel Fuerst left the Air Force for civilian life. One month later, he was employed by the University of Miami. One of his first duties was to coordinate the move of several departments from the old North Campus to the Main, Coral Gables, campus. In a letter he received from President Henry King Stanford is the following: “I want to tell you that everyone concerned, with whom I have spoken, commented on the fine job you did on a onerous task of moving and relocating people and equipment.” An excerpt from a memo on the same subject, from Dr. Armin Gropp, Vice President for Academic Affairs, indicates: “The document...is written in the melody of happy triumph. I must, in conclusion, ask how many administrators of similar rank would have solved the myriad of problems without creating more.” Another memo fro Dr. Gropp says “You may be interested to know that the Budget Committee supports your endeavors and has come to the conclusion that if you want something done, ask Bob to do it.” Over the years, Bob held the titles of Assistant to the Dean of the Faculties, Director of Academic Services, Assistant Dean of the Faculties and Assistant to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Assistant Dean of Academic Administration and Planning, as well as Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation. Not only did Bob teach Safety Education in the School of Education but also in supervised freshman Biology labs at night for several years. He taught Business Management both as a beginning course and as a capstone course. After some time, Bob decided to go back to school. He took all of the Photography courses offered by the Art Department. He then took over the teaching of these same courses for evening students. While he was doing all of this, he also found time to earn his MBA. (He had already earned a Master of Education degree from Temple University while still in the Air Force). Bob was instrumental in establishing a system for production of the Class Schedule, the Academic Bulletins (Undergraduate, Graduate RSMAS and, for several years, Medicine and Law). He spearheaded the creation of the ID Card program on the Coral Gables campus which ultimately spread to RSMAS and the Medical School. When asked, by a new faculty member, one day, “exactly what do you do?’ Bob replied “My office does all of those things which no body else wants to do but which are necessary for the operation of the University.” In 2002, after 35 years of service, Bob retired from the University. Mr. Fuerst is preceded in death by his father, Herbert Fuerst and his mother Beatrice Fuerst; his first wife, Lila M. Fuerst; and his son, Robert David Fuerst. Mr. Fuerst is survived by four sons: Howard Sidney Fuerst, William James Fuerst (Marji), Gregg Edward Fuerst (Trisha), and David Darrell Fuerst (Kim); 10 grandchildren: Alexander James, Daniel Shem, Maxwell Grant, John Robert, Charles Robert, Sara Catherine, Austin David, Ryan, Collin, and Liam. He is also survived by his wife, Nancy Jill Wheeler Fuerst whom he met on the UM campus and who was his companion, side-kick, and general chief cook-and-bottle washer for the Academic Services Office. He cannot be replaced but he will surely be missed. A memorial service was held on July 16 at the Stanfill Funeral Home on South Dixie Highway. Burial at Arlington National Cemetery. Stanfill Funeral Home 10545 S Dixie (305)667-2518. Family Owned/Operated www.stanfilfh.com
Elizabeth Westerdahl Johnson
Elizabeth Westerdahl “Betti Ann” Johnson, 86, went to be with her Lord on July 14. She is survived by her son Warren Johnson of Houston, sister Ruth Robinson of Tampa, grandchildren Lisa, Sara and Anna Johnson, niece Nancy Price Negri and other numerous nieces, nephews and good friends. She is preceded in death by her parents Lawrence and Ruth Westerdahl, sister Jane Price, son Lance Johnson, and former husband Herbert Johnson. Betti Ann was born on May 12, 1922 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The family moved several times during her early years, but finally settled down in Coral Gables. She grew up in a happy Christian home with her two sisters. She attended Ponce de Leon High School and the University of Miami, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. While at the University she became a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority - an association that would last her entire lifetime. At this time she also met and eventually married
a newly minted Navy Lieutenant, Herb Johnson from Texas. As a Navy wife during WW II they were transferred to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she continued her art studies, and Norfolk, Virginia where Herb was stationed until 1948. After the war the couple moved back to Miami - Herb to restart his architectural career and Betti to begin her interior design business. She was also instrumental in the nurturing of Herb’s firm as it grew in the 1950’s. This time in their lives also saw many trips to foreign lands, the design and construction of their award winning home, and the birth of their two sons, Warren and Lance. Throughout her life Betti was very active in many social, civic, and charitable organizations and activities. She was a second generation member of the Coral Gables chapter of the DAR, a frequent helper and contributor to the Lowe Art Gallery, member of the Coral Reef Yacht and Riviera Country Clubs, and a longtime member of Plymouth Congregational Church. Her intellectual pursuits were numerous - she gardened extensively, won awards for her flower arranging, was active in her Study Group, writing many academic papers, and swam nearly every day for over fifty years. Though her focus in her later years was her two sons, she continued to produce and sell her artwork and work at the Coconut Grove Bank in public relations. Lance’s tragic death in 1982 profoundly changed her life and later years in South! Miami. Though losing her eyesight, she channeled her boundless energy into helping others that came into her life. She had a very active mind and was always dreaming up new projects for the house and garden. She said her greatest joy was to see that her granddaughters had grown into fine young women, one following in her footsteps as a Kappa. A Funeral Service was held at Plymouth Congregational Church on July 21. A graveside service will then be held for family and friends at Woodlawn Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please send any memorials to Sister Emmanuel Hospital. Van Orsdel - Coral Gables, 4600 SW 8 St., (305) 446-4412. Family Owned Since 1924.
Clary Davis
ORANGE CITY - Clary "Kay" Davis, 56, of West Graves Avenue, a receptionist for the American Automotive Association, died Friday at Florida Hospital-Fish Memorial.
Mrs. Davis, born in Charleston, S.C., moved to Central Florida in 1956.
Survivors include two sons, Marshall Lee, DeBary, and Don Lee, Longwood; her father, Clyde Outlaw, Longwood; two brothers, Richard Outlaw, Daytona Beach, and David Outlaw, Orlando; and a sister, Susan Hacker, Lake Mary. Dove Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Winter Park, is in charge.
Charlie Desaussure
ORANGE CITY - Charlie Andrew Desaussure, 83, of East Banana Avenue, an employee of the Flamingo Springs Water Co., died Saturday at University Center East, DeLand.
Mr. Desaussure, an Army veteran, was a native of Orange City and a lifelong resident of the area. He was a member of Mount Zion A.M.E. Church, where he served as a pastor's steward.
Survivors include a son, Charlie Jr., and a brother, Willie, both of Orange City; four sisters, Lillie Desaussure, Syracuse, N.Y., Magdalene Butler, Sarasota, Ruth Shaw, Kansas City, Mo., and Birdie Mixon, Daytona Beach; and four grandchildren. Mack, DeLand, is in charge.
Dominick Frabizio
PALM COAST - Dominick G. Frabizio, 84, of Fawn Lane, a self-employed nursery worker, died Sunday at Memorial Hospital-Flagler, Bunnell.
Mr. Frabizio, an Army Air Corps veteran of World War II, moved here in 1971 from his native East Patchogue, N.Y. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Survivors include three sons, Edward, Richard and Patrick, all of East Patchogue; a daughter, Joette Anderson, Yaphank, N.Y.; two sisters, Edna DePoala, Clearwater, and Josephine Carrabus, Patchogue, N.Y.; 10 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Alderson's is in charge.
Beatrice Goldstone
DAYTONA BEACH - Beatrice Goldstone, 80, of Long Spur Court, a former receptionist for the Girl Scouts of America, New York City, died Sunday at Shands Teaching Hospital, Gainesville.
Mrs. Goldstone, a homemaker, was born in Bordentown, N.J., and came hre in 1979 from New York City. She was a member of Temple Beth-El, Ormond Beach, and Temple Israel, New Rochelle, N.Y. She received a bachelor's degree in education from New York University.
Survivors include her husband of 59 years, Milton; two sons, Steven, Ridgefield, Conn., and Henry, Port Orange; two daughters, Susan Charm, Walnut Creek, Calif., and Leslie Bigelman, Grand Cayman Island, British West Indies; two brothers, William and Arnold Chase, both of New York City; a sister, Edith Weiner, Great Neck, N.Y.; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Memorial donations may be made to the Jewish Federation, 733 S. Nova Road, Ormond Beach 32174. Haigh-Black, Daytona Beach, is in charge.