Obits
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — On Feb. 15, 2025, we suffered the passing of our beloved Elsa Rosalinda Meyer.
She is survived by three children, six grandchildren, four sisters, her brother, her mother, many sisters and brothers-in-laws, and finally me, her husband, Daniel Meyer.
When diagnosed with stomach cancer, Elsa was given just two months to live. Instead, she fought cancer for two years and seven months. She did so with immense dignity and the sparkling good cheer that was well known to all of us who loved her so deeply.
Known as an incredibly original textile artist, she was productive till the end. During this mortal battle, she finished well over 20 quilts (for that is what the world calls her them) … gathering in one last haul of ribbons including a final “Best Of Show.”
Elsa's last days were filled with a steady stream of friends, family, workmates, fellow quilters, as well as dancers, and musicians who knew her so well from the dance floor.
It was never possible to take Elsa for granted. Without effort, she made her presence felt. She was a very beautiful woman who never felt herself to be particularly attractive. One could melt before her smile.
My diminutive wife was born into crushing poverty in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. She was not to let a very rough childhood crush her. Instead she learned to become a graphic arts camera operator for the Honduran government's Ministry of Culture & Tourism.
Once in the US, she showed single-minded focus to learn English, become a citizen, finish her GED then complete an AA at Yuba College.
Thereupon fate stepped in and she became a claims rep for the Social Security Administration right here in Lakeport. That career was notable for the efficiency and, far more importantly, for the kindness with which Elsa helped countless, sometimes desperate citizens to navigate an often opaque system.
So, now she's gone. She did not waste her time on this Earth. I live in a house surrounded by the beauty she created. Her luminous smile was the lovely evidence of the deep soul that has now passed from this world.
We will celebrate Elsa's life on March 22 at 11 a.m. at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 1625 N. High St. in Lakeport.
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
Jean N. Patti
July 11, 1938 – Jan. 17, 2025
LAKEPORT, Calif. — It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jean Patti, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend who left us peacefully on January 17, 2025 in Lakeport, California.
Jean was a woman of immense kindness, quick wit and boundless compassion. She had a natural gift for making everyone around her feel special and valued. Her laughter was contagious, her wisdom profound, and her presence a comfort to all who knew her.
Born on July 11, 1938, in Fall River, Massachusetts to Griselda (Chicca) and Henry Ouelette, Jean devoted her life to her family and her community.
Jean was the cherished wife of Walter Patti, the loving mother to Carlene Gacesa, and the beloved sister to Nora Kosiorek, all who proceeded her in death.
Jean took great joy in her family, who will forever carry her lessons of love, resilience and generosity.
Jean is survived by her brother, Steve (Judy) Ouelette; son-in-law, Mark Gacesa; stepdaughter, Linda (David) Birck; grandchildren, Courtney (Reagan) Jobe and Caitlin (Andrew) Follett; great-grandchildren, Robert and Charlotte Jobe; nieces, Dawn Willis and Renee Vinson; nephews, Tony Ouellette and Kevin Kosiorek; along with many great-nieces, nephews and cousins.
Jean’s heart extended beyond her family to the community she so dearly cared for. She found purpose in volunteering at Lakeport Police Department and was a valued parishioner and weekly usher at St. Mary’s Immaculate Catholic Parish in Lakeport.
Jean’s legacy is one of love, laughter and selflessness. She will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched, but her memory will live on in the hearts of her loved ones.
The family invites friends and loved ones to celebrate Jean’s life in a Mass on Friday, March 28, at noon at St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Parish in Lakeport.
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
He was a lifelong visitor to Lake County then moved to Clearlake in the 1980s, eventually settling in Lakeport in 2000.
Dan proudly served in the US Navy for four years during the Vietnam War. After his service, he attended college at UC Berkeley, majoring in business administration and worked in the computer industry in Silicon Valley for 30 years.
He then took an abrupt change of careers and came to Lake County to work in health care as a CNA, LVN and phlebotomist. In 1998, he changed careers again and worked as a travel agent where he met and married his wife of 23 years, Cindy Giles.
During his retirement years, he volunteered with most (if not all) the veteran organizations in Lake County. He loved giving to and advocating for veterans from all branches of the services and did so proudly for almost twenty years.
He and Cindy volunteered their time, hearts and strong backs to the local food bank for many years.
Dan is survived by his father, Ignatius; his loving and caring wife, Cindy; his daughter, Melissa (Matt) Norris; stepdaughter, Megan (Gary) Pedro; grandsons, Tristan Davi, Leland Norris and William Pedro; sister-in-law, Connie Brewer; brother-in-law, Ross (Miriam) Giles; and many nieces and nephews.
He will be missed by his favorite cousins, Rick (Dianne) Gervasi, Dianna (Joe) Palmer and Bryan Palmer; his loving friend, Vivian Bucknell; all his vet buddies and all the guys at the lake.
He will be sorely missed by his three cats and all his fur buddies who adored him.
He is predeceased by his mother, Isabel, and his sister, Linda Pagano.
Per Dan's wishes there will be no funeral or memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to our local food bank: Clear Lake Gleaners, P.O. Box 266, Finley, CA 95435.
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