Deaths Deaths (December 03, 2003)

Bill Brown

Bill Brown, 70, a longtime resident of Palo Alto, died Oct. 29.

He was born in Brooklyn and raised in Forest Hills by his parents, Joe and Elsie Brown, where he took lessons and played at the Forest Hills Tennis Club. He attended Cornell University, earning a bachelor's degree in physics. From there he went on to graduate school at Rice and after a year, spent two years in the United States Army as a lieutenant.

During his time at Fort Manmouth he met his wife, Davina. At the end of his army career, he and Davina got married. They moved to Ypsilanti, Mich., where both worked and he completed his doctorate in physics.

He spent most of his adult life working as a research scientist in astrophysics. His love for science was contagious. His grandchildren called him "Doctor Science" and were always calling with questions that he loved to answer, sharing his love for science, technology, astronomy, and the physical world around him.

He was a quiet person. His teaching and leadership usually came in the form of demonstration rather than exhortation.

He started bicycling before he retired, riding to work and going on evening and weekend rides. The regular Tuesday morning rides with his bike club provided exercise and friendship. The Western Wheelers bike club got lots of his attention as he acted as secretary and coeditor of the newsletter.

He was always a staunch supporter of things Jewish and Israel. Membership in the synagogue and the Jewish education of his children was a priority. He was on the Kol Emeth board for a number of years.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Davina Brown; daughter, Leslie Dasher; son-in-law, David Dasher; grandsons Joseph and Samuel Biondini of Lawrenceville, Ga.; son, Leon Brown; daughter-in-law, Kyoko Brown; granddaughter, Kana Brown; sister, Lucy Karwoski of Huntington, N.Y.; sister-in-law, Susanne Friedland; brother-in-law, Michael Beerman; sister-in-law, Karen Friedland; brother-in-law, Gary Zelko; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Services have been held.
Elizabeth Dearinger

Elizabeth Joan Dearinger, 75, a longtime Palo Alto volunteer, died Nov. 13 in San Jose.

A native Californian and 53-year resident of Santa Clara County, she was born June 12, 1928, in Salinas and grew up in Glide, Ore., and Fortuna, Calif. Known to her many friends as Betty and her grandchildren as Nana, she was an active supporter and volunteer of numerous activities in Palo Alto including the Girl Scouts, Neighbors Abroad and she was a fixture on the sidelines of her granddaughter's Palo Alto AYSO soccer games.

She was treasurer and active in the California Mobile Resources and Action Association (CMRRAA) and a dedicated election polling booth volunteer.

Her husband, Robert (Bob) Dearinger, preceded her in death. She is survived by her children and their spouses: Virginia and Ed Bobrow of Dorris, Calif.; Karen and Tom Smestad of Palo Alto; Robert and Debby Dearinger of San Jose; Robin Dearinger and Stephen Janes of Santa Cruz; her grandchildren, Charleen and husband, Keith Klassen, of Sacramento; Kelsey Smestad; Jennifer and David Dearinger; and Nic Janes; great-grandson, Andrew Dearinger Klassen; and her sisters, Thais Glines of Folsom and Nadine Sonnier of Conroe, Texas; along with numerous nieces and nephews and countless friends.

In celebration of her life, a memorial service was held Nov. 28 at Blossom Valley Bible Church, 6147 Purple Hills Drive, San Jose. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the America Cancer Society or a favorite charity.
Sally Hassett

Sally Hassett, 44, a 1977 graduate of Gunn High School, died Nov. 22

Raised in Palo Alto, she loved to cook and enjoyed gardening.

She is survived by her parents, Dorothy and Robert Hassett; sister, Carla Pawling of Arden, N.C. and her brother, Alan Hassett. Donations may be sent to the sender's charity of choice.

Services have been held.
James H. Jepsen

James H. Jepsen, 94, a longtime Palo Alto businessman, died on Nov. 15 in Palo Alto.

He was born in Merstal, Denmark and immigrated to the United States with his father in 1927. His family followed in 1929. He served in the United States Army during World War II. He owned Thompson Upholstery until his late wife, Ingrid Dalgaard Jepsen, became ill. After her death, he devoted his time to managing his office buildings on Cambridge Avenue.

He is survived by his sister Ruth E. Galassi of Palo Alto; 13 nieces and nephews; 31 great-nieces and nephews; and 38 great-great-nieces and nephews.

Donations in his memory may be made to Lucile Packard Children's Hospital or a favorite charity.

Services have been held.

Jacqueline Langs

Jacqueline Langs, 78, a former founder of the first girls' softball team in Palo Alto, died on Nov. 23.

Born in France, she was a long time Palo Alto resident. She was involved with the PTA organizations at Garland Elementary School, Jordan Middle School and Palo Alto High School.

The daughter of a professional fencer, she saw the need for women's sports in Palo Alto and worked with the PTA to ensure that girls were awarded trophies equal to those of boys. She was involved in several capacities at the local schools from yard-duty to French tutor to librarian assistant. In addition, she was active in local youth dances, graduation ceremonies and sports activities.

She is survived by her husband, Dale; her children, Marc, Dennis, Kirk and Leora; and eight grandchildren.

The family invites friends to join a celebration of her life on her birthday, Feb. 21 in Palo Alto. To send stories or memories of her e-mail leora@frontlinespecialists.com.
Robert H. Westly

Robert Henry Westly, 70, a 50-year resident of Palo Alto, Los Altos and Mountain View, died Oct. 30 at his home in Mountain View.

The son of the late Torkel and Helen Westly, he was born Feb. 23, 1933, in the Territory of Hawaii.

He was the president of Westly Insurance Agency, Stanford Graduate '55 Kappa Alpha Order Fraternity Member and Lifetime Stanford Alumni Supporter. He was a 45-year regular at Gate Eleven for Stanford Football tailgating. He was a sensational cook and well-versed epicurean.

He was an LTJG and Naval Aviator with the U.S. navy. He was the student body president of Punahou School, Honolulu, Hawaii, class of '51 and an Elks Club Member.

He is survived by two children, Michael Robert Westly of Palo Alto and Shawna Westly Nielsen of Santa Rosa; sister, Helen Grasberger of Oakdale; and brother, Norman Westly of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

A memorial tailgate/lunch celebration will be held in his honor Sunday, Dec. 7, at 1 p.m. at Lucie Stern Community Center, Community Room, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. Donations in his memory may be made to The American Heart Association.

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