Obits
Lorna Mae Mahar
March 14, 1950 — April 7, 2023
KELSEYVILLE, Calif. — Lori Mahar passed away at her home in Kelseyville after a courageous fight with cancer on April 7, 2023, with her husband of 47 years, Steve, and son, Keefe, by her side.
Lori was born in Oakland, California, and grew up in Hayward. As a child she knew she wanted to be a teacher and often played “school” with the neighborhood children.
She graduated from Hayward High School in 1968. She worked for the Military Sealift Command in Alameda for a few years before going to Cal State Hayward to get her bachelor’s degree. After graduation, she worked as a student teacher in Castro Valley while earning her full teaching credential.
Lori and Steve moved to Lake County in 1982 for her first job as a fully credentialed teacher. Once they arrived in Lake County, they never left, though she forever rooted for the Oakland Athletics.
Lori taught third grade for over 30 years at Kelseyville Primary and Riviera Elementary, focusing on hands-on science projects and interactive learning. Some of her proudest achievements as a teacher included initiating the Science Fair with her colleagues at Kelseyville Primary, starting a recycling program at the school, and receiving the “Teacher of the Year” award.
When Lori wasn’t teaching, she loved traveling around the western United States and Canada. She enjoyed being out in nature and observing wildlife and was committed to environmental issues in her local community and around the planet.
Anyone who met Lori knew that she loved all dogs, but wolves in particular. Some of her favorite spots included the Smith River, Fort Bragg, and always coming home to beloved Lake County.
She is preceded in death by her father, Marvin “Babe” Lewis; mother, Ruth Lewis; brother, Donny Lewis; and brother-in-law, Mike Mahar.
She is survived by her husband, Stephen Mahar; sister, Nancy Williams; son, Keefe Mahar (Michelle Stephens); and brothers-in-law, John Mahar (Sandy) and Kevin Mahar.
She will be missed by her numerous nieces and nephews and all of the students she taught through the years.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Nature Conservancy in California or your local animal shelter.
Care entrusted to Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary FD1336, telephone 707-263-0357, www.chapelofthelakes.com.
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Catherine A. Gomez was born June 27, 1948, in San Jose, California.
She was a tribal elder of the Big Valley Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians in Lakeport.
She was a very strong, loving and caring person, full of joy and always fun to be around. She would tell you like it is no matter what.
She fought very strongly during her 74 years of life and never gave up! She always had faith and did everything with a good heart. She always opened her doors to the family and helped if she could.
Catherine enjoyed family time, loved her puzzles, telling stories, House TV shows, comedy movies and shopping.
She Always enjoyed good music, dancing and the color purple, always making sure she was matching when she got dressed for the day.
She will truly be missed!
She passed on April 23, 2023.
Catherine is predeceased by her parents, Mitchell Gomez and Mildred Berryessa; and her siblings, Ona, Zelda, Casey, Manuel, Arnie and Norma.
She is survived by her sister, Janet Sonnenfelt; godson, Billy Fred; godmother, JoJo; and countless nieces, nephews, grandchildren, family and friends who loved and cared for her very much.
We will all miss you so much “Aunt Cat,” “Soupie,” “Darling”! ‘Til we meet again. Rest in peace!
Traditional visitation at 585 Yellow Hammer Lane, Lakeport, will take place from Wednesday April 26, at 11 a.m., through Saturday, April 29, concluding at 10 a.m. followed by an 11 a.m. graveside service on Saturday, April 29, at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Lakeport.
Care is entrusted to Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary FD1336, 707-263-0357, www.chapelofthelakes.com.
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Born Dec. 24, 1934 to Oliver and Nannie Rothstein in Minnesota, Tom moved west to Richmond, California with his family during World War II where family members worked in the shipyards.
In 1957, Tom married sweet Lorraine (Lorrie) and they raised three children together.
Tom and Lorrie both worked full-time and shared home responsibilities equally, although that was not popular at the time.
The family enjoyed camping and waterskiing, and neighborhood kids often appeared at their home while the camper was being packed, hoping to be invited along.
Tom coached and supported his children and their friends in every sport they chose to play. His children say they cannot imagine a better father.
Tom started out working at Doggie Diner, then moved on to United Grocers where he learned to drive trucks.
After retirement, Tom and Lorrie enjoyed traveling the United States in their motorhome and it was at that time Tom learned to dance. He often encouraged young couples to take up dancing as well.
Tom and Lorrie moved to Cobb Mountain in 1990. Tom played racquetball, tennis and golf, and took long bike rides into his 80s, determined to remain active and fit.
Lorrie would survive lymphoma only to develop Alzheimer's, and Tom cared for her lovingly and unflaggingly for many years until her death. He was never heard to complain.
In 2006, Tom and Lorrie suffered the loss of their beloved daughter, Kelley. Life would never be the same.
Still, Tom remained active and continued to enjoy dancing. In 2015, beautiful Valerie danced into Tom’s life, as if a gift from God. The two married and spent the next six-plus years dining and dancing and making trips to the ocean.
They thoroughly enjoyed life together, living to the fullest. Valerie and Tom attended Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Clearlake.
After many years as a caregiver, the past year it was Tom’s turn to be taken care of. Valerie saw to Tom’s every need. After taking a fall in January 2023, Tom was unable to recover.
Still, Tom and Val remained inseparable. From Valerie’s loving arms, Tom quietly tip-toed into heaven on April 14, 2023, as Val reminded him what a good man he was and how very much his family loved him.
Tom is survived by his wife, Valerie; boys, Michael (Kathy) and Tim (Susan) Rothstein; son-in-law, Al Leong; grandchildren, Matt (Jill) and Theresa (Ploy) Rothstein, Che (Susan) and Leslie Valdez; and seven great-grandchildren.
He will be fondly remembered.
Care entrusted to Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary FD1336 www.chapelofthelakes.com, telephone 707-263-0357.
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
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