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LAKE
Eleanor Marie Guest Taren Aug. 7, 1930 – Feb. 21, 2019When people describe Eleanor, it nearly always begins with, “She is one of the kindest and sweetest women I have ever met.” For over 70 years, Eleanor was the beloved wife to William Taren. She was preceded in death by her stepsister, Pat Hilliker and is survived by her stepbrother, Russell Walker as well as her children Wayne Taren, Pam Taren, and Denise Walton; grandchildren Shawn, Asim, Onnesha, Lee and Allie; and great-grandchildren Alexander and Lahna. Eleanor—or Ellie, as her friends called her—was the daughter of the late Viola and Norman Guest. She grew up in Dearborn, Michigan and graduated from Fordson High School in 1948.Eleanor married her high school sweetheart, Bill, in 1948 and the two of them began a life full of adventure. Their travels took them from their home in Dearborn, Michigan to Mississippi, Illinois, New York, Vermont, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine and North Carolina before they finally retired to Mt. Dora, Florida. After retiring, they traveled by RV across the United States and Canada and visited Europe and Japan as well.Eleanor was a loving wife and mother who always sought to grow her knowledge and faith. Throughout the ’50s and ’60s, she was a dancer and instructor, performing and choreographing productions with County Players in Wappingers Falls, NY. After hanging up her dance shoes, she became a successful real estate broker. At the age of 40, she decided to go to college, graduating from the University of Connecticut with a BS in Psychology. She went on to work as a children’s occupational therapist. Outside of her ever-evolving career, Eleanor was also a competitive roller-skater, Bible study teacher, P.E.O. sister, and a master gardener. She was also a dog-lover and advocate for animal rights.Eleanor had a keen sense of humor and never lost her sense of playfulness and youth. If she talked you into a game of Jacks, you were sure to lose. Her motto was, “Aging is inevitable, but maturing is optional.” If you were lucky enough to know her, you would have witnessed a woman of strong faith, and a deep love for all those who were in her orbit and beyond—whether family, friends, or strangers. Eleanor’s faith was at the center of her life and one of her main desires was that everyone know the Lord. She lived her life according to her favorite Bible verse and would want everyone in the world to follow suit: “And now I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34).In lieu of holding a service or sending flowers, you may provide a contribution to The Humane Society of Lake County at 16435 McKinely Rd., Umaltilla, FL. 32784.
ORANGE
Alan Meyer Gerlach, Jr. Alan Meyer Gerlach, Jr., age 69, of Orlando, Florida, passed away February 20, 2019. He was born December 6, 1949 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the son of the late Alan M. and Geraldine (Hermes) Gerlach, Sr. He has resided in Orlando since 1976. Alan was raised in Wellesley, Ma., and graduated in 1967 from Wellesley High School. Furthering his education he attended Harvard College and graduated cum laude with honors in English in 1971. Then onto graduate from the University of Florida College of Law in 1975, where he was the Executive Editor for the University of Florida Law Review. Lastly, a graduate in 1984 from Southern Methodist University School of Law, with a concentration of Labor and Employment Law. Alan was in private practice with local and national law firms representing management labor; EEO, wage-hour, ERISA, and related counseling and litigation. Prior to his retirement from Advent Health he was the Chief Legal Officer and Senior in-house labor and employment counsel, retiring after 15 years of service. He was a certified specialist in Labor and Employment Law; The Florida Bar of Legal Specialization Certified Mediator and Arbitrator. Alan was a member of the Florida Bar and Orange County Bar Association Chair; and member of various Employment and Labor Law Committees; past President of the Harvard Club of Central Florida, and Webber International University Trustee. Mr. Gerlach is survived by his loving wife Betsy Gerlach, brothers Kurt H. Gerlach of Bellingham, MA., Gary R. (Terri) Gerlach, and niece Sarah of Charlotte, NC, and his sister Susan (Udo) Luetze also of Charlotte, NC. Alan is also survived by his loving companions Thumbs, Clementine, and Griffin. A Memorial Service will be held Sunday, March 10, 2019 at 2:00 PM at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, located at 1603 Winter Park Rd. Orlando, Fl., 32803. Parking at the Audubon Park School immediately on the right heading south on Winter Park St. There is limited street parking. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations in his name to Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando by phone (407) 418-0904, by mail 2727 Conroy Rd. Orlando, Florida 32839, or online at petallianceorlando.org
Gregory Vidal Gregory Vidal, 92 of Winter Springs, Florida passed away February 28, 2019. Mr. Vidal was born January 4, 1927 in Barcelona, Spain to Ramon and Isabel Vidal. Please see DeGusipe.com for service details. DeGusipe Funeral Home 407-695-2273
Michael L Arthur Wong Michael Arthur Wong, age 79, died in Orlando, surrounded by his family on Wednesday, February 20th 2019. He was born on Sunday, November 5th 1939 in Newtown, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, W.I. to Alfred (Dec) and Ernestine (Dec). Beloved brother to Molly, June, Selwyn, and Jocelyn. Devoted husband (46 years) of Jennifer (Fuller) Arthur Wong. Loving father of Nikolas and Stephen, grandfather of 5, Father-In-Law of Mairym and Amanda, and Brother-In-Law to 13.Michael started his career in advertising with McCann Erickson, and then became Joint CEO of Uno Advertising (Trinidad) ltd. He emigrated to Orlando, Florida, USA in 1989 with his family. He proudly served the Diocese of Orlando as the Sacristan at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Goldenrod, Florida for over 19 years. A Traditional Requiem Mass will be held at Incarnation Catholic Church on Saturday, 16th of March 2019 at 10am (1515 Edgewater Drive, Orlando, FL 32804). In lieu of flowers, there will be a collection (offertory) to support the Respect Life Ministry at Incarnation Catholic Church.
Doris Elaine Dosh Mrs. Doris Elaine Dosh was called home to be with her Heavenly Father on Friday, February 15 at 6:00 p.m. in Orlando, Florida.She was born on September 20, 1925 in Charlotte, North Carolina to Dr. Ralph Schmucker and Evelyn Lorraine Aiken Schmucker. Doris attended St. Genevieve in Ashville, North Carolina and graduated from Mount Saint Vincent in New York. She then attended Rosemont College, Philadelphia, and graduated in 1947 from the University of South Carolina.Doris married the love of her life, Robert Nathaniel Dosh, Jr. on September 6, 1947 in Charlotte, North Carolina. They became the loving parents to four daughters, Donna, Dianne, Susie and Sandy.Doris Dosh was known throughout her adult life as a woman with a sweet, kind, generous heart that touched all those that she encountered. Her focus was always family where she created a home filled with much love and laughter. Doris and Bob joined St. Luke’s Cathedral in 1966, where she volunteered and enjoyed numerous Bible Studies. She made friends everywhere she went, and often was described as a “saint” on this earth. Her daily tasks were often about taking care of the needs of others. Doris was known around Orlando for her wonderful baked goods that she enjoyed sharing with others. Her eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren knew her best as their “Dee Dee”. She did grand mothering with great finesse, always enjoying and participating in any activity that involved her family.Doris is preceded in death by her husband, Robert N. Dosh, Jr., parents, Ralph and Evelyn Schmucker, her step-mother, Lucy Curry Schmucker, brothers Ralph Jr. and Samuel Aiken Schmucker, daughter Susan Marie Jaskey and grandson Keith Jason Griffin.She is survived by her daughters Donna Elaine (John) Speer, Dianne Lorraine Griffin, Sandra Ann (Mike) Spell; grandchildren James Robert (Barbra) Speer, Jodi Michelle (Ryan) Coleman, Kevin Timothy (Ashley) Griffin, Jennifer Marie Jaskey, Andrew John (Deborah) Jaskey, Alina Elaine Lounsbury, Milton Bruce (Kristie) Grandia III; great-grandchildren Ansley Blayne and Hunter Stearns Coleman, Sam Noah, Brooke Caroline, John Robert and Lauren Kate Speer, Abigail Ella, Jacob Daniel and Nathan Brook Griffin, Zoey Elaine Grandia, Robert Bruce and Rose Elizabeth Grandia, Isla Susan Jaskey.A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church Orlando on Saturday, March 9 at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Cathedral Church of St. Luke Memorial Fund or Cornerstone Hospice & Pallative Care, 5655 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32809.
Thomas H. Mowell Thomas Hugh Mowell, 87, left this world peacefully Oct 15, 2018 in Blairsville, GA, to be with his Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. Tom was a faithful and loving husband, father, grand-father, great-grandfather, pet owner and friend. Tom was preceded in death by his brother Warren Richard “Dick” Mowell. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Barbara Lee Mowell, sister Patricia Mowell Wymond, daughter Laura Mowell, son David Mowell (Paula), grandchildren Lina, Shelby & Austin, 3 great-grandchildren & his grand-dogs Lia & Chip. A celebration of Tom’s life will be held at 11am on March 16th in the chapel at Calvary Assembly, 1199 Clay St. Winter Park. Donations in Tom’s honor can be made to: Truth for Life, PO Box 398000, Cleveland, OH 44139 or Precept Ministries Intl, 7324 Noah Reid Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421. For more about Tom visit www.tinyurl.com/thmowell
Cheryl L. Gleason Passed away on February 28, 2019. A memorial service will take place at Newcomer Funeral Home on Saturday, March 9, 2019, beginning at 5:00PM. To leave condolence messages, please visit: www.newcomerorlando.com/obituaries. Newcomer Funeral Home 407-277-4227
Cahterine A. Costantino Catherine A. Costatntino, 70, has passed away in Winter Park, FL on February 26, 2019. She was born in Pittsburgh, PA, on January 14, 1949 to parents Jack and Ann Jordan. She is survived by many loving family and friends. DeGusipe Funeral Home 407-695-2273
Samuel Hill Oswald Samuel H. Oswald “Big Sam” passed away at the age of 88 on February 24, 2019. He went peacefully at home while being cared for by his children and caregivers who loved him. Sam was born May 11, 1930 in Marianna, Florida to Douglas and Ruby Oswald. He moved to Orlando in 1964. He is survived by daughter Carol L. Bogert (Brett) of Waxhaw, NC, his son Samuel D. Oswald (Karen) of Orlando, FL, his daughter Dawn O. Ulmer (George) of Laurel Springs, NJ, and his older brother Douglas H. Oswald of Ocala, FL. Sam leaves eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.He is preceded in death by his wife Carolyn L. Oswald, and sisters Sara Livesay (Robert), Eileen Fedorovich (Vita), Anice Johnson (Jones), and Nina Vick (Warren).Sam served two assignments in the United States Air Force as a MP. Afterwards, he pursued a career with the Florida Highway Patrol and was stationed in Ocala, Lake City, Jacksonville, Tallahassee and finally moved to Orlando with the opening of the of the final leg of the Turnpike in 1964. He was proud to serve and protect the state of Florida for 21 years, ending his career as a Captain with Troop K in 1972. After retiring with the Florida Highway Patrol, he spent the next 25 years pursuing a successful second career in commercial real estate with Major Realty and Maury L. Carter & Associates.Anyone who knew Big Sam was aware of his great love of the outdoors whether it be hunting all types of game, fishing, or simply enjoying the smiles of his grandchildren when sharing nature with them. In addition to hunting, he could often be found enjoying his other hobby, playing golf, whether it be here in Orlando or while spending the summers at his home in Waynesville NC. Another place you might find Big Sam is at home in Orlando tinkering in his workshop as “Mr. Fix-it” or sitting on his dock fishing with ‘children’ (old or young). His role in law enforcement gave him many storytelling opportunities which were enjoyed by all. A little known fact about Big Sam is before moving to Orlando he enjoyed being in the air piloting his own personal plane. After the loss of his beloved wife, Carolyn, Big Sam found a new companion to accompany him everywhere … his Yellow Labrador, Dixie. In his later years, when age had taken its toll, Sam cherished the time with his family and friends, his coffee club buddies, Sunday night dinners with his family, phone calls with his brother, cards and calls from his friends in North Carolina and University of Florida sports. We welcome all who knew him to once again come together for a visitation with his family on Friday, March 15 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Shannon’s Casual Café in south Orlando. Also there will be a Celebration of his Life with his family and friends at the Buck Point Ranch in Oviedo, Florida on Saturday, March 16 from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM. Transportation will be provided, if needed. For more information or for directions, please call his daughter Dawn at 609 413-3471 or email her at dawn.ulmer@comcast.net .In lieu of flowers, his family welcomes donations to be made in his memory to: Lake Junaluska Assembly Inc., Office of Development, PO Box 67, Lake Junaluska NC 28745 or to the National Wild Turkey Federation at www.nwtf.org
Donald James Davis, MD Donald Davis died on Feb 18. He is predeceased by his wife, Dot, and is survived by his children, Nancy, Don Jr. (Marcia), Bill and Ken (Maria), his 7 grandchildren and his adopted son, George Nahas. Please leave condolences at www.woodlawnfuneralhomegotha.com. Woodlawn Funeral Home (407)293-1361
OSCEOLA
Barbara Sibblis Barbara Sibblis 75 of Kissimmee. A visitation will be on March 7th from 5 to 9pm at the funeral Home. Funeral Services will be on March 8th at 11am at the Parkview Christian life Center in Haines City. Osceola Memory Gardens 3175 Pleasant Hill Rd Kissimmee, Fla. 34746
SEMINOLE
Norine Farr Bills Norine Farr Bills was carried home to heaven on Christmas Eve, just 20 days before her 99th birthday. She was born January 13, 1920 to Elton and Ethel (Ladd) Farr in Rosiere, NY in a time and a town that no longer exist. When she was five, her grandpa showed her where thieves were kept in a jail cell after he caught her stealing one penny from her grandma’s purse. She swam across the St. Lawrence River on a dare. She graduated from high school at age 16 and then earned a degree in English at Rollins College where she met the love of her life, Doug Bills. They married November 30, 1943, and for the next 30 years Doug’s career with the FBI took them across the United States, to Puerto Rico, Mexico and ultimately to Denver, CO. Understanding the challenges of being a newcomer, Norine spearheaded the formation of Welcome Wagon in Puerto Rico. In her 50’s she moved to Winter Park, started a new career in social work, and poured herself out for every child in her charge. Memories of these children stayed with her even as dementia settled in in later years. In her 60’s she lovingly cared for her mother at home until she passed at age 101. Norine believed in Jesus, prayer, volunteerism, and political activism, and she actively supported missionaries and candidates. She had a generous heart, prayed for anyone who asked, gave away countless books, and touched many people with her tender ways. In her last years, Norine’s memory of Jesus faded along with the rest of her memories, but when told the gospel story again, she exclaimed how nice it was of Him to do that! To the very end, no matter the struggles she endured, if someone sang Jesus Loves Me, Norine would be calmed. If you had the privilege of receiving the gentle unassuming gaze of this child of God, you knew you were loved.Norine was preceded home to heaven by her former husband and best friend Doug Bills and her beloved grandson Doug Bills III. She is survived by her children Doug (Zaida), Jeb, Nancy Kilgore (Bob), Laura McDonald (Rob), and Judy (Fred Hundt), and by 15 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held for Norine at 11 a.m. on March 9, 2019, at Grace Presbyterian Church in Winter Springs, FL.
Debra A Altif On Tuesday, February 26, 2019, Debra (Debbie) Altif, wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend to so many passed away at the age of 62. Debra will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 38 years and best friend, Michael Altif, her children Racine and Zachary, her nephew James, brothers Bobby and Danny, sister Lynne, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Debbie was born in Harlingen, TX in 1957 and moved to the Winter Springs area in 1989. She served as Chairman of the Board of Peninsula Foodservice from its inception in 2007. Debbie was involved in numerous fundraising and volunteer activities for many charitable causes. Debbie was also a tireless volunteer at every school her children attended. Services will be held at St. Alban’s Anglican Cathedral 11:00am Monday 3/4/19. In lieu of flowers, donations to the ASPCA and American Lung Association are welcome.
Joan Georgette Crawford O’Neill Joan O’Neill, 90, passed away Feb 25, 2019. Services will be at Newcomer Funeral Home in Longwood on Sunday, March 10th, with visitation from 2-3 pm, memorial service at 3 pm, and a reception to follow. For more information, visit www.NewcomerOrlando.com Newcomer Funeral Home (407) 260-5400
Clementina Gomes da Silva Clementina, age 99, passed away Tuesday, February 26, 2019. She is survived by daughters, Eunice Lewis and Betty Lewis; granddaughters, Sharalee Lewis and Shazia Smith; and great-granddaughter, Eliza Smith. She will be laid to rest at Highland Memory Gardens. Newcomer Funeral Home (407) 260-5400
OTHER AREAS
Robert Bruce Bridwell Bruce Bridwell, 58, died suddenly the night of February 21st, walking in nature with his constant companion, his beloved dog “Moo.” Born in Atlanta, GA, Bruce was a long-time resident of Gainesville, with an incredible circle of friends. He was fiercely loyal and devoted to his family and friends. An avid fisherman and guitarist, Bruce was active, well known and loved in the local bass fishing and music communities. He was particularly concerned with keeping Florida’s waterways clean and healthy. A long-time fixture in the auto repair field, he spent many years as the service manager for Kraft Automotive, He had a stellar reputation for his knowledge, honesty and care for his customers…qualities that served and rewarded him well in his next career as a sales professional for BG. He credited his happiness to Annette, the love of his life and wife of 30 years. He was proud to be “Dad”-friend and Uncle to Jimi Megonnell, Patricia Hammond, Lucy Messer, Kirsten, James and Austin Stewart. He is survived by his mother, Sue Bridwell of Altamonte Springs, brother, Ken Bridwell of Sanford, sister and brother-in-law, Jennifer Bridwell Oppenheim and Steve Oppenheim of Stratford, CT. and sister-in-law, Jan Courtney. Bruce was preceded in death by his father, friend and fishing companion, Robert “Bob” Bridwell a by his beloved stepdaughter, Julie. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Alachua County Humane Society, one of his favorite charities. A celebration of Bruce’s life is planned for Saturday, April 6th at the Elks Lodge on NW 23rd Ave., Gainesville at 2:30pm.
Thomas Freeland Jr. Thomas Freeland Jr was born in Graceville, FL in 1948. Shortly thereafter his family moved to Lockhart, FL. From that point on he would say “I am just a little boy from Lockhard, FL”. He joined the Navy at 17. He spent 29 months on the USS Shangri-La where he was a ship fitter. In 1968 he landed in Saigon and reported onboard the USS Tutillia which was stationed in the Republic of South Vietnam. His 9 months in-country was served working on river water patrol boats as part of The Brown Water Navy. While serving on the USS Shangri-La he became one of the original 13 members of the Warlocks Motorcycle Club. When his tour in Vietnam was over he went home and started the Lockhart chapter of the Warlocks. It became known as The Mother Chapter. Over 50+ years later the Warlocks MC has become international and is known the world over. During his life Grub owned and rode over 30 Harley Davidson’s. His love for Harley’s which he called Davidsons never ended. He was also known to call them “The Big Iron”. He was often heard saying, “Let’s put the Big Iron in the wind.” He is survived by his wife, Cindy Freeland; a son Thomas Morton Freeland III (Trey) and a grandson. His sister Fran (David) Strawn and brother Mike (Cathy) Freeland and numerous nieces and nephews. Lastly he will always be survived by his huge Warlock family. He is predeceased by his father Tom, mother Jimmie and sister Beth. Grub now rides with his Warlock Brothers in the final chapter. Family will receive friends Saturday, March 23rd 2019 from 10:00 am to noon at Thompson Funeral Home at Lexington, 4720 Augusta Road, Lexington, South Carolina with ride to follow to graveside services at Plum Branch Baptist Church Cemetery in Plum Branch, SC. Family and friends may sign the online guest book at www.thom
Joseph Nelson Brouillette, M.D. Joseph Nelson Brouillette, aged 89, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2019 in Fort Pierce, FL. Born on September 7, 1929 in Brattleboro, VT, to Joseph and Celia (Jarvis) Brouillette, he attended dental and medical school at the University of Maryland, residency at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. He served four years in the Navy. Married Sally Chapman on June 16, 1962 and raised five sons. Nelson practiced General Surgery in Bad Axe, MI and started the EMT service. In 1980, the family moved to Florida and he set up a Colon and Rectal Surgery practice in Winter Park, FL serving hospitals including Orlando Regional. He was a published author and served as editor of the Journal of the Florida Medical Association. After being a surgeon, he was a General Practitioner at locations across the United States, retiring in Stuart, FL in 2007. Nelson was predeceased by his sister Dorothy and his brother Robert. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Sally, his sons and their wives: Joseph (Tiffany), John (Truc), James (Becky Lau), Jeffrey (Brenna), Jason (Ashley) and his beloved grandchildren: Devin, Madison, Ryan, Justin, Danielle, Jessica, Jacob, Elle, John William and Julia. For more information visit www.tinyurl.com/JNBrouillette
