In Passing

If you would like to submit an obituary for In Passing, please limit your submission to 400 words or less and submit it and a photo (if you have one) via email at editorial@robson.com or online at robsonpublishing.com/editorial.

Previous In Passing posts may be found here or by searching by name in the upper right-hand sidebar.

Courtland B. Birchard

Courtland B. Birchard, of Birchardville, Pa., went to be with his Savior on Saturday, April 4, 2026. Born June 12, 1930, the second son of Carlton and Lillian (Ackerman) Birchard. He attended one-room schoolhouses through eighth grade, then Montrose High School, graduating in 1948. While in school, teachers encouraged Court’s pencil drawing and he developed an interest in magic and ventriloquism. He and his sidekick Joey entertained throughout his life.

Court served in Korea from 1954 to 1956. He used the G.I. Bill to obtain an Associate Degree in Electronics in 1958. He worked in the lab at Transformers, Inc. of Vestal, N.Y. There he met Mary Moore, a department supervisor; a widow with three teenagers. They were married in 1965 and built a home in Birchardville.

In the ’70s, Transformers closed. They decided to find a way to live off their land. They sold organically grown vegetables and beef, stone from his quarry, and hosted deer hunters from Canada and the northeast. While recovering from back surgery, he started drawing again. Mary suggested he draw on stone. That was the beginning of his art career, engraving beautiful pictures on stone, and making stone craft items. They would go to art shows and had a building at the Harford Fair for many years.

After Mary passed, he and Joey spent winters from 2009 to 2019 with his daughter Lyn Munn in Sun Lakes. He was in the Desert Artists, Metal Detectors, Citrus Pickers, and Camera Clubs, and attended church with Lyn. In 2017 he donated funds that would give a $1,000 scholarship annually, forever. The Courtland Birchard Scholarship awards began in 2018.

Court was a man of faith, having accepted Christ as His Savior in the 1960s. It is very fitting that he passed the day before Easter and was in Heaven with Mary to celebrate. A humble and kind man, Court made friends wherever he went.

He is survived by his younger brother Gene, daughters Lyn Munn (William) and Shirley Ewain (Dan) of Endicott, N.Y., three grandchildren, and one great-grandson. He is predeceased by his parents, wife Mary, older brother Selden, and son Daniel Weyant.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Courtland Birchard Scholarship Fund, c/o Community Foundation, 270 Lake Avenue, Montrose, PA 18801. His funeral will be held on April 25 in Binghamton, N.Y., with burial next to his beloved Mary in Vestal.

Dorothy Devereaux

Dorothy “Dottie” Claire Devereaux (née Weikel), age 90, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2026, in Sun Lakes, Ariz., surrounded and comforted by her daughters. Born on Feb. 23, 1936, in Camden, N.J., she was the beloved daughter of Thelma and Charles Weikel.

Dottie grew up in Camden and attended Camden Catholic High School, where she was a spirited cheerleader. During high school, she began dating her sweetheart, John “Jack” F. Devereaux. The two were married Sept. 13, 1958, and were husband and wife for over 60 years.

She and Jack raised five children—Denise Devereaux, Donna Benjamin, John Devereaux (deceased), Darlene Locke (Dan Locke), and Dawn Devereaux-Davies (Carl Davies)—in Cinnaminson, N.J. In 1980, the family relocated to Mesa, Ariz. While in Arizona, Dottie and Jack doted on their growing family as they became grandparents.

Known affectionately as “MomMom” by her grandchildren—Brittany Bell (Brandon Bell), Kyle Benjamin, Randy Locke (Meshi Locke), Steven Locke (partnered with Breanna)—and great-grandchild, Ryan Locke, Dottie cherished her family above all else.

Dottie and Jack happily retired in Sun Lakes, Ariz., where they embraced an active lifestyle. They were each avid tennis players and loved to socialize with their friends during community social events. Dottie and Jack loved to dance and Dottie was a member of the Red Hat Society.

Dottie’s life was marked by love, devotion, and resilience. She was a brilliant homemaker who took pride in her home and nurturing her children. Her warmth extended to everyone she met, creating lasting friendships wherever she went—from her early days in Cinnaminson to her golden years in Sun Lakes.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Jack; her son, John; and her brothers, Charles and Robert Weikel.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Hospice of the Valley for providing compassionate end-of-life care for both Dottie and Jack.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 10 a.m. at St. Steven’s Roman Catholic Church in Sun Lakes, Ariz., with a luncheon to follow at the church hall.

John F. “Jack” Devereaux

Nov. 1, 1935—Aug. 24, 2020
Jack was born in Camden, N.J. He passed away peacefully at home on Monday, Aug. 24, 2020.

He was the son of Joseph and Leona Devereaux. Jack’s siblings (predeceased) are Mary Devereaux, Joseph Devereaux (Monica), and Leona Weast (Gus). His loving and devoted wife Dorothy Claire Devereaux passed away recently in Sun Lakes on March 25, 2026.

He is survived by four daughters, Denise Devereaux, Donna Benjamin, Darlene Locke (Dan), Dawn Devereaux Davies (Carl), and one son, John Devereaux (predeceased). Jack was a wonderful, loving, patient, powerful man and a devoted, traditional husband and father. Jack is also survived by four grandchildren Brittany Bell (Brandon), Kyle Benjamin, Randy Locke (Meshi), and Steven Locke. They enjoyed having a “Poppop” who was supportive, loving, and kind. Our family now has many angels watching over us and protecting us from afar. We take comfort in knowing they are together again in heaven and can be at peace without pain.

Jack taught us all how to be self-sufficient, responsible individuals and to always think for ourselves. He showed us firsthand how hard work and sacrifice brings big gains and rewards. Mom and Dad’s anniversary is Sept. 13. They were married over 60 years and were a great example of living “within your means,” saving, conservatism, taking care of family, friendship, and managing hardships, heartache, and disappointment.

Jack graduated from Camden Catholic High School and Villanova where he was a star athlete. He worked for a variety of paper products and office supply distributing companies, both McKesson and Topps. In retirement, Jack continued to work part time at Dillard’s department store at Chandler Mall for 12 years. He and Dottie were the best-dressed couple and bigger than life keeping active and social in Sun Lakes.

We will be honoring our father and officially laying him to rest alongside his darling wife Dottie on April 24, 2026, at 10 a.m. at St. Steven’s Roman Catholic Church in Sun Lakes, with a luncheon to follow.

Karin Meade

Karin Lynn Meade, 60 years old, passed peacefully on Monday, March 26 at home surrounded by friends and family.

Karin, the youngest of four siblings, was born on Dec. 7, 1965, to Kathleen Irwin and Clifton Talley in Minot, N.D. Karin’s childhood was spent in Moorhead, which is also where she graduated from college at Moorhead State University.

Karin moved to the Minneapolis metro area after college where she worked for Target Stores, which is where she met her husband, Peter. Together they built a beautiful home and life together. In 1997 they welcomed their son, Ryan, into the world. Though his time was brief, he brought joy, laughter, and many wonderful memories to the family. Ryan passed away in 2002 and like his mother Karin, everyone who knew him was a better person for the experience.

In 2000 we moved to Olathe, Kan., for a short time. This is where Karin had her first major medical incident. In June of 2001, Karin was hospitalized after chiropractic manipulation caused a brain stem injury. She spent 25 years as a quadriplegic. In 2004 Karin and Peter moved to Sun Lakes where she successfully battled two bouts of breast cancer. She was diagnosed with an aggressive form of bladder cancer in November 2026.

Karin loved to travel. Some of her favorites were Niagara Falls; Kauai and Hawaii; Banff and Jasper, Alberta; and of course visiting family and friends in the Midwest. Having said that, probably her favorite place was her home and her backyard. Sitting in the sun, watching her koi, entertaining people, and being just amazing. Karin provided inspiration and courage to everyone around her. Her charisma, love, and independence were infectious.

Karin is survived by her husband, Peter, and her mother, Kaye. She is also survived by her siblings, Clinton, Leigh, Joe, and many nieces and nephews.

May 9 is Karin’s Day! We will host a service with time for people who wish to say something. The service will be held on May 9, 11 a.m. at Valley of the Sun Mortuary located at 10940 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler, AZ. Following the service there will be an open house and celebration at Karin and Peter’s home located at 23910 S. Sunland Ct. in Sun Lakes. If you are unable to attend but would like to view via zoom, please use this link and get on zoom prior to 10:50 a.m. on May 9.
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82015522165?pwd=4ISAOQEwgQQDLNx9trPfbxC78xVzpE.1

Robert Frederick Hirt

Robert Frederick Hirt passed away on March 20, 2026, at the age of 90 years old. He was born in East Greenbush, N.Y., near Albany, in February 1936 of German immigrants who built a full working farm with cows, chickens, horses, honey bees, and more, where he spent his youth among his five other siblings, until he went off to college. He never tired of telling stories of his farm days, getting up in the wee hours of the morning, and tending to the duties of the animals and land. It was hard work that he loved, sometimes loathed, and everything in between, and which provided an endless amount of tales to his wife and kids and anyone who would listen. He was such an engaging story teller!

He leaves behind his wife Patricia, of nearly 58 years, who he married in 1968 in Buffalo,N.Y.; his three children Robert Matthew (57), Kristin (55), and Kathryn (54); daughter-in-law Susan (50); and two grandchildren, London (16) and Cecelia (14).

Robert went to Cornell University for veterinary medicine, where he graduated in 1962. Upon graduation he worked as a large animal veterinarian in Western New York, until he switched to small animal practice in 1973, under the practice of Dr. Lindsay in West Seneca, N.Y. In 1978 he built Southtowns Animal Hospital in the same location, which still exists today, with one of the original employees! He loved veterinary medicine, large and small for different reasons, and especially loved doing surgery in the small animal domain. He wrote two separate books of short stories about his work as both large and small animal veterinarian in books titled “Reflections: The Stories and Life of a Country Vet” and “Musings: Great Memories and Reflections On a Life Well Lived.”

He regularly contributed stories that were published in the Sun Lakes Splash, and loved to both write and share stories of his life, particularly from the small town near Albany where he grew up and where he raised his family in Western New York.

He also went to Florida State University in the 1990s to learn acupuncture for the treatment of animals, and was one of a small number of pioneering veterinarians who used acupuncture in his animal hospital. He was so excited about using it, he would sometimes offer his services for free to clients who could otherwise not afford it.

Robert was a devoted Catholic who served as Eucharistic Minister for many years. He regularly took our Lab to visit nursing homes.

He retired in 1998, upon which his wife Patricia and he moved to Sun Lakes, and developed an incredibly wide network of friends, and was a regular at the gym until the very day he passed. His sense of humor will be remembered by everyone whose life he touched, from acquaintances to former employees, to close friends and family, and he epitomized the phrase “Dad jokes.” He loved to laugh at the irony and sometimes absurdity of life and turn challenging situations into moments to crack up in laughter instead.

Always a gentleman, he will be remembered for his big heart, warm smile, genuine decency, and love of his family, as well as of animals. He will be deeply missed and remembered with great humor and heart.

Gary Ralph DuBois

Gary Ralph DuBois, 88, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026, in Sun Lakes, Ariz. Born on Feb. 26, 1938, in Chicago, Ill., Gary grew up in Chicago and built a respected career as an executive with North Shore Gas, where he worked until his retirement.

Gary married Carol Hutchins, and together they created a life centered on family and shared passions. He served his country in the U.S. Army for two years, a period of service he was proud to have given. In 1999, they made Sun Lakes their home in the Oakwood community, where they spent over 25 wonderful years enjoying the Arizona lifestyle.

Gary was an automotive enthusiast with a lifelong passion for Corvettes, owning several fine examples throughout his adult years and maintaining active memberships in multiple national Corvette clubs—a hobby that brought him immense joy and connected him with fellow enthusiasts across the country.

A devoted member of his church choir, Gary treasured his years singing as a deep baritone, a passion that enriched both his life and his faith community for many years. An avid golfer and train enthusiast, Gary found pleasure in life’s simple joys. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who treasured time spent with his family, whether near or far.

Gary was preceded in death by his beloved wife Carol DuBois and his two children, Laura Stephenson and Michael DuBois. He is survived by his two cherished grandchildren, Abbey DuBois of Illinois, Sabrina Stephenson of Australia, and his Hutchins brothers-in-law and their families (Robert and Jackie, Paul and Kathleen, Jim and Dessa, nieces and nephews).

A memorial service will be held at Risen Savior Lutheran Church on May 13 at 1 p.m. Gary will be remembered for his generous spirit, his passion for life, and the warmth he brought to all who knew him. Memorials in his memory may be directed to Risen Savior Lutheran Church.

JoAnn Anita Flachsmann

JoAnn Anita Flachsmann passed away on March 2, 2026, at the age of 75. JoAnn was born on Friday, Oct. 13, 1950, in Fairmont, Minn., to the late Fred and Delores Dorendorf.

JoAnn graduated from Fairmont High School in 1968. JoAnn went on to work for Fairmont High School as a secretary. She later moved to Denver, Colo.,in 1975. She began her new career working for Norelco as an office manager. She later worked for a shoe buyer and was a shoe runway model, which took her all over the world for shoe shows.

JoAnn enjoyed many hobbies such as: gardening, Zumba, walking, doing puzzles, and especially raising her greyhounds. JoAnn volunteered to create the website for the Cottonwood Tennis Club, which she managed for 10 years. She also loved her home and living in Arizona for the past 23 years.

JoAnn is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 32 years, Armin Flachsmann; her in laws, Horst and Dorothea Flachsmann; two sisters, Ginny Larson and Susan Knight; two stepchildren, Christopher and Elisa Flachsmann; her brother in law, Ronnie Sandersfeld; and many nieces and nephews in Minnesota and Arizona.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Sheila Ann Marie Beranek Bross

Sheila Ann Marie Beranek Bross, 78, of Sun Lakes, Ariz., passed peacefully on Feb. 28, 2026, of complications due to Parkinson’s disease. Her husband and three sons were by her side.

Sheila was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, and friend to many, a live wire and inspiration to all who knew her. She was born in La Crosse, Wis., on Sept. 25, 1947, to Theodore (Ted) and Alberta (Bert) Beranek, who inspired her and her three siblings with a life of adventure, free spirit, family, and friendship. From gatherings at the family cottage in Stoddard to a lifetime of travel and a rewarding career in healthcare, Sheila lived as though every day offered something exciting.

Sheila attended Catholic-based Aquinas High School, finding faith, value, and lifelong friendships. She attended the St. Francis School of Nursing in La Crosse, before beginning her career at the Veterans Administration in Milwaukee, and ultimately West Allis Memorial Hospital. She finished her career in Arizona working in clinics throughout Chandler.

Sheila met the love of her life, Gary, in 1968, at the wedding of Gary’s brother, Dean (Sandra). Excited to start their new lives together, the two were married in 1968 in Milwaukee. Sheila and Gary were married for more than 57 years; they had three sons—Chris, Jon, and Jeff—and shared a life of great devotion and adventure.

Sheila was bold, full of light and laughs, as wonderful and kind as she was wacky and whimsical. She was well-known for her storytelling and witticisms, her legendary cooking skills and dinner parties, her love of dogs, music, dancing, and travel. She was an active member of the community, volunteering her time to various clubs and events, and lived a life of service, most recently providing respite care and comfort to the elderly.

Sheila is survived by her husband, Gary Bross; sons Chris (Deneene Bell) Bross, Jon (Diane) Bross, and Jeff Bross; grandchildren Wilder and Sage (California), Madelyn and Sylvia (Colorado); siblings Diane (Bob) Marcou of La Crosse, and Bob (Ann) Beranek of Sun Prairie, Wis.; nephews and nieces David (Susan), Anne (Jim), Paul (Kathy), Mike (Maura), Dan (Jennifer), Pete (Darby), Susanne (Mike), Jill (Wayde), Jay (Jessica), and many cousins.

She was preceded in death by parents Ted Beranek and Alberta Kotnour Beranek, and brother David (Bobbi) Beranek.

Donations can be made to the Barrow Neurological Foundation/Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center.

Robert (Bob) Carlson

With a booming voice, a ready story, and a smile that could fill a room, Robert “Bob” Bennett Carlson lived a life that was anything but ordinary. Born in 1938 in Oakland, Neb., Bob passed away February 2026, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, loyalty, and love.

Bob proudly served his country in the United States Navy before settling in Kirkland, Wash., where he built a full and vibrant life. He married his first wife, Joan Furlong, the mother of his three children: Joni Buckner (David Buckner), Kelly Carlson (LaVonne Carlson), and Shelley Carlson (Tom Richman). His pride in his family was steady and lifelong.

In 1968, Bob married the love of his life, Sharon Constable. Together they built a marriage full of adventure, friendship, and fun. Sharon remained his greatest love until her passing in 2008.

Bob worked for 30 years at the Safeway Ice Cream Plant, a career that suited him well—steady, hardworking, and always surrounded by good people (and good dessert). After retirement, Bob and Sharon relocated to Sun Lakes, where Bob fully embraced what many would call his true calling: golf, friendship, and community.

A passionate golfer, Bob organized the legendary “SOB” golf tournaments while living in Washington and later found his tribe in Sun Lakes’ golf scene, especially among his beloved “Dirty Dozen.” Fairways were walked, stories were told, and friendships were cemented under the Arizona sun.

Bob and Sharon began cruising in the 1980s, kicking off what became 57+ cruises with family and friends. The open sea was one of his happy places—second only perhaps to a golf course or a patio gathering.

He was known for sharing bourbon and cigars with the guys, hugs and kisses with the ladies, and laughter with absolutely everyone. In the Palo Verde community, Bob was a huge presence—the kind of man you heard before you saw, and were glad you did. His warmth, humor, and unmistakable voice made him unforgettable.

Bob lived fully, loved deeply, and left a mark wherever he went. He will be greatly missed, fondly remembered, and undoubtedly toasted often.

Cheers to you, Bob.

Phyllis Rose Schwab

Phyllis Rose Schwab passed away on Feb. 25, 2026, at the age of 93. Phyllis was born on Dec.1, 1932 in Chicago, Ill., to the late Joseph and Frances Badaluco.

Phyllis grew up in Chicago and graduated from Fenger High School. She was an outgoing and energetic wife and mother of three children. Phyllis was creative and loved to have fun. Always a lover of physical activity, she became passionate about golf. She was also an excellent bridge and Mahjong player. In her earlier years, Phyllis became an accomplished seamstress and part-time legal secretary. She loved fashion and was always designing her own clothing, including men’s 3-piece suits. Although she was not college educated, she used her determination and self-discipline to learn the skills necessary to become a legal secretary, which included teaching herself typing and shorthand.

Phyllis is survived by her daughters, Jill Chomer, Joy (Jim) Bowles, and son, Brett (Belinda) Chomer; her grandchildren: Lauren (Brian) Manfred, Hunter (Victoria) Chomer, Clint and Spencer Bowles; and great-grandchildren: Reid and Hayes Manfred, and Olivia and Shayne Chomer.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her two grandsons: Blake Fleischner and Chase Chomer.

A private Celebration of Phyllis’ life will be held at a later date with the immediate family.

Eugene M. “Nick” Nicholas

Eugene M. “Nick” Nicholas was born Nov. 12, 1937, to Robert and Mary Nicholas in Aberdeen, Wash. He passed away on Feb. 25, 2026, in Sun Lakes, Ariz. After graduating from Aberdeen High School, Nick attended Grays Harbor Junior College and then the University of Washington graduating with a B.A. in History. During his college days, Nick also served in the U.S. Army National Guard from 1959 to 1964. He went on to receive his master’s in Education Administration from Seattle University.

Nick’s education career began in 1961 in the Seattle Public Schools as a teacher and in 1969 as an assistant principal. After 15 years in the Seattle School District, Nick was appointed principal of Timberline High School in the North Thurston School District in Lacey, Wash., where he retired 21 years later. After retirement, he went on to provide consulting services to IBM and the International Air Academy.

Nick belonged to various education associations including the Association of Washington School Principals where he served as Chair of the Professional Growth Committee.

He was a member of the Rotary Club in both Lacey, Wash., and in Sun Lakes, Ariz., where he served as President in 2012. He was a member of the Sun Lakes United Methodist Church where he served on the staff parish and education committees.

Nick loved watching and playing all sports. He played basketball and baseball and semi-pro baseball in high school. He also spent time as a sports writer for the Aberdeen Daily World. He later enjoyed racket ball and golf.

He is survived by his wife, Carol, sons Michael and John (Trisha), grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

A memorial will be held on April 11, 2026, at 11 a.m., at Sun Lakes United Methodist Church, 9248 East Riggs Rd, Sun Lakes, AZ, with reception to follow.

Don Hicks

Don Howard Hicks of Sun Lakes, Ariz., passed away on Feb. 23, 2026, at the amazing age of 90.

Don spent his childhood between Amarillo, Texas, and the Long Beach area of Southern California. After high school, Don enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was eager to be part of the Korean War, which ended before he was deployed. Don’s time in the Marines solidified his lifelong focus of hard work and the accomplishment of a task at hand.

Don married his first wife Patty in 1959 and immediately became a father figure to Patty’s two daughters Laurie Fowler and Robbin Driscoll. Don and Patty had two children, Don and Cristy, in the early 1960s and their household was busy with four children and many pets. Weekends were spent on activities such as motorcycle riding, boating, off-roading, and traveling.

Don worked for many years in California and Saudi Arabia for a concrete pipe manufacturing company where he met both of his wives. Don had many professional accomplishments during his career including the design and development of concrete pipes used to cool the San Onofre Nuclear Power Plant in San Clemente, Calif., along with helping the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia develop their infrastructure for water and industrial projects.

Don traveled extensively while working in Saudi Arabia and visited locations that most can only dream of including India, Spain, Italy, Greece, and the Maldives.

Don was able to enjoy an active retirement of sunshine, golf, and outdoor activities in Sun Lakes. Don continued his love of projects by donating his time and experience to the Sun Lakes community as a Board member from 2012 through 2022. During Don’s tenure, he assisted with overseeing the construction of a new Administration Building and a Fitness Center for the community.

Don enjoyed doing and moving, whether it was a project around the house, helping a friend, walking his dog Buffy, or going to the gym. Don was an avid reader and kept up on current events.

Don is survived by Jo Ann, his loving wife of over 42 years, his daughters Robbin (Dale) Driscoll, Cristy (Brian) Koster, his son Don (Pam) Hicks, nine grandchildren (Christopher, Matthew, Lauren, Madeleine, Allison, Elliot, Kaylani, Samuel, and Michi) and six great-grandchildren (Audrey, Oliver, Skye, Mason, Jameson, and Austin).

Don is predeceased by his parents Mara Baldwin and Howard Hicks, his sister Joan Risner, his brother Norman Hicks, his first wife Patty, his daughter Laurie (Russ) Fowler, and his stepson Kenneth (Paula) Neyses.

A Celebration of Life will be forthcoming.

Ann Seibert Kisner

Ann Seibert Kisner, 91, passed away on Feb. 23, 2026. Born in Dillsburg, Pa., in 1934, Ann graduated from Drexel University, where she met her husband, the late Richard “Dick” Kisner. They shared a lifetime of devotion, and Ann served as his steadfast caregiver during his 20-year battle with Parkinson’s.

A talented entrepreneur, Ann ran a successful interior design business for over 30 years, first in the Philadelphia suburbs and later in Arizona. She was known for her elegance, her sharp wit, and the warmth she extended to her children’s many friends. In her 20 years at Sun Lakes, Ariz., she enjoyed the Southwest sun, poolside days, and the “Cheers” social group.

She is survived by her children Susan Schierbrock (William) and Fred Kisner (Kim) and grandchildren Ali, Aaron, Shelby, and Ryan. She will be laid to rest alongside her husband at Valley of the Sun Cemetery in Chandler in a private family service.

Ann Elizabeth Crabtree

Ann Elizabeth Crabtree, age 86, passed away peacefully on Feb. 23, 2026, surrounded by her loving family in Sun Lakes, Ariz.

Ann was born on Aug. 25, 1939, in Hendon, London, England. During the German Blitz of World War II, she and her mother were relocated to Derby, England, where she grew up and later began her lifelong appreciation for art and dance. Ann worked for Royal Crown Derby, where she began as a guilder before becoming an instructor in the art of gilding. Among her many accomplishments, she proudly served as the primary guilder on a china set commissioned for a prince.

On Feb. 20, 1960, Ann married the love of her life, Ron, and together they recently celebrated 66 years of marriage—a true testament to their devotion and enduring partnership. Ann In 1967, Ann and Ron emigrated to California from the UK with their three young children, beginning a new chapter filled with courage, opportunity, and family. The couple eventually retired to Sun Lakes, Ariz., in 1998, where they became deeply involved in their community.

Ann’s greatest joy was in nurturing others. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who poured her creativity and warmth into every aspect of her life. While raising her family, she led Girl Scout troops and cheered on the sidelines as a proud soccer mom. Later, she returned to school to earn her degree in early childhood development and spent 20 years as a beloved preschool teacher, shaping the hearts and minds of countless children.

Outside the classroom, Ann’s artistic spirit continued to shine through her watercolor paintings and love of reading. For 22 years, she led with laughter and grace as a Red Hat Queen, where she was admired for her creativity, compassion, and leadership.

Ann will be remembered for her kindness, elegance, humor, and unwavering devotion to her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her son, Gary, and is survived by her husband, Ron; her children, Steven and Jane; grandchildren Christopher, Ashley, Westley, and Jason; and great-grandchildren Rachel, Brantley, Emma, and Charlie.

Her love, wisdom, and joyful spirit will live on through all who were blessed to know her.

Robert Charles Carlson

Robert “Bob” Charles Carlson, 89, passed away peacefully in Chandler, Ariz., on Feb. 21. Born in Ossining, N.Y., in 1936 to Charles and Elsie Carlson, Bob graduated from Ossining High School in 1954 before earning his degree in Economics from Union College in 1958, where he was a proud member of the football team and Phi Delta fraternity. Bob served his country in the U.S. Army from 1958 to 1961, attending Officer Candidate School at Fort Sill, Okla., and achieving the rank of second lieutenant in the artillery.

Bob married Anne Prewitt of Briarcliff, N.Y., in 1962, beginning a devoted partnership that would span more than six decades. Together they made their home in Briarcliff and Chappaqua, N.Y., where they raised their family and became deeply rooted in the community. Bob built a successful career as an executive with New York Telephone and AT&T from 1961 until 1987, when he transitioned to a second career in real estate, serving clients primarily in Chappaqua, N.Y., until his retirement in 2011. In later years, Bob and Anne enjoyed their time in Chatham, Mass., and Sun Lakes, Ariz.

A man of unwavering faith and service, Bob served as a trustee and elder at the Presbyterian Church in Mt. Kisco, N.Y., and as president of its Fellowship Hall Affordable Housing apartments for seniors. In Chatham, Mass., he served as a deacon at the First Congregational Church. His commitment to others extended well beyond the church: he coached youth baseball and football, served as an Alumni Class Agent for Union College, was an active member of the American Legion, and volunteered as a caretaker at Liberty Commons Nursing Home in Chatham, Mass., and Hospice of the Valley in Chandler, Ariz. His enthusiasm for connecting with others showed in countless ways—through frequent phone calls and letters to family and friends, his lifelong passion as a football and baseball fan, and his time singing in a two-man band called “Late Life Crisis.” Bob is survived by his beloved wife Anne; his children Suzanne, Betsy, David (Kim); and his six cherished grandchildren, Emily (Jack), Maddy, Jackson, Willem, Owen, and Trevor. He will be remembered for his vibrant spirit, positivity, sense of humor, and enduring generosity.

Anna Jane Janicki

Anna Jane Janicki, 87, passed away on Feb. 19, 2026, in Chandler, Ariz. Her unconditional love for all, generosity, laughter, and kindness to everyone will be deeply missed.

Anna was born on Nov. 10, 1938, in Buffalo, N.Y., to her late parents, Leo and Anna Tuholski. Throughout her school age years she attended Catholic school and was a woman of deep faith throughout her life. She would dedicate her daily prayers to many and always signed her cards and said goodbye with “God bless.”

Anna met William C. Janicki on a blind date and was married Aug. 23, 1958. Throughout their 68 years of marriage, they lived in a variety of places—Elma, N.Y.; Upland, Calif.; Dublin, Calif.; Plano, Texas; Trabuco Canyon, Calif.; Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.; and retirement in the last 20 years in Sun Lakes, Ariz. Together they had two children, David and Deborah.

Anna‘s patience and dedication to helping others provided her the career as a teacher‘s aid where she enjoyed interacting with students and staff, and was loved by all. During her retirement, she volunteered her time delivering food with Meals on Wheels and helping the elderly, even to her own husband who lost his sight.

Anna loved to play games. On a snowy day in Elma, N.Y., she would spend hours playing numerous box games with her daughter. She loved a good card game with neighbors and in her final years playing card games online with a cold beer and a bowl of popcorn.

Friends and family will remember Anna for her unwavering generosity and thoughtfulness. She found joy in giving to others. Her laughter will resonate with us for many years to come.

She is survived by her husband, William Janicki; son, David Janicki; daughter-in-law, Robin Janicki; daughter, Deborah Freeman; and grandchildren, Dalton Freeman and Davis Freeman.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Saint Steven’s Church, 24827 S. Dobson Rd., Sun Lakes, AZ 85248 followed by laid to rest at Valley of the Sun Cemetery in Chandler, Ariz.

She found peace in donating to Catholic charities and her time to Neighbors Who Care and Meals on Wheels.

Nancy Borden

Nancy Ladd Borden, née Chandler, passed away peacefully on Jan. 27, 2026, at Towers Nursing Home in Smithville, Texas, surrounded by her loving family. She was 88 years old.

Nancy was born on Dec. 31, 1937, in Omaha, Neb., to Dwight Lamont Chandler and Frances Mae Chandler, née Smith. She grew up with a strong spirit and resilience that would guide her throughout her life.

She is survived by her daughter, Deborah Ann Brown of Manor, Texas; her daughter, Cynthia Lee Aarvig and her husband, Larry Fred Hill, of Austin, Texas; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Her family was the center of her world, and she treasured each of them deeply.

Nancy was profoundly grateful for 45 years of sobriety, a gift she credited to the support and fellowship she found in Alcoholics Anonymous. Her journey was one of courage, faith, and perseverance, and she offered encouragement and understanding to many along the way.

She also shared her life with many beloved pets over the years, each one dearly cherished. She often spoke with comfort and hope about being reunited with them one day at the Rainbow Bridge.

Her family extends their deepest thanks and heartfelt affection to the staff and caregivers at Towers Nursing Home in Smithville, who became her second family and cared for her with compassion and kindness in her final years.

Nancy will be remembered for her strength, gratitude, and enduring love for her family. She will be deeply missed.

Bernie Kowalski

It is with deep sorrow that we announced the passing of Bernard (Bernie) Kowalski, on Dec. 23, 2025, a 10-year resident of the Sun Lakes community. Bernie passed away in Chandler, Ariz., with his wife of 63 years by his side.

Bernie was born in Scranton, Pa., on Sept. 29, 1942, to his late parents, Stephanie and Bronislaw Kowalski. He was a graduate of the University of Scranton, where he graduated with honors with a degree in accounting. He spent 11 years in the U.S. Air Force with a tour in Vietnam. He then pursued a career with a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and retired as the Director of IT for the corps.

Bernie loved life with his magic tricks, his golf, and his many, many jokes. He was a member of St. Steven’s parish on the financial council, and a member of the Knights of Columbus for over 40 years serving in many positions and a member of the fourth degree. Most of all he loved his family. He leaves behind his high school sweetheart, wife Milly; granddaughters Ella Martinez (Cascade Locks, Ore.) Jana Campbell (Tempe, Ariz.); sisters, Rosalie Hoban (Clark Summit, Pa.); Nettie Billick (Gold Canyon, Ariz.). He was preceded in death by his son James, daughter Mary Betty, and grandson Bradley.

He was buried from St. Steven’s Church on Feb. 14, 2026, with military honors.