In Passing

Jean Ann Corbett

Jean Ann Corbett, born Jan. 28, 1942, at Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park, Ill., passed suddenly on Jan. 2, 2022. She was born to John and Jeanette Corbett, the eldest of five children. Jean grew up in Chicago and in the Chicago suburb of Mount Prospect. She loved to travel and fell in love with the American West. She lived in California for one year in the 1970s, and finally settled permanently in the West when she moved to Arizona in 1983.

Jean loved creative endeavors. After she left Northern Illinois University, she worked in a gear and bearings company, but in the evenings was active in local community theater groups helping with costumes, make-up, and sets. She also took on the role of local 4-H leader. Jean loved doing crafts and taking classes. Once she discovered spinning and weaving, she was hooked. She co-founded a spinning and weaving supply store in Des Plaines, Ill., teaching many classes in these areas over the years. She became a master weaver and in 1984 was awarded a Certificate of Excellence for hand spinning.

Once she moved to Arizona, she joined a Phoenix craftsman gallery, showing and selling her weaving products. She had booths at many local arts and craft fairs around the Valley of the Sun. Throughout her life, she continued to learn new crafts. Jean gravitated towards making friends with people with similar interests and organized and participated in many craft days and workshops. She also loved to teach others what she knew and happily taught friends to knit and weave. The last several years of her life Jean was introduced to quilting, which became a new love.

Jean had many interests besides arts and crafts. Jean loved entertaining family and friends and helped to organize many get-togethers. She particularly loved setting tables. Jean enjoyed learning about computers. She became the go-to person for her family on questions about any computer issue. She loved football, was a huge Cardinals fan, and held season tickets for the “Phoenix” Cardinals during their few seasons. Fantasy Football became an obsession in recent years … she was the commish for three different leagues and participated in several others.

Jean enjoyed her role as an aunt to Chris and Todd Johnson and Clare O’Connor. She took pride in all their accomplishments and was always there to cheer them on. She will be greatly missed by them and by her siblings: sisters Cathy (married to Rod Johnson), Karen, Patricia (married to John O’Connor) and brother John (married to Diane Krizek). She will also be missed by her lifelong friend Pat Vacilek (friends since their Arlington High School days) who shared in many of her endeavors and shenanigans over the years.

Harry Alexander Hall

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our father Harry Alexander Hall, age 91, on Dec. 17, 2021.

Harry was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., on Dec. 19, 1929, to Alec and Ethel Hall. He was raised in both Pittsburgh and Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., and he graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1951. Following college, he entered the Air Force as a commissioned officer and served as a flight navigator. He was initially stationed in Japan.

He and his devoted wife Lois were married in Troy, N.Y., in 1953 and promptly moved overseas where their first son David was born. Upon return to the states, he was stationed at Wright Patterson AFB in Dayton, Ohio, where he earned his master’s degree in physics. Leaving the service, he entered the defense industry, which led to a career position with the Kearfott Division of General Precision Equipment Corporation. He and Lois moved the family to Montclair, N.J. He enjoyed a 35-year career in the aerospace industry.

Harry was a devoted family man who believed that faith and family were the most important ingredients in a life well lived. He and Lois raised six children together and, in his own words, he felt “that his greatest achievement was raising a close and loving family.”

In 1995 Harry and Lois retired to Sun Lakes, Ariz., where he enjoyed days filled with golf, art, gardening, and writing. He had a love of history and extensively studied the Native American cultures of Arizona, eventually publishing his first book on the topic. He became a docent at the Heard Museum and shared his knowledge to visitors with enthusiasm.

Harry is survived by his wife of 68 years, Lois Hall; sons David (Nancy, nee McKeon) of Long Beach Township, N.J.; Timothy (Nancy, nee McDonough) of Mesa, Ariz.; Todd (Mary, nee Howlett) of Kansas City, Mo.; Susan Hall Pohlman (Timothy) of Scottsdale, Ariz.; Kevin (Karen, nee Sharkey) of Berkeley Heights, N.J.; and Joseph (Catherine, nee Treanor) of Washington D.C.; 14 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Services were held at St. Juan Diego Catholic Church in Chandler, Ariz., on Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent in his name to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Maryjane Hedreen

Maryjane Hedreen was born on April 20, 1935, to Prosper and Caddie Ganty in Sitka, Alaska. Although she lived most of her life in Seattle, she considered herself an Alaskan through and through.

Maryjane first lived in Seattle as a 6th grade boarding student at Helen Bush School. After graduation from high school, she studied broadcast journalism at the University of Washington. She was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority where she made many lifelong friendships.

While raising a young family, MJ returned to the UW for her degree in education. MJ taught for more than 20 years with Seattle Public Schools, settling in at Kimball Elementary on Beacon Hill for most of her career. Her zest for life was reflected in her enthusiasm for teaching. Throughout her life, numerous of her former students would recognize “Mrs. Hedreen” from their childhood and proclaim that she had been their favorite teacher.

Maryjane was an athlete from the time she was young. She spent many hours in her adulthood playing competitive tennis and then golf both in Seattle and Sun Lakes, Ariz., where she and Mike lived in the winters. One of her claims to fame was winning a coveted Silver Ball for Mixed Doubles in the USTA Senior National Indoor Court Championships.

MJ remained active throughout life, always defying her age. Her funny, kind, witty, adventuresome, free-spirited personality was liked by every generation. She had a warm nature that made everyone feel loved. After comforting her family all day, MJ passed away peacefully on Christmas Eve, with dignity and on her own terms … what an inspiration!

MJ is survived by Mike Hedreen, her husband of 51 years. She also leaves behind three children, Gus Hall (Angela), Jennifer Boyd (Pete), and John Hall (Deborah) and four stepchildren, Ann Hedreen (Rus), Lisa MacDonald (Marty), James Hedreen (Liz), and Caroline Hedreen (Ernie). As their families expanded, MJ became a special MeeMee to Jamie, William, Molly, Megan, Emily, Andrew, Peter, Claire, Nick, David, Kate, Mark, Siri, Paul, Sam, Kirsten, and great granddaughter Riley.

There will be an announcement at a later date for a memorial to Maryjane, which will hopefully be scheduled during the spring. Remembrances may be made to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance or Seattle Humane Society.

Mary Louise Engle Henderson

Mary Louise Engle Henderson, age 96, died Jan. 9, 2022. She was born Feb. 2, 1925, in Washington, Pa., was a 1943 graduate of Trinity High School, and a clerk for the city water department until marriage to George R. Henderson in 1947. The couple moved to Weirton, W.V.

While there, Louise was a member of the Weirton Women’s Club, the Pleasant Valley Country Club, Cove United Presbyterian Church, and the Weirton Memorial Hospital Women’s Auxiliary. She was active in school PTAs and was a leader for Camp Fire Girls and Girl Scouts.

The couple retired to Sun Lakes in 1987. Louise participated in many groups here, including golf, cards, Bingo, and line dancing. A remarkable seamstress, her signature creation during retirement was teddy bears; she made and gave away more than 150 of them. Louise authored a cookbook of multi-generational recipes, believing that every dish was an edible “I love you.”

In September 2019, Louise “gave up housekeeping” and moved to Ohio to live with her daughter, and she resided there until death.

Louise and George celebrated 61 years of marriage prior to his passing in 2009. She is survived by their daughters: Carol Henderson and Denise Tucker of Sun Lakes and Lori (John) Mazzone of Newark, Ohio; eight grandchildren: Jennifer (David) Breen, Aimee (Kyle) Aldous, Melissa (Rob) Donaldson, Bobbie Lynn (Brandon) Repp, Nicholas Mazzone, Jessica Mazzone, Christine (Stephen) Travis, and Mitchell Mazzone; and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by five siblings and survived by three siblings and many nieces and nephews.

She will be buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona alongside her husband. She will be deeply missed and joyfully remembered as a true matriarch of our family, connecting us all. Thanks for just being you and loving us like you did. To which we know you would say … “love you more.”

Kathleen Zinovia Komishke (Lane)

Kathleen Zinovia Komishke (Lane) was born in Hanna, Alberta, Canada, on July 24, 1939. She was the second of four children and spent her early years with her family on a farm in Byemoor, Alberta. There, Kathy attended primary school until her final year, which was completed in Red Deer at Lindsay Thurber High School. Kathy continued her education at the University of Alberta, where she graduated with a degree in education. Subsequently, Kathy was offered teaching positions in the County of Stettler at Waverly, among other schools, and would soon meet and fall in love with Ronald Komishke.

Kathy and Ron were married on July 15, 1960. Soon after, their son Brad was born in October of 1962, and their daughter Audra in May of 1966. In 1976 the family moved to Germany to teach at the Canadian Armed Forces (DND) base in Lahr until 1979 when they returned to Stettler, and the couple continued to teach until 1995. They coordinated school ski nights at Red Deer Canyon ski resort and ski weekends in the mountains for both students and family. During Kathy’s teaching career, she was beloved by the members of the ATA home economics council and served as the Parkland Region Home Economics Specialist council executive. She helped plan the provincial conference and was instrumental in organizing professional development for home economics teachers in Central Alberta. Furthermore, Kathy maintained and cherished many close relationships with several colleagues, students, and friends. Upon her retirement in 1995, Kathy was celebrated and honored at the home economics convention in Calgary, Alberta.

Ron and Kathy became snowbirds after buying a home in Palo Verde, a community in Sun Lakes, Ariz., where they spent many happy winters exploring the local cultures, landscapes, horticulture, entertainment, folklore, and the many other unique features the state has to offer, particularly the people. They were members of the golf community, hiking club, and bocce ball groups. After Ron’s passing in 2008, Kathy carried on with her Palo Verde ladies’ golf league, couples golf league (with stand-in Gordon Brooker), and golf with two other ladies’ groups. Not only was Kathy very dedicated, passionate, and competitive while playing the sport, she was also very skilled and won many competitions, including the Palo Verde Ladies’ Presidents Cup Championship in 2012. She was an active member of the Sewing Club and the Quilting Club, to which she donated countless hours of expertise and time. Additionally, Kathy continued to enjoy craft sales, arts and wine features, day trips to Arizona sites, and many community activities with friends. Kathy always made time for family and friends and loved to share her culinary skills by hosting numerous special gatherings. Many happy hour dinners were shared with her loved ones, including times with Doris Skaret while the two attempted Spanish lessons—though neither student achieved fluency!

Kathy will be sorely missed by her snowbird community, her Stettler community, her DND colleagues/lifelong friends, and her friends and family. Her positive attitude, love of life, passion for travel, creativity, and willingness to lend a helping hand will surely leave a considerable void in many lives, though the scores of happy and extraordinary memories created with Kathy will continue to fill our hearts and minds for years to come.

Kathleen is survived by her son Brad Komishke (Caroline) of Calgary, AB; daughter Audra Komishke of Red Deer, AB; grandchildren Danielle, Bailey, Albert, and Casey Komishke; Taylor (Brady) Austin of Innisfail, AB; Zane Middlemiss of Red Deer, AB. One great-granddaughter Novia Austin; one great-grandson Bowen Sunderwald; one sister Zena Kalenith of Stettler, AB; sister-in-law Marlene (Ken) of Kelowna, BC; brothers-in-law Wayne Komishke (Hollis) of Donalda, AB; and Dale (Diane) of Rochon Sands, AB. Numerous nieces and nephews, as well as a host of students and friends. She was predeceased by her husband Ron, parents William and Zenovia Lane, her parents-in-law Albert and Ruth Komishke, her brother Bill Lane, and sister Doreen Kneeland.

Robert William Massberg

Robert William Massberg passed away peacefully on Jan. 6, 2022, surrounded by his family, at age 83.

Robert (Bob) was born in Detroit, Mich., on Aug. 23, 1938. He graduated from Walled Lake High School in 1956.

Survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Diane; stepsons Jeff (Faith) Michalec and Joe Michalec; daughters Lori Massberg and Kristine Poterbin (Steve); grandchildren Dominic, Joey, Theodore, Grace, and Luke; great grandchild Maddison; and his faithful schnauzer companion Molly.

Preceded in death by his loving parents, William and Alice Massberg; stepson Brian Michalec; son Kurt; and grandson Vincent Poterbin.

Robert graduated from the General Motors Institute in 1960. He had a career at GM, where he designed seats and seat belts. He also worked for Ford Motor Company, Masland Carpets, Lear, and Douglas and Lomason Corporation.

He was an avid sailor, skier, and lifelong car enthusiast. He was a past Commodore and Fleet Admiral at St. Clair Yacht Club and a World War II history buff. He loved watching NCAA football games, and his favorite teams were Florida State University and Miami. Robert enjoyed cigars and the companionship of his close family and friends.

The winds of change are always blowing; all you need to do is raise your sails.

Corrine Ann Paulson

Corrine Ann Paulson was born March 19, 1936, in Boone, Iowa, and passed away Dec. 22, 2021, at The Enclave at Chandler. Her parents were Dayle and Alvena Crawford. One sister, Carla, lives in Boone, Iowa. The girls grew up on a farm two miles northwest of Ogden, Iowa.

In 1954 Corrine graduated from Ogden High School where she played basketball and was active in both vocal and instrumental music.

She earned her Bachelor of Music degree from St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minn., in 1958 and was a three-year member of the renowned St. Olaf College Choir.

She married Leonard I. Paulson from Ames, Iowa, on Sept. 1, 1957, and they raised three daughters: Camille Christine Rittmueller of Phoenix, Ariz.; Janelle Lynn Parker of Guntersville, Ala.; and Jeanine Ann Adamson of Dallas, Texas. Ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren are located across the country.

Corrine thoroughly enjoyed teaching private piano and voice for over 42 years, helping adults and youth as young as those in kindermusic. Her beautiful contralto voice was shared in a variety of opportunities as a vocal soloist and choir member in churches and community choir groups. Leadership skills led to church positions as director of music and choir director in several locations.

Volunteer activities for Corrine included church groups, nursing home ministry of music, past member and president of the Denver Chapter of Choristers Guild, former member of board of directors of Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra and Cheyenne Music Teachers Assn., past member of Desert Valley Music Teachers Assn., book reader for Head Start and pre- school programs through Chandler Public Library, and involvement with other community organizations.

Corrine and Len moved from Denver to Arizona in 1995 and enjoyed life in Sun Lakes, Ariz., for over 20 years.

Corrine loved small red cars, dogs and other animals, tennis, travel, classical music, peace and quiet, moderation, card games, home decorating, and crafts projects. Her talents and pleasant, caring personality will be missed.

Jack Reed Sheneman

Dr. Jack R. Sheneman, age 93, passed away Dec. 29 with his wife by his side.

He was born in Kalispell, Mont., at home to Ralph Sheneman and Lucy Reed. He was their third child and only son.

Jack graduated from Polson High School in 1946. He also earned his Eagle Scout. He attended Montana State University (1946 to 1952) and graduated from the University of Nebraska Dental School (1952 to 1956). After an internship at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center (1956 to 1957), he was stationed at Hickam AFB, Hawaii. While there, he met and married Gloria Madsen, his wife for 63 years.

He graduated from Saint Louis University Department of Orthodontics in 1967. Jack retired from the Air Force in 1976 as a Lt. Colonel.

Jack established an orthodontic practice in Vancouver, Wash., from 1987 to 1993.

After his second retirement, he and Gloria became snowbirds, going between Flathead Lake, Mont., and Sun Lakes, Ariz.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his middle sister Dorothy Coverdell, his only daughter Dawn Anderson, and daughters-in-law Eileen and Thea. He is survived by his wife Gloria, oldest sister Donna, sons Mark and Jon, eight grandkids, and six great-grandkids.

A memorial service will be held this summer in Montana.

Jack’s favorite and most happy place was making anyone’s smile beautiful.

Karen K. Thomas

Karen Thomas, wife of Cliff Thomas, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022, at 9:20 p.m. She leaves behind her husband, Cliff, and son Scott Thomas of Tucson. Karen was a great lady and married 65 years. She enjoyed tennis and art. She loved Sun Lakes and the people living here. She was under Hospice of the Valley care for several months. Love to all.

Stanley Zolna

Stanley Zolna, 81, of Phoenix, Ariz., passed away on Nov. 12, 2021, after a valiant battle with bladder cancer.

Stan was born on April 12, 1940, to Frank and Sophie in Gallitzin, Pa. After graduating from Gallitzin High School, he joined the Army and studied electrical engineering.

After a four-year tour in the Army, he began his lifelong career in civil defense. He worked for Hughes Aircraft and Raytheon until he retired and moved to Phoenix.

Stan met Dixie, and they wed in 1963, going on to have two children, Kimberly and Michael. At the time of his passing, Stan and Dixie were married 58 years.

After retiring, Stan spent his time practicing real estate and enjoyed holding lots of open houses. Additionally, he loved putting together 2000-piece puzzles and working on his collection of cooking recipes.

Stan was predeceased by his parents Frank and Sophie. He is survived by his wife Dixie; his sister and two brothers: Janey, Walter, and Paul; and his children Kimberly and Michael.

Services were held at St. Steven’s Catholic Church in Sun Lakes, Ariz., on Jan. 13 at 10 a.m.

You may make a donation to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in his honor as an alternative to flowers.