Memorial Wall

Scott Avery, of Rancho Mirage California, after a long illness with Parkinson's disease passed away at the age of 86, Nov. 4, 2021. He was a native of Lynn, Mass, graduating from Lynn Trade High School with honors. In his earlier years, he performed as a radio DJ/Announcer in Vermont and N.Y., before moving into television at WKTV-TV in Utica, NY, followed by many years as an actor on stage and in film and television. In later years, he worked in the food service industry for the Marriott Corporation, at the prestigious Santa Barbara Biltmore. He most recently worked with Thai Smile Restaurants of Rancho Mirage, California, in addition to owning his own dinner theatre, Le P'tit Cabaret in Santa Barbara, California. He also worked for many years as a top floral designer in film and TV, and was the author of the cookbook "A Man's Place Is In The Kitchen". He is survived by several cousins, and a large extended family of friends. 

Dee Helfgott was a dedicated mother and wife, hardworking businesswoman, lifelong advocate for women, social action, Democratic politics, and Judaism, and a great friend to many. After health challenges related to Parkinson's disease, she died peacefully at home in Palm Desert on February 22, 2022. Born in Madison, Wisconsin to Harold and Ida Blachman, Dee and her family moved to Los Angeles in 1944 and she attended John Burroughs Middle School and Los Angeles High School. In 1964, she married Marvin Helfgott, a pharmacist, in Beverly Hills. They raised their family in the West LA neighborhood of Beverlywood, where they lived for over 30 years. Dee left college to start a family and would later earn two degrees from USC, a BS in Public Affairs in 1978 and a Master of Public Administration in 1981. The centerpieces of the Helfgott's life in LA were Temple Isaiah and Dennis Pharmacy, both on Pico Boulevard. One of Dee's proudest moments was becoming Isaiah's first woman president, in 1981-82. Another major accomplishment, though a trying one, was her formation of the Coalition for Handgun Control in 1975, which brought together community groups, politicians, religious leaders, teachers, and Hollywood stars, to fight the scourge of gun violence. In 1998, Dee and Marv moved to the Sun City retirement community in Palm Desert, remaining there for 22 years. There, they made a whole new circle of friends and Dee became actively involved at the Palm Springs International Film Festival and the Desert Jewish Film Festival, which brought her tremendous fulfillment. Dee was a warm, affectionate, incredibly strong and beautiful human being who always saw the good in people. She was both fun and funny and could always take a joke. She and Marv were always the first ones out on the dancefloor. She was an elegant lady who loved Chico's clothing and jewelry and would never leave the house without lipstick. Dee was preceded in death by Marvin, who died on January 11, 2021. She is survived by her daughter Hali Helfgott, son Jason Helfgott, and brother Larry Blachman. 

Ned Phillippe was born in 1946, and died peacefully in his home of Parkinson's disease on Fed 10, 2022. He was the oldest son of Don and Ruth Phillippe of Indiana and is survived by two brothers, John and Tom. Ned earned a MS degree in education from Indiana University. He worked as a teacher, and in transportation with Northwest Airlines and Amtrak.

Kenneth M. Smith was born Nov. 8, 1934, in Auburn, Wash. He passed away from complications of Parkinson’s disease on Jan. 25, 2013.

He was tenderly and compassionately cared for in his Grass Valley home by his wife of 57 years, Kathleen Smith, his family and caregivers.

Ken married Kathy, his high school sweetheart, while serving in the Army as a communication specialist in Alaska. Ken’s working career spanned more than 30 years with the J.C. Penney & Co., starting in his college days, working up to Northern California district staff and retiring as manager of the Grass Valley store that he opened.

His three loves were his family, faith and fishing. He lived for his family.

He is survived by his seven children: Connie Vossen (Mike), Melissa Steffen (Pat), Ken Smith Jr. (LaDeena), MaryAlice Keaton (Kyle), Karen Sartori (Paul), Craig Smith and Stephen Smith. He had 13 grandchildren: Michael and Christopher Vossen; Jennifer Moore (Tyler) and Jessica Steffen; Ryan Smith; Katie and Jake Keaton; Laura, Megan and Julianne Sartori; Samantha and Patrick Smith; and Madyson Smith and four great-grandchildren: Isabella, Penelope and Nate Moore, and Miles Taylor. He had one brother Tom Smith (Louise).

Ken was very involved in his Catholic faith as is evident through his actions as Eucharistic Minister, Hospitality House volunteer, Knights of Columbus officer, along with bringing communion to residents at local rest homes.

His father taught him to fish and Ken passed on this passion to his children and grandchildren. His many friends will remember him streamside, smiling as he lured in the big one!

John Eliot Powderly, age 70, of Danville, California passed away on Sunday, September 5, 2021 due to complications from advanced Parkinson's and Dementia. John was born May 6, 1951 in South Carolina.