Deaths Deaths (March 28, 2001)

Brianna Germer

Brianna Germer, 20, a student at Stanford University, died March 19 when she was struck by a minivan while jogging in Palo Alto. A native of Lincoln, Neb., she was a National Merit scholar, a member of the varsity tennis squad and the all-state orchestra at Lincoln High School. She scored a perfect 1,600 on the SAT test in high school. A campus memorial will be held after spring break. Organizers are waiting until students return to organize the memorial. "She was an extraordinary student and extraordinary person. Her loss to the Stanford community is simply devastating. Our thoughts and prayers are with Brianna's family and with all those whose lives she touched," said James Montoya, vice provost for student affairs. Margaret Helsaple

Margaret Helsaple, a 44-year resident of Palo Alto, died March 19. She was 85. Born in Eau Galle, Wis. in 1916, she was the youngest of nine children. As a young girl she loved fishing, hunting, bowling and big band music. During World War II she went to work for Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach. She moved to Wabasha, Minn. and in 1944 married Harry Helsaple. They moved to Palo Alto in 1954, building their home while raising their four children. She worked for J.C. Penney Co. from 1960 until her retirement in 1980, working first on University Avenue and later at Mayfield Mall. She started in the dress department and later became the bookkeeper and manager for the Auto Center. After her retirement she loved to spend her time cooking, sewing, canning, gardening and fishing with her family. She was an active member of Our Lady of the Rosary Church and loved spending time with her grandchildren. She is survived by her sons, Thomas Helsaple of Palo Alto; and Brian Helsaple of Seiad Valley; daughters Ann Bruley of Turlock; and Mary Helsaple of Manitou Springs, Colo.; and five grandchildren. Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sacred Heart School Memorial Trust, 1225 Cooper St., Turlock, 95380. Thomas J. Power

Thomas J. Power, a lifelong resident of Palo Alto, died March 17. He was 21 years old. He attended Jordan Middle School and graduated from Palo Alto High School in 1997. He was gifted in singing and drawing. A self-taught musician, he enjoyed accompanying himself on the guitar. He also loved nature and writing poetry. He had a good sense of humor and often entertained family and friends with his wit and gift of mimickery. He is survived by his parents, Michael and Guille Power of Mountain View; his sister Alma of Mountain View; and his brother Mike of Toulouse, France. A memorial service in his honor will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 31, at Roller Hapgood & Tinney, 980 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. Geraldine "Jerry" Stairs

Geraldine "Jerry" Stairs, a longtime resident of Palo Alto, died March 16. She was 81. Born November 14, 1919 in Greensburg, Penn., she was a Red Cross volunteer during World War II and later worked for an architectural firm in western Pennsylvania. She married Mack Stairs, raised three children and was active in the First Methodist Church in Greensburg, Penn. The family moved to Palo Alto in 1965 when Mack began working for the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center. Later, Jerry began a 30-year career in real estate, working as a broker for Cornish and Carey in Palo Alto. During this period, she also served as Disaster Coordinator for the Red Cross, Palo Alto Chapter. She was also active in the First United Methodist Church in Palo Alto, and later served as a property manager in Menlo Park. She retired in 1997 and moved to Drake Terrace senior residence in San Rafael. She took pride and joy in following the busy lives and achievements of her grandchildren. She was an avid 49er fan. She is survived by her daughter, Deborah Parker of San Rafael; her son, Matthew Stairs of Mountain View; her sister, Helen Mason of Greensburg, Penn.; and two grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 31 at the First United Methodist Church, 625 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Red Cross, 400 Mitchell Lane, Palo Alto 94301. John E. "Jack" Tuomy, Sr.

John E. "Jack" Tuomy Sr., a long time resident of Palo Alto, died March 16 of complications related to Parkinson's disease. He was 83. An employee of Standard Oil of California (later Chevron), from 1945-1984, he began his career as a civil engineer and later became a marketing operations executive. A native of Portland, Ore., he graduated with a civil engineering degree from Oregon State University and later served in the United States Navy during World War II as a Lt. Commander as well as an instructor at the U.S. Naval Academy. After the war, he married Helen Doyle and the two of them settled in Palo Alto in 1949. He was active in several organizations and was past president of the local chapter of AARP. He also participated in SIRS and Chevron retirees groups. He was a charter member of the Covenant Presbyterian Church in Palo Alto and was an active member serving on many committees throughout his life. He and his wife traveled extensively after his retirement and before her death. One of his greatest pleasures was attending his grandchildren's sporting events, working in his yard and his daily walks about town. His family says he was a truly kind and warmhearted man whose smile and sense of humor will be missed by many. He is survived by his son John Tuomy of Palo Alto; his daughter Betty Rundell of Palo Alto; and five grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 28 at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 670 E. Meadow Dr. in Palo Alto. Thomas J. Power