Deaths Deaths (January 14, 2004)

Carolyn "Betty" Carlin

Carolyn "Betty" Carlin, 86, a 25-year Palo Alto resident, died Dec. 30.

She was raised in Centreville, on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. She moved to California in 1969 to be closer to her two grandsons.

She cherished her family and friends, holding them above all else in her daily life. She was a lifelong Baltimore Orioles fan and took her grandson, Chad, to the 1983 World Series. She loved cheering for her grandchildren at sports events.

She was involved in her community, volunteering at Stanford Hospital as an auxiliary volunteer, on Election Day as a poll worker, and as an active member in her church. She will be remembered by friends for her affability and passion for life.

She is survived by her brother, William Yates of Centreville, Md.; her son, Donald Carlin and his wife, Joan, of Binghamton, N.Y.; her daughter, Carol Richards and her husband, Jon, of Palo Alto; two grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

A memorial service was held in her honor Jan. 5, 2004. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to any non-profit organization or to the Menlo Park Presbyterian Church, 950 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park, CA 94025.
Elsie Marie Martino

Elsie Marie Martino, 82, a longtime resident of Palo Alto, died Jan. 4, 2004.

A native Californian, she was born Feb. 8, 1921, in Dorris, Calif., and spent her childhood in San Francisco. She worked as a manager at the Emporium in Stanford Shopping Center, retiring after 27 years.

She was an active member of Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, where she belonged to various bridge groups and the Young Ladies Institute. Accomplished at knitting, sewing and needlework, she won first place at the San Mateo County Fair for her needlepoint. Each Christmas, she attached an exquisitely hand-stitched Christmas tree ornament to each of her many holiday gifts.

She also traveled worldwide with her husband, David Joseph Martino, an officer in the U.S. Navy. They were married for 54 years before his death in 1991.

She is survived by her daughter, Barbara Kelly and son-in-law, George Kelly, of Palo Alto; daughter, Patricia Oyen and son-in-law, Don Oyen, of Alameda; seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Services have been held. Donations in her memory can be made to the American Cancer Society, 1715 S. Bascom Ave., Suite 100, Campbell, CA 95008; YLI at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 3233 Cowper St., Palo Alto, CA 94306; or St. Elizabeth Seton School, 1095 Channing Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94301.
Wendy Roncarati

Wendy Roncarati, 33, a longtime resident of Palo Alto, died Dec. 25.

She was involved in public relations, liked music, dog training and had a big heart. She was a friend to the homeless. She is survived by her parents, Robert and Patty Roncarati of Massachusetts.
Eugene Coit Senter

Eugene Coit Senter, 85, a 53-year resident of Palo Alto, died Jan. 1, 2004.

He joined the Naval Reserves in 1937, serving in Watsonville and Kodiak, Ala. He requested reassignment to the Army Air Force for flight training and tested planes and trained pilots for combat during World War II. He retired with the rank of major from the Army Air Force Reserves after 30 years of service.

He was an avid duck hunter, fly fisherman, skier, and wine collector. He also continued to fly his own plane, taking his family on trips to Alaska, Baja California, the Virgin Islands, and other locations. He owned building maintenance and security service companies in Mountain View, serving as president of the Building Services Contractors Association in 1964. He retired in 1983.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Joan Senter, a native San Franciscan; daughter, Carole Flaherty of Idaho; son, Thomas Senter of Palo Alto; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Services have been held. Donations in his memory can be made to local hospice organizations.
Philip Halvor Stavn

Philip Halvor Stavn, 69, a Palo Alto native and lifelong resident, died Dec. 26, 2003.

He played football while at Palo Alto High School and in junior college before serving in the U.S. Army and U.S. Army Reserve. Known for being a handy craftsman who could fix anything, he worked in Santa Clara County as a carpenter and contractor. He was active in the carpenter's union and served as a union leader in Palo Alto (Local 668) and San Jose (Local 405) for nine years in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He and his wife also built their home in Palo Alto.

An avid dancer, he will be remembered by friends and family as a kind and considerate family man who was liked by everyone he met.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Alfreda Gladys Stavn of Palo Alto; daughter, Sherise Natalia Stark and son-in-law, Curtis Stark, of Santee, Calif.; son, Kent Herter Stavn of La Jolla, Calif.; brother, Robert Stavn of Greensboro, N.C.; and two grandchildren.

Services have been held. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to the Save the Redwoods League, 114 Sansome St., Room 1200, San Francisco, CA 94104.

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