Saraphina Texeira, a resident of Danville, died Aug. 22 at the age of 92.
She was born in Oakland on Feb. 22, 1917. She was an excellent cook, a lover of dogs and cats, a gardener and artistic in sewing. She belonged to a ladies crafts group for many years. She was active with her husband Herb in the Knights of Columbus for 30 years where they formed many long and lasting friendships.
She predeceased by her husband, Herb; and her three siblings. She is survived by her daughters, Priscilla Buchman (Bob) and Marcella Miranda (Ken), one granddaughter, one great-grandson, and friends in the Bay Area and Northern California.
Services were private and arranged through Tradition Care, Pleasant Hill. Donations may be made in Sara's memory to the Hospice of the East Bay, 3470 Buskirk Ave., Pleasant Hill 94523.
Ardeth Ann Smith, a resident of Danville, died Aug. 30, at the age of 76, surrounded by 19 of her loved ones. She was diagnosed just a year ago with lung cancer from asbestos exposure.
She was born Nov. 6, 1932. She dedicated herself in the early years to raising her three sons and later pursued her own education in preparation for a career in the public school system. First in Arcadia and later after the move to Contra Costa County in 1981, she distinguished herself by her dedication and industry. She retired from the Orinda School District after 20 years of service. She then volunteered at San Ramon Regional Medical Center, Discovery Counseling Center and The Station in Danville. In her final weeks, she made sure her work for the Discovery Counseling Center was completed.
She was preceded in death by her grandson Luke Michael Smith. She is survived by her dear husband of 58 years, Bob; son Steven, his wife Lorraine and their five children; son James, his wife Cory and their four surviving children; and son Jeffrey, his wife Leziel and their two children.
A celebration of her life and sharing of memories was held Sept. 14 at Canyon Creek Church. Donations may be made to Canyon Creek Church, 9015 S. Gale Road, San Ramon 94582, or Discovery Counseling Center of the San Ramon Valley, Inc, 115 Town and Country Drive, Suite A, Danvillle 94526.
Danville resident David J. Stochl died Sept. 1 at the age of 51.
He was born Nov. 11, 1957, in Minnesota and came to the East Bay Area at age 13. He attended Del Valle High School and began his career with Moraga-Orinda Fire District in 1984. He reluctantly retired as a captain after 24 years of dedicated service after a diagnosis of brain cancer. He loved racing cars, boats, and motorcycles, especially NASCAR and restoring Ford Falcons.
He was preceded in death by his father James E. Stochl and mother Marion Pierce. He is survived by his wife, Karen Carnegie-Stochl; daughters Chrissy, Andrea, Rene, and Lauren; and brother Jim.
A memorial service was held Sept. 12 at East Bay Fellowship in Danville. Donations can be made to The Wellness Community and National Brain Tumor Society.
Sydney Kossen, a resident of Danville, died Sept. 2 at the age of 93.
He was born in Seattle, the last of seven children, to Jewish immigrant parents from Eastern Europe. He attended Garfield High School and the University of Washington where he was editor of the campus newspaper. He served as a U.S. Naval gunnery officer in the Pacific during World War II and participated in the liberation of China. As a reporter and editor with the Examiner, he covered California politics in Sacramento and spent his summers at the Capitol in Washington. He spent more than four decades in journalism, including 24 years at the San Francisco Examiner where he became political editor. He interviewed U.S. presidents Lyndon Johnson, Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan. He was a tough journalist, but earned the respect and eventual friendship of California politicians such as Pat Brown, Willie Brown, Phil Burton, Dianne Feinstein, and Eugene McAteer. He never became friends with Richard Nixon, however, who demanded that he be fired for his writing about the then-California gubernatorial candidate; the Examiner sided with him. After retiring from journalism in 1982, he moved from his San Francisco home in the Sunset district to Walnut Creek, where he lived an active life of golf, swimming and travel with his wife. He enjoyed following the sport of politics until his final days.
He is survived by his wife Jeanette; two children, Barbara Margolis (Dr. Lawrence) of Hillsborough and Michael Kossen (Barbara) of Lakeport; two grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Sept. 9 at the Home of Peace Cemetery in Colma. Contributions may be made to The Rabbi's Discretionary Fund, Reutlinger Community for Jewish Living, 4000 Camino Tassajara, Danville 94506.
Agnes Simpson Agnes "Cele" Simpson, a longtime resident of Danville, died Sept. 8 at the age of 87.
She was born July 21, 1922, in Richmond, Va., the fourth of seven children. As a young woman, she enjoyed playing with her siblings and cousins in Fonticello Park. She excelled at tennis, which gave rise to her scover-girl shot in DuPont Magazine holding her racquet. Her life changed dramatically when a handsome young sailor named Daniel J. Simpson sailed into port in Virginia. After just three dates he proposed to her and swept her off to a new life in California. They settled happily in the Bay Area; first in San Francisco, and then in the Walnut Creek and Danville area where they raised their four children and nurtured their eight grandchildren. After Dan died 10 years ago, she continued to stay active by bowling, swimming and playing tennis, and making friends at the Danville and San Ramon senior centers.
She is survived by her children, Mary (Furlong), Dan, Diane, and Tim; son and daughters-in-law Furlong, Sara Simpson, and Laure Simpson; and her sister (Sister Mary Leo).
A rosary was held Sept. and the memorial service was held Sept. 12 at St. Isidore's Church. Donations can be made to the Benedictine Sisters of Virginia.
Phillip D. Perry Jr., a resident of Danville, died Sept. 9 at the age of 51.
He was born in Alameda on Dec. 16, 1957, and grew up in Alamo. He attended San Ramon Valley High, then San Diego State University graduating with a bachelor's degree in Industrial Arts. He loved all types of sports including baseball, football and golf. He was also a member of the San Diego State rowing team. He was a self-employed custom carpenter and was a master at his craft. He loved planting his vegetable garden in the spring. He will be missed by his extended family and many friends.
He is survived by his mother Shirley Perry, sister Valerie Chivello, niece Breanne Chivello, all of Danville.
A celebration of life was held Sept. 12 at the family home.
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