Sunset View Obituaries

Sunset View Funeral Home: A Beacon of Comfort in El Cerrito, CA

Located at 101 Colusa Ave, El Cerrito, CA, 94530, Sunset View Funeral Home is a trusted and compassionate provider of funeral services to the local community. For years, this esteemed funeral home has been dedicated to helping families navigate the difficult process of saying goodbye to their loved ones. In this article, we'll delve into the history, services, and unique features that set Sunset View Funeral Home apart from others in the area.

A Legacy of Compassion and Care

Sunset View Funeral Home has a rich history of serving the El Cerrito community with dignity and respect. Founded on the principles of compassion, empathy, and understanding, this funeral home has built a reputation for providing personalized and meaningful funeral services that cater to the unique needs of each family. From traditional funerals to cremations and memorial services, Sunset View Funeral Home's experienced staff is dedicated to ensuring that every farewell is a celebration of life.

Funeral Obiturary Search

Explore our extensive database to find and remember the lives of loved ones through millions of heartfelt obituaries

Search

Recent Funeral Home Obituaries

tert tret - Unknown - May 15, 2024

Departed: 05/15/2024 (El Cerrito)

Obituary Preview: test

View Full Obituary

Gloria "Kay" Zuerner - June 16, 1943 - May 15, 2024

Departed: 05/15/2024 (El Cerrito)

Obituary Preview: An obituary is not available at this time for Gloria "Kay" Zuerner.

View Full Obituary

Beverly Jean Gilbert - August 27, 1936 - May 15, 2024

Departed: 05/15/2024 (El Cerrito)

Obituary Preview: Beverly Jean Gilbert August 27, 1936 - May 15, 2024

Beverly Gilbert, 87, passed away on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. She was born in Pipestone, MN; the oldest daughter of the late Rev. George B. Gilbert and Hazel C. Asmus Gilbert.

She is survived by her sister, Barbara Holliday Kenyon, niece Cheryl Holliday Galloway, nephew Stephen Gilbert Holliday and grandnephews: Jack Galloway, Tyler Galloway, and Drew Galloway; family: Randy Kenyon, Kent Holliday, and Janene Roberts. She is lovingly remembered with George Maegoto, deceased and son Charles Hartwell, deceased.

Her favorite flowers were blue irises, delicate orchids, calla lilies, and California poppies. She had a treasured collection of geodes, jade, and onyx; an affinity for Japanese art and cuisine; enjoyed the caricatures and bizarre stories of Edward Gorey; loved the artwork of Wayne Thiebaud; was drawn to James Wright’s dark poetry and wrote her own Haiku love poems. She was a staunch atheist, an ardent follower of political news, and liked anything in pink. Beverly was a modernist artist, an active member of the El Cerrito Art Association since 1995. Her works included abstracts painted with acrylics poured directly onto the canvas; repeated glazes of lustrous polymer gloss creating rich color and translucent shimmers of light; plein aire landscapes drawn on location in oil pastels as well as pen and ink drawings. Her distinctive art can be viewed at www.mesart.com/artworks.jsp.que.artist.eq.2138.shtml

View Full Obituary

Eugene Grant - May 12, 1943 - May 03, 2024

Departed: 05/03/2024 (El Cerrito)

Obituary Preview: An obituary is not available at this time for Eugene Grant.

View Full Obituary

Phillip Michael Stewart - September 28, 1952 - April 28, 2024

Departed: 04/28/2024 (El Cerrito)

Obituary Preview: An obituary is not available at this time for Phillip Michael Stewart.

View Full Obituary

Selk Wong Huey - July 22, 1937 - April 22, 2024

Departed: 04/22/2024 (El Cerrito)

Obituary Preview: An obituary is not available at this time for Selk Wong Huey.

View Full Obituary

Michael Thomas Mclaughlin - September 02, 1939 - April 20, 2024

Departed: 04/20/2024 (El Cerrito)

Obituary Preview: An obituary is not available at this time for Michael Thomas Mclaughlin.

View Full Obituary

Donald Robert Meyer - June 04, 1942 - April 18, 2024

Departed: 04/18/2024 (El Cerrito)

Obituary Preview: An obituary is not available at this time for Donald Robert Meyer.

View Full Obituary

Aldo Victor Bracciotti - September 05, 1925 - April 09, 2024

Departed: 04/09/2024 (El Cerrito)

Obituary Preview: Born in Montecatini, Italy, Aldo immigrated at the age of ten to California. He has been a member of the El Cerrito

community since 1954. As a humble, loving, and hard-working man, Aldo dedicated his life to his family, friends, faith, and

community. Aldo was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Clara; his parents, Gemma and Luigi; and granddaughter, Megan. He is survived by: his sister Ebe; five children, Marty (Joe), Paul (Linda), Anna (Luigi), Laura (Dan), and Carla (Mark); seven grandchildren, Michael, Angelina, Nicole, David, Jonathon, Joshua, and Isabella; two great-

grandchildren, Abigail and Freya. Aldo will be remembered as a father, grandfather, great- grandfather, and as a selfless provider. He will be deeply

missed.

View Full Obituary

Linda Eileen Chown - August 01, 1942 - April 03, 2024

Departed: 04/03/2024 (El Cerrito)

Obituary Preview: Professor Linda Chown, of Lithuanian, Romanian and English descent, passed away on April 3rd after a long illness.  Born in Berkeley, California, she studied at SFSU with Stan and Anne Rice and at UC Berkeley in the 1960's.  She was a professor emerita at GVSU. She was thrilled to always be captivated by learning. Linda Chown was a prolific scholar, researcher, and writer, who published many books of poetry, a stream of reviews and prose overviews of writers, as well as a narrative critical study. She always wrote to be closer and to develop invisible threads which go somehow to the "other side of things."

She is survived by her sister Jennifer Chown, niece Rina Narcisse, nephews Marcellus Narcisse and Montgomery Narcisse and many cousins.

Services will be held at Noon on April 22, 2024, at Sunset View Cemetery 101 Colusa Avenue, El Cerrito, CA, with a Zoom Celebration of her life to be announced.

View Full Obituary

Everett Dudley Stanley - July 26, 1930 - April 03, 2024

Departed: 04/03/2024 (El Cerrito)

Obituary Preview: Everett D. Stanley passed away peacefully on April 3, 2024, at the Elder Ashram in Oakland, CA. He was 93.

The son of Mildred Mercedes (Riggs) Stanley and Earl Dudley Stanley, Everett grew up in Alhambra, CA, during the great Depression and World War II. He graduated from Pacific University, in Forest Grove, OR, in 1952, and later attended graduate school at UC Berkeley.

A man of many skills, Everett (also known as Stan or Stanley) worked as a teacher, a haberdasher, a respiratory therapist, and as a landscape architect mentored by Thomas Church. He was certified in ikebana flower arranging and collected bonsai. He loved working with his hands and could fix anything. He always had a twinkle in his eye.

In 1948, when other students refused, Everett readily agreed to room with Pacific University’s first black student. He did the same with the college’s first post-war German exchange student in 1949. The experience gave Everett a lifelong friendship with Rudolf Walz, and an enduring appreciation for other cultures.

Everett was preceded in death by his husband, Rex Chase. After meeting at a dog show in 1968, the two made a home in Berkeley, CA, eventually marrying in 2008 (when it was finally legal). Their shared passions included world travel, philanthropy, and genealogy (Everett’s 7th great grandfather, Abraham Finch, and Rex’s 7th great grandfather, William Chase, sailed from England on the same ship in 1629). They loved visiting museums, attending the opera, symphony, ballet and theater, and entertaining friends amid lavish collections of beautifully restored carousel animals, antique musical instruments, Inuit sculpture, modern art, and mementos from global adventures.

Everett will be buried following a brief service on April 26 at 10:30 a.m. at Sunset View Cemetery and Mortuary, 101 Colusa Avenue, El Cerrito, CA.

Donations in his memory can be made to the Everett D. Stanley, Rex G. Chase, Rudolf Walz Scholarship Endowment for International Studies at Pacific University, 2043 College Way, Forest Grove, OR 97116.

View Full Obituary

Sharon A. Layton - November 17, 1932 - March 22, 2024

Departed: 03/22/2024 (El Cerrito)

Obituary Preview: Sharon A. Layton passed peacefully from this world Friday, March 22 at her home. Her sons were with her. She was 91. She had suffered many years from the effects of Alzheimer's Disease, though she still recognized and happily communicated with family and friends. Pneumonia was the immediate cause of death.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents Eugene Vernon Andrews and Ellen Olenius, her husband Herbert Ferdinand Layton, her brothers Gary and Richard Andrews and her daughter Jennifer Kathleen Layton Freeman.

She is survived by her daughter Andrea Lynn Rollins (Russ), and her sons H. F. “Ferdy”, Waldo Peter (Donald), and Alfred Henry Layton (Susan), sister Judith Lynn Ofstad, as well as 13 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Funeral Services will be held Friday, March 29 at

11:00 in the Hilltop Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Visitation will commence one hour before the service. Following the service sandwiches will be served during an hour of fellowship. Burial will be at Sunset View at approximately 2:30 or 3:00.

View Full Obituary

Sharon A. Layton - November 17, 1932 - March 22, 2024

Departed: 03/22/2024 (El Cerrito)

Obituary Preview: Sharon A. Layton passed peacefully from this world Friday, March 22 at her home. Her sons were with her. She was 91. She had suffered many years from the effects of Alzheimer's Disease, though she still recognized and happily communicated with family and friends. Pneumonia was the immediate cause of death.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents Eugene Vernon Andrews and Ellen Olenius, her husband Herbert Ferdinand Layton, her brothers Gary and Richard Andrews and her daughter Jennifer Kathleen Layton Freeman.

She is survived by her daughter Andrea Lynn Rollins (Russ), and her sons H. F. “Ferdy”, Waldo Peter (Donald), and Alfred Henry Layton (Susan), sister Judith Lynn Ofstad, as well as 13 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Funeral Services will be held Friday, March 29 at

11:00 in the Hilltop Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Visitation will commence one hour before the service. Following the service sandwiches will be served during an hour of fellowship. Burial will be at Sunset View at approximately 2:30 or 3:00.

View Full Obituary

Herrito Wai Shing Hui - August 06, 1961 - March 19, 2024

Departed: 03/19/2024 (El Cerrito)

Obituary Preview: Herrito Wai Shing Hui (August 6, 1961 - March 19, 2024)

Herrito was a charismatic and inspirational man who placed lifelong value in achievement. He broke barriers as a first generation Asian American. He was a family man to the core, and we his extended family miss him dearly.

Herrito was a Hong Kong native. After graduating from the University of Western Ontario, Canada with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Psychology in 1985, Herrito returned to Hong Kong and joined the marketing sector in the push to modernize Asia, helping to further industrialize China and supplying commodities to newly affluent Asian demands. By 1989, Herrito had shifted his focus to the watch manufacturing industries of Hong Kong.

In 1991, he moved to San Francisco and established the Fossil Age watch and clock shop in the Tenderloin district before relocating the store to the Sunset district in 1992. Local community members may recognize it as the California Watch & Clock Company located on Noriega Street for nearly 30 years. Under the mentorship of Certified Master Clockmaker Edward Waters, Herrito undertook the requisite examinations and was recognized by the American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute as the first Chinese Certified Master Clockmaker in 1997. He has serviced the tower clock at Old Saint Mary's Cathedral, located at the intersection of California and Grant.

Never one to be idle, Herrito undertook yet another career change and began his electrician apprenticeship in 2000. He made journeyman in 2005 at the top of his class, and was an active IBEW Local 6 union member in good standing through his retirement in 2022. Some of the local Bay Area buildings he's worked on include: the Amazon data center, UCSF hospital campuses at Parnassus and Mission Bay, and UC Law San Francisco.

He enjoyed his retirement, visiting Yosemite National Park (for the third time) and Los Angeles, and even vacationing for a month in his native Hong Kong. He and his wife loved hiking at Hetch Hetchy, and he particularly enjoyed sampling amazing dishes at every single mealtime in Hong Kong. Upon returning to the States, he finally got to indulge in all the free TV time he'd always wanted during his storied career.

Herrito is survived by his beloved family: wife Catry, daughter Yan Yan, mother Lam Wan Fong, sisters Ava and Mary, brother Kin and wife May, nieces Anita, Michele, and Jennifer, nephews Jonathan and Donald, and all their loving families.

Family and close friends are invited to attend Herrito's memorial service on Tuesday, April 9 at 11:00 AM at the Sunset View Cemetery. Pastor Kin Hui will officiate.

View Full Obituary

Herrito Wai Shing Hui - August 06, 1961 - March 19, 2024

Departed: 03/19/2024 (El Cerrito)

Obituary Preview: Herrito Wai Shing Hui (August 6, 1961 - March 19, 2024)

Herrito was a charismatic and inspirational man who placed lifelong value in achievement. He broke barriers as a first-generation Asian American. He was a family man to the core, and we his extended family miss him dearly.

Herrito was a Hong Kong native. After graduating from the University of Western Ontario, Canada with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Psychology in 1985, Herrito returned to Hong Kong and joined the marketing sector in the push to modernize Asia, helping to further industrialize China and supplying commodities to newly affluent Asian demands. By 1989, Herrito had shifted his focus to the watch manufacturing industries of Hong Kong.

In 1991, he moved to San Francisco and established the Fossil Age watch and clock shop in the Tenderloin district before relocating the store to the Sunset district in 1992. Local community members may recognize it as the California Watch & Clock Company located on Noriega Street for nearly 30 years. Under the mentorship of Certified Master Clockmaker Edward Waters, Herrito undertook the requisite examinations and was recognized by the American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute as the first Chinese Certified Master Clockmaker in 1997. He has serviced the tower clock at Old Saint Mary's Cathedral, located at the intersection of California and Grant.

Never one to be idle, Herrito undertook yet another career change and began his electrician apprenticeship in 2000. He made journeyman in 2005 at the top of his class, and was an active IBEW Local 6 union member in good standing through his retirement in 2022. Some of the local Bay Area buildings he's worked on include: the Amazon data center, UCSF hospital campuses at Parnassus and Mission Bay, and UC Law San Francisco.

He enjoyed his retirement, visiting Yosemite National Park (for the third time) and Los Angeles, and even vacationing for a month in his native Hong Kong. He and his wife loved hiking at Hetch Hetchy, and he particularly enjoyed sampling amazing dishes at every single mealtime in Hong Kong. Upon returning to the States, he finally got to indulge in all the free TV time he'd always wanted during his storied career.

Herrito is survived by his beloved family: wife Catry, daughter Yan Yan, mother Lam Wan Fong, sisters Ava and Mary, brother Kin and wife May, nieces Anita, Michele, and Jennifer, nephews Jonathan and Donald, and all their loving families.

Family and close friends are invited to attend Herrito's memorial service on Tuesday, April 9 at 11:00 AM at the Sunset View Cemetery. Pastor Kin Hui will officiate.

View Full Obituary

Maria Alexandra Giraldo Ruiz - February 17, 1985 - March 16, 2024

Departed: 03/16/2024 (El Cerrito)

Obituary Preview: An obituary is not available at this time for Maria Alexandra Giraldo Ruiz.

View Full Obituary

Maria Alexandra Giraldo Ruiz - February 17, 1985 - March 16, 2024

Departed: 03/16/2024 (El Cerrito)

Obituary Preview: An obituary is not available at this time for Maria Alexandra Giraldo Ruiz.

View Full Obituary

Jerry Donald Bennett - February 23, 1960 - March 15, 2024

Departed: 03/15/2024 (El Cerrito)

Obituary Preview: Jerry, Donnell Bennett February 23, 1960 -  March 15, 2024 Jerry was 64 years old

Jerry worked at Vallejo Unified School District as a custodian.  Jerry loved his job.

Jerry loved playing his guitar. He was in a band in his earlier years. Jerry’s favorite TV show growing up was the Three Stooges. Jerry loved his family very deeply especially all his nieces and nephews that he played Santa Claus every year for them at Christmas.

Jerry is survived by sister’s Penny Promise, Debbie Reisland, Jennie Roman, Brother in-law Alberto Roman foster sister Rosa Salins. Jerry was a beautiful soul..

View Full Obituary

Jerry Donald Bennett - February 23, 1960 - March 15, 2024

Departed: 03/15/2024 (El Cerrito)

Obituary Preview: Jerry, Donnell Bennett February 23, 1960 -  March 15, 2024 Jerry was 64 years old

Jerry worked at Vallejo Unified School District as a custodian.  Jerry loved his job.

Jerry loved playing his guitar. He was in a band in his earlier years. Jerry’s favorite TV show growing up was the Three Stooges. Jerry loved his family very deeply especially all his nieces and nephews that he played Santa Claus every year for them at Christmas.

Jerry is survived by sister’s Penny Promise, Debbie Reisland, Jennie Roman, Brother in-law Alberto Roman foster sister Rosa Salins. Jerry was a beautiful soul..

View Full Obituary

Jane Bong-Hwa Chen - March 23, 1934 - March 12, 2024

Departed: 03/12/2024 (El Cerrito)

Obituary Preview: An obituary is not available at this time for Jane Bong-Hwa Chen.

View Full Obituary

Jane Bong-Hwa Chen - March 23, 1934 - March 12, 2024

Departed: 03/12/2024 (El Cerrito)

Obituary Preview: An obituary is not available at this time for Jane Bong-Hwa Chen.

View Full Obituary

David Roy Schott - April 02, 1951 - March 09, 2024

Departed: 03/09/2024 (El Cerrito)

Obituary Preview: David Schott, of Richmond, California, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 9, 2024. David would have celebrated is 73rd birthday this April 2.

David was born in 1951 in Napoleon, Ohio to Clifford and Carol (Salsberry) Schott. He grew up in Toledo, Ohio, graduating from Rogers High School in 1969. He received a bachelor and masters of science degrees in biology from The University of Toledo and his Ph.D. in biology from Emory University in 1983. After a 14 year career in genetic research David changed directions and for the following 20 years taught chemistry at several Bay Area high schools, including Salesian College Preparatory in Richmond, California and St. Vincent de Paul in Petaluma, California. He retired in 2017.

David is survived by Mary Ann, his beloved wife of 52 happy years his sisters Patricia Lucius (Rob Simmons) of The Villages, Florida and Laura Zelenka, of Toledo, Ohio, as well as neices, nephews and many friends.

View Full Obituary

David Roy Schott - April 02, 1951 - March 09, 2024

Departed: 03/09/2024 (El Cerrito)

Obituary Preview: David Schott, of Richmond, California, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 9, 2024. David would have celebrated is 73rd birthday this April 2.

David was born in 1951 in Napoleon, Ohio to Clifford and Carol (Salsberry) Schott. He grew up in Toledo, Ohio, graduating from Rogers High School in 1969. He received a bachelor and masters of science degrees in biology from The University of Toledo and his Ph.D. in biology from Emory University in 1983. After a 14 year career in genetic research David changed directions and for the following 20 years taught chemistry at several Bay Area high schools, including Salesian College Preparatory in Richmond, California and St. Vincent de Paul in Petaluma, California. He retired in 2017.

David is survived by Mary Ann, his beloved wife of 52 happy years his sisters Patricia Lucius (Rob Simmons) of The Villages, Florida and Laura Zelenka, of Toledo, Ohio, as well as neices, nephews and many friends.

View Full Obituary

Wanda Theresa Luisi - April 20, 1935 - March 06, 2024

Departed: 03/06/2024 (El Cerrito)

Obituary Preview: Wanda Theresa Luisi, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, entered into rest on March 6, 2024 at the age of 88.   A 31-year resident of Richmond, Wanda was born on April 20, 1935 to Polish immigrant parents Stanley and Antonina Zaucha in Chicago, Illinois.  She attended St. John Cantius Polish Catholic Grammar School and Lake View High School, where she met her future husband, James Luisi, their senior year.  He proposed to her after three weeks of dating, but they waited to marry until he had earned a BS in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.

Wanda was an experienced typist and held secretarial positions at AT&T in Chicago and at Purdue’s Agriculture Department before spending three years with Jim at Edwards Airforce Base in California.  After Jim finished his military service, they returned to Purdue where he completed his PhD in Electrical Engineering.  Wanda’s skills proved invaluable in typing Jim’s 100-page doctoral dissertation on a Smith-Corona typewriter specially modified with mathematical symbols.  She typed 10 perfect pages a day—using carbon paper to make copies—all while caring for three children under the age of six.

When Jim secured a position at the Autonetics Division of North American Aviation in 1965, they moved first to Yorba Linda and then to Anaheim, California, where they lived for 24 years.  Wanda focused on caring for the family and volunteering at the children’s schools, her church, and a local hospital.  When her eldest daughter left for college and her two youngest daughters were in high school, Wanda went back to college; in her youth she had taken courses at Loyola University in Chicago.  She completed an AA at Fullerton Community College, and a BA cum laude (1982) in English with a minor in history and an MA (1986) in English from the California State University at Fullerton.  She was the first person in her immediate family to graduate from college.

After Jim retired in 1989, she accompanied him to part-time contract assignments for the Department of the Army in New Jersey.  They made several trips to the East Coast before settling in Richmond, California in 1993.

Wanda continued her volunteerism, serving with Jim for 22 years at Loaves and Fishes, a ministry run by Newman Hall - Holy Spirit Parish in Berkeley, that provides monthly dinners to homeless individuals.  Wanda also accompanied Jim when he worked on repair projects for Newman Hall and their Breakers housing development in Richmond.  Jim was often asked to fix things, and Wanda served as assistant repair woman, handing him tools and parts as needed.  Breakers recognized her years of service by putting her name on a bench in the community.

Wanda enjoyed travel, taking her first foreign trip to England and Scotland at the age of 56, and later visiting Canada, Italy (thrice), Poland, and Sweden (twice).  She made her last trip, to Iceland and Ireland, at the age of 86.  She remained a voracious reader all her life and particularly enjoyed histories and English mysteries.

A woman of deep faith, Wanda is survived by Jim, her loving husband of nearly 67 years; daughters Linda Luisi, Lori Hepler, and Alaina Luisi; son-in law Dan Hepler; grandchildren Katie Hepler, and Jim and Emily Hepler; great-granddaughter Lydia; and sister-in-law Nancy Klaman.  She was predeceased by sisters Florence Podraza and Rose Danis; and by brothers-in-law Ted Podraza, Dan Danis, and Dan Klaman.

Wanda’s funeral Mass will be held at St. Jerome Catholic Church in El Cerrito on March 20th at 11:00 am.  Burial will follow at nearby Sunset View Cemetery.

View Full Obituary

Wanda Theresa Luisi - April 20, 1935 - March 06, 2024

Departed: 03/06/2024 (El Cerrito)

Obituary Preview: Wanda Theresa Luisi, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, entered into rest on March 6, 2024 at the age of 88.   A 31-year resident of Richmond, Wanda was born on April 20, 1935 to Polish immigrant parents Stanley and Antonina Zaucha in Chicago, Illinois.  She attended St. John Cantius Polish Catholic Grammar School and Lake View High School, where she met her future husband, James Luisi, their senior year.  He proposed to her after three weeks of dating, but they waited to marry until he had earned a BS in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.

Wanda was an experienced typist and held secretarial positions at AT&T in Chicago and at Purdue’s Agriculture Department before spending three years with Jim at Edwards Airforce Base in California.  After Jim finished his military service, they returned to Purdue where he completed his PhD in Electrical Engineering.  Wanda’s skills proved invaluable in typing Jim’s 100-page doctoral dissertation on a Smith-Corona typewriter specially modified with mathematical symbols.  She typed 10 perfect pages a day—using carbon paper to make copies—all while caring for three children under the age of six.

When Jim secured a position at the Autonetics Division of North American Aviation in 1965, they moved first to Yorba Linda and then to Anaheim, California, where they lived for 24 years.  Wanda focused on caring for the family and volunteering at the children’s schools, her church, and a local hospital.  When her eldest daughter left for college and her two youngest daughters were in high school, Wanda went back to college; in her youth she had taken courses at Loyola University in Chicago.  She completed an AA at Fullerton Community College, and a BA cum laude (1982) in English with a minor in history and an MA (1986) in English from the California State University at Fullerton.  She was the first person in her immediate family to graduate from college.

After Jim retired in 1989, she accompanied him to part-time contract assignments for the Department of the Army in New Jersey.  They made several trips to the East Coast before settling in Richmond, California in 1993.

Wanda continued her volunteerism, serving with Jim for 22 years at Loaves and Fishes, a ministry run by Newman Hall - Holy Spirit Parish in Berkeley, that provides monthly dinners to homeless individuals.  Wanda also accompanied Jim when he worked on repair projects for Newman Hall and their Breakers housing development in Richmond.  Jim was often asked to fix things, and Wanda served as assistant repair woman, handing him tools and parts as needed.  Breakers recognized her years of service by putting her name on a bench in the community.

Wanda enjoyed travel, taking her first foreign trip to England and Scotland at the age of 56, and later visiting Canada, Italy (thrice), Poland, and Sweden (twice).  She made her last trip, to Iceland and Ireland, at the age of 86.  She remained a voracious reader all her life and particularly enjoyed histories and English mysteries.

A woman of deep faith, Wanda is survived by Jim, her loving husband of nearly 67 years; daughters Linda Luisi, Lori Hepler, and Alaina Luisi; son-in law Dan Hepler; grandchildren Katie Hepler, and Jim and Emily Hepler; great-granddaughter Lydia; and sister-in-law Nancy Klaman.  She was predeceased by sisters Florence Podraza and Rose Danis; and by brothers-in-law Ted Podraza, Dan Danis, and Dan Klaman.

Wanda’s funeral Mass will be held at St. Jerome Catholic Church in El Cerrito on March 20th at 11:00 am.  Burial will follow at nearby Sunset View Cemetery.

View Full Obituary

123Next ›Last »

A Wide Range of Funeral Services

Sunset View Funeral Home offers an extensive range of funeral services designed to meet the diverse needs of the El Cerrito community. Some of the services provided include:

- Traditional funerals with viewing and burial options

- Cremation services with various urn and memorialization options

- Memorial services to celebrate the life of a loved one

- Pre-planning and pre-funding options for those who wish to plan ahead

- Support and guidance throughout the grieving process

Personalized Funeral Planning

At Sunset View Funeral Home, every funeral service is tailored to reflect the personality, interests, and spirit of the deceased. The funeral home's experienced staff takes the time to listen to families' stories, share memories, and understand their wishes. This personal approach enables them to craft unique and meaningful funeral services that honor the life of a loved one.

A State-of-the-Art Facility

The Sunset View Funeral Home facility is designed to provide a warm and comforting environment for families during their time of need. The funeral home's modern amenities include:

- Spacious chapels for services and gatherings

- Comfortable visitation rooms for private moments

- Ample parking and easy accessibility

- Advanced audio-visual equipment for personalized tributes

Community Involvement and Outreach

Sunset View Funeral Home is deeply committed to giving back to the El Cerrito community. Through various outreach programs, charity events, and educational initiatives, the funeral home strives to make a positive impact on the lives of those it serves. From bereavement support groups to community seminars on grief management, Sunset View Funeral Home is dedicated to helping individuals cope with loss and find healing.

Pre-Planning and Pre-Funding Options

Planning ahead can be a wise decision for individuals who want to ensure that their final wishes are respected and their loved ones are protected from unnecessary burden. Sunset View Funeral Home offers pre-planning and pre-funding options that allow individuals to make informed decisions about their funeral arrangements while locking in costs at today's prices.

Grief Support and Resources

Losing a loved one can be a devastating experience, but it doesn't have to be faced alone. Sunset View Funeral Home offers a range of grief support resources, including:

- Bereavement support groups for adults and children

- One-on-one counseling sessions with trained professionals

- Online grief resources and educational materials

- Referrals to local grief support organizations

Contacting Sunset View Funeral Home

If you're seeking compassionate funeral care in El Cerrito, CA, look no further than Sunset View Funeral Home. To learn more about their services or schedule a consultation, please don't hesitate to contact them at (insert phone number) or visit their website at (insert website URL). Their caring staff is always available to provide guidance and support during your time of need.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an obituary?

An obituary is a written notice that announces the death of a person, typically including their name, age, date of birth and death, and a brief biography. It may also include information about their family, accomplishments, and surviving relatives.

Why are obituaries important?

Obituaries serve as a way to inform friends, family, and community members of a person's passing, allowing them to pay their respects and offer condolences. They also provide a sense of closure and help to celebrate the life of the deceased.

Who typically writes an obituary?

In most cases, the obituary is written by the family of the deceased, often with the assistance of a funeral home or mortuary. In some cases, a friend or colleague may write the obituary if they were close to the deceased.

What information should be included in an obituary?

A typical obituary includes the person's name, age, date of birth and death, place of residence, occupation, education, military service, hobbies, achievements, and surviving relatives. It may also include information about memorial services, donations, or other ways to honor the deceased.

How long should an obituary be?

The length of an obituary can vary depending on the publication and the family's preferences. Typically, it ranges from a few sentences to several paragraphs. Online obituaries may be longer than those published in print.

Can I include photos in an obituary?

Yes, many publications allow you to include one or more photos with the obituary. This can be a great way to personalize the tribute and help readers remember the deceased.

How do I submit an obituary to a newspaper or online platform?

Contact the newspaper or online platform directly to learn their submission guidelines and deadlines. Be prepared to provide the necessary information and payment (if required).

Is there a cost associated with publishing an obituary?

The cost varies depending on the publication and the length of the obituary. Some newspapers and online platforms charge by the word or line, while others offer package deals or free listings.

Can I write my own obituary in advance?

Yes, many people choose to write their own obituary as part of their estate planning or as a way to reflect on their life. This can be a therapeutic exercise and ensure that your story is told accurately.

What is a death notice?

A death notice is a brief announcement of someone's passing, typically including only essential information such as name, age, date of death, and funeral arrangements. It is often used when a full obituary is not desired or feasible.

What is the difference between an obituary and a eulogy?

An obituary is a written notice announcing someone's death and providing biographical information. A eulogy is a speech or written tribute delivered at a funeral or memorial service to celebrate the person's life and legacy.

Can I include humor in an obituary?

Yes, many families choose to include humorous anecdotes or personality traits in the obituary to make it more personal and reflective of the deceased's spirit.

How do I handle sensitive or difficult information in an obituary?

If you're unsure about how to address sensitive topics such as cause of death, estranged relationships, or other challenging circumstances, consider consulting with a funeral director or counselor for guidance.

Can I update or correct an obituary after it has been published?

Contact the publication or online platform directly to request changes or corrections. They may have specific procedures for making updates or issuing corrections.

How long does it take for an obituary to be published?

The timeframe varies depending on the publication's schedule and deadlines. Online platforms may publish immediately, while print newspapers may take several days or weeks.

Can I share an obituary on social media?

Yes, many online platforms allow you to share the obituary on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn. This can help spread the news quickly and reach a wider audience.

What happens to an online obituary after a certain period of time?

Policies vary among online platforms, but some may archive or remove older obituaries after a certain period (e.g., 30 days). Others may keep them available indefinitely.

Can I include charitable donations or memorial funds in an obituary?

Yes, many families choose to include information about charitable donations or memorial funds in lieu of flowers. This can be a meaningful way to honor the deceased and support a worthy cause.

How do I find an old obituary from years ago?

You can try searching online archives, contacting local libraries or genealogical societies, or reaching out to funeral homes that may have records from past services.

Can I republish an old obituary on its anniversary?

Contact the original publication or online platform to request permission to republish. You may also consider rewriting or updating the obituary to reflect new information or perspectives.

What role do funeral homes play in creating and publishing obituaries?

Funeral homes often assist families in writing and submitting obituaries to newspapers and online platforms. They may also provide guidance on content, format, and timing.

Are there any specific regulations or guidelines for writing an obituary?