Obits
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
CLEARLAKE, Calif. — Janice Ellen Cooper, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and teacher, passed away peacefully on Oct. 9, 2025, in Clearlake, California.
She was born on May 22, 1947, in Nevada City, California, to Jack and Jeanette Barbara (Halpin) Jones, who adored their only child beyond measure.
When Janice was a young girl, her parents moved to South San Francisco, where she grew up surrounded by love, laughter, and the values of hard work and education that her parents cherished.
Jack, who had left high school early to serve during World War II, and Jeanette, who grew up on a Nebraska farm, made sure their daughter had every opportunity they could provide. Their support, effort and devotion inspired Janice to attend the University of the Pacific, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree and began her lifelong journey of helping others.
Janice met the love of her life, Mark Allen Cooper, when they were just 16 years old and students at South San Francisco High School. Mark always said that the first time he saw her blonde hair across campus, he knew she was the one. The two were married in 1969 and shared more than five decades of love, laughter and partnership.
After college, Janice began her career as a speech therapist, helping children find their voices while Mark attended dental school. Once his training was complete, the couple settled in Clearlake, California, where Mark opened his dental practice and Janice continued her work supporting children as the first speech therapist at Konocti Unified School District.
She later transitioned to teaching, spending many rewarding years with the Konocti Unified School District. She touched countless lives through her kindness, dedication, and belief in every child’s potential.
Janice retired from teaching in 2002, and she and Mark began a new chapter together, traveling the world and savoring the life they had built side by side. Their adventures took them across all seven continents, living life fully and on their own terms.
Janice moved from motherhood to her favorite role of all, grandmother. She cared for each of her grandchildren with endless love, humor and remarkable patience. Whether it was rocking a baby to sleep, cheering from the sidelines or offering quiet encouragement, she made each grandchild feel uniquely cherished.
Janice is survived by her husband of 56 years, Dr. Mark Cooper of Clearlake. When they married, Mark promised to hold her hand for the rest of her life, a promise he kept faithfully, holding her hand as she took her final breath.
She is also survived by her children and grandchildren, who were the pride and joy of her life:
• Son, Benjamin Cooper of Discovery Bay, California, his wife Malena, and their children Miles and Emma.
• Son, Brian Cooper of Fremont, California, his wife Carmen, and their children Skylar and Cayleigh.
• Daughter Jacqueline Snyder of Clearlake, California, her husband Martin and their daughter Kerrington.
Janice will be remembered for her warmth, intelligence, humor and boundless love for her family. Her legacy lives on in her children, grandchildren, and in all the lives she touched with her grace, generosity and unwavering spirit.
Services: A viewing for Janice will be held on Friday, Oct. 17, from noon to 7 p.m. at Queen of Peace Catholic Church at 14435 Uhl Ave., Clearlake. Eulogies and a rosary will take place between 5 and 7 p.m. that evening.
A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 11 a.m. at Queen of Peace Church in Clearlake, followed by burial at Lower Lake Cemetery.
All are welcome to attend and celebrate Janice’s life.
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
Paul Robert Borghesani
Oct. 20, 1968 - Oct. 1, 2025
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Kelseyville lost a native son and hometown fixture when Paul Robert Borghesani passed away peacefully at his home on Oct. 1, 2025.
Born in Lakeport, California, on Oct. 20, 1968, Paul soon moved with his family, including elder brother, Mark, to nearby Kelseyville, where his father, Robert, owned and operated Kelseyville Lumber.
An avid outdoorsman, Robert took Mark and Paul on countless hunting and fishing trips across most of the western states, which undoubtedly led to Paul’s lifelong pursuit of outdoor recreation and nurtured a natural storytelling propensity.
According to Mark, one of his brother’s favorite tales to recount occurred during a Lake County Record-Bee team bass fishing tournament. Paul, who teamed up with his father, ended the first day of the contest in second place, behind his brother Mark and good friend, George Hill. But, on day two, Paul and his dad got the better of his sibling and friend, taking home the coveted winner’s trophy. “If there was a fish around,” said Mark, “Paul knew how to catch it.”
Besides his legendary fishing skills, Paul was also an accomplished athlete, excelling in baseball and basketball and playing both sports for Butte College near Chico, California. After college, Paul played multiple positions, including first baseman and pitcher, for the Lake County Bartletts, a local semi-pro baseball team, and he was active in city league basketball games as well, playing with his brother and favorite coaches, Mark Conrad and Stan Weiper.
Being a Borghesani, it was perhaps inevitable that Paul would work at Kelseyville Lumber, which he did, off and on. But, he also struck out on his own, moving to Sacramento, California, where he earned his real estate broker’s license and started his own real estate business, RAD Realty.
Hometown roots grew deep in Paul though, and the idyllic setting of Kelseyville eventually called him back. Upon his return, he established a new enterprise selling solar panel systems to local residences and commercial businesses. He continued to fish, of course, but also added a new hobby, wildlife photography to his repertoire, and spent untold hours on the family ranch with his dogs, Marly and Justice.
Although he was an accomplished sportsman, athlete, and entrepreneur, Paul would likely agree that being a proud father to his daughter, Madeline, eclipsed his other endeavors. His brother says Paul never tired of talking about Madeline and her successes at school and in sports. “He loved Madeline with all his heart and soul,” said Mark. “He was very proud of her.”
Paul is survived by his brother, Mark; sister, Laura Borghesani; and daughter, Madeline Borghesani.
Graveside funeral service will be held at Kelseyville Cemetery, 3375 Bell Hill Road on Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 11 a.m.
Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — A longtime Lake County resident, Glenn Leroy “Corky” Schmidt, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family.
Known affectionately as “Corky,” he brought laughter, warmth and kindness to everyone who knew him.
Born to George and Lenora Schmidt, on the family farm in Titonka, Iowa in 1939, Corky grew up with a strong sense of family, work ethic and humor — values that guided him throughout his life. He graduated from Lower Lake High School in 1957.
Corky was a devoted husband, a loving and extraordinary father, a doting grandfather and great-grandfather, and a supportive friend. His family was his utmost treasure, and he took immense pride in every shared moment — from simple family gatherings, family reunions, camping trips and all those years farming and hauling hay together.
Those who knew him will forever remember his work ethic, his generous heart, and the quiet kindness he brought to every occasion.
Corky is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sharon Schmidt; children, Daryl Schmidt (Debbie Williams-Schmidt) of Cloverdale, Dennis Schmidt (Sheryl Schmidt) of Kendrick, Idaho, Dana Friel (John Friel) of Tonopah, Nevada, Darcie Jordan (Nick Jordan) of Lower Lake; 10 grandchildren, Kyle Schmidt (Victoria Schmidt), Austin Schmidt, Lindsay Schmidt, Lacey Melton (Dakota Melton), Alli Friel (Erik Pincus), Connor Friel, Delaney Friel, Charlotte Jordan, Hesston Jordan, Ellie Jordan; and great-grandson, Dean Schmidt.
He is also survived by his one remaining sibling, Emmagene Silber of Buffalo Center, Iowa; one remaining sister-in-law, Diane Schmidt of Blaine, Minnesota, as well as many, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Corky was predeceased by his two older sisters and five older brothers.
Funeral service will be held at Galilee Lutheran Church, 8860 Soda Bay Road in Kelseyville on Friday, Oct. 24, at 10 a.m., followed by interment at Lower Lake Cemetery and a celebration of Corky’s life at the Brick Hall, 16374 Main St., Lower Lake. Friends and family are invited to gather in remembrance of a man who gave so much love, laughter and light to the world.
Donations may be made in Corky’s honor to Galilee Lutheran Church and the Lower Lake Community Action Group Scholarship Fund.
Though he may no longer be with us, Corky’s warmth, work ethic and devotion will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.
Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit chapelofthelakes.com.
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