The Memorial Wall

Our beloved friend, John Maurer, passed away at Hospice House (IU Bloomington Hospital) after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease. His death was a peaceful one, held in support by his community, listening to their words of love.

John was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania to John and Agnes (Valko) Maurer. He got his BA from the University of Delaware. But the education that would profoundly affect his life (and really so many of our lives) emerged from his work with great figures of the 1970s and 1980s: Ida Rolf, Moshe Feldenkrais, and Sam Keen. John became a Rolfer and a Feldenkrais practitioner. His intellectual curiosity and his dedication to exploring human potential allowed him to put his own stamp on the work he drew from his own teachers and to generously mentor other practitioners.

John was intuitive, gifted, and a natural leader. His thriving practice fundamentally changed the lives of hundreds, allowing, for example, musicians and athletes to overcome physical challenges that threatened their hopes for the future. He developed a series of workshops inviting people to do their own explorations with his guidance. Together, those of us who attended these dynamic sessions walked along edges of consciousness and discovered the impact of our families hidden in our bodies. Participants often found these workshops life-changing experiences. John also mentored other practitioners, always willing to share what he knew.

John loved sports, golfing with much enthusiasm and quite a bit of skill. John had a golf scholarship to college and played on the team for a short time until he became aware of leadership and politics, running and winning several campus offices. He played in many local golf tournaments and traveled to beautiful golf courses around the country. He was even very good at persuading friends to occasionally caddy for him. He really enjoyed watching all sports but life was good when the Master’s or other golf majors were on TV, or when his golf hero Tiger Woods was playing anywhere. He loved IU Basketball and rarely missed a Sunday Colts game, even getting to attend several Super Bowls.

Like most of us, John craved community and connection. What made him unique was his willingness to be intentional in creating community, gathering people together to talk, move, and go on shared journeys of self-exploration. Together, these groups were launching pads for growth and healing. But his dedication to community was more powerful than that - his own journey with Parkinson’s has been a gift to many others. He was tireless in his efforts to find ways to live with a devastating disease, searching out any way to slow its progression and improve the quality of his life. He formed a support group (that was so much more than that). And having enjoyed the mentorship of some of the greats, he gave back, willingly mentoring others and sharing his knowledge.

John is survived by a vibrant and wide-spread community whose lives were shaped by his dedication to helping others. Jessica Mott truly speaks for so many of us when she says, “Hewas a true trailblazer and such a unique soul. His love was a game changer.” We are glad you are at peace, John, and we will miss you every day.

Sandra “Sandy” Jacobs, the first woman to serve as El Segundo’s mayor and as president of the local chamber of commerce, has died, according to the city. She was 80.

Jacobs, who also served on the boards of multiple local organizations, died earlier this month, El Segundo announced on Friday, Jan. 13. In 2007, Jacobs was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Yet, she remained active despite her limitations.

“Sandy’s contributions to the City of El Segundo cannot be overstated,” the city said in a press release. “She was integral to shaping the city into the thriving community that it is today.”

The former mayor was born Sandra Carol Garrard on Jan. 20, 1942, in Kentucky. Her family moved to El Segundo in the early 1950s when her father got a job in the aerospace industry.

She graduated from El Segundo High School in 1960 and then attended the University of the Pacific in Stockton. During her time at the university, she worked as a camp counselor for the Girl Scouts, earned a bachelor’s degree in group work, recreation and elementary education — and met her husband, Karl Jacobs.

Her first job after graduating was teaching children with autism.

Besides Stockton, the Jacobs family, including daughter Jennifer, also lived in Reseda and Phoenix before moving back to El Segundo in 1981.

Jacobs eventually became president of her family’s business, South Bay Welder’s Supply, Inc. But she didn’t stop there. She also opened her own business, House of Cards, and co-owned the jewelry company Pinsational with her husband.

Jacobs became the first woman president of the El Segundo Chamber of Commerce in 1989, and made further history in 1996 — by becoming mayor.

She served as the city’s elected leader until 1998 and then continued as mayor pro-tem until 2004.

El Segundo did not have another woman mayor for 16 years. Suzanne Fuentes was El Segundo’s second woman mayor, serving from 2014 to 2018.

Jacobs was more than an elected official, however.

She also served on more than a dozen civic and charitable organizations, including the El Segundo Rotary Club and the El Segundo Economic Development Committee; was a founding member of Downtown El Segundo, Inc.; was the first president of the Library Board of Trustees; and was named Switzer Center’s South Bay Woman of the Year in 1999.

She also contributed regularly to Castaway Kids, an organization in Guaymas, Mexico, that assists children and families with education and housing.

And before, during and after serving on the City Council, Jacobs played a vital role in the downtown revitalization project, as well as the town’s mural program and downtown signage initiative.

Mayor Drew Boyles said in a statement that Jacobs was always generous with her time, and was a source of expertise and encouragement to the next generation.

“She was a dear friend and mentor to me and many others in our wonderful city,” Boyles said in the statement. “She will be missed tremendously.”

His fellow city officials also remembered Jacobs’ presence in El Segundo.

“El Segundo lost a leader, servant and friend with Sandy’s passing,” Councilmember Carol Pirsztuk said in a statement. “Thankfully, her legacy will live on as she helped set the path forward for our city and future leaders.”

Councilmember Lance Giroux described Jacobs as a trailblazer who loved the city.

“She had a bright and ready smile, coupled with a depth of knowledge and love for the City of El Segundo,” Giroux said in a statement. “She was a true pioneer for women, and I am a better person for having known her.”

Jacobs is survived by her husband, Karl Jacobs; her daughter, Jennifer Jacobs; her grandson, Jacob Levy; her brother Elwyn Garrard and his partner, Kit Kerwick; and many more family members in California, Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana.

Born on Feb. 24, 1931, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Ruskin graduated in three years from New York University in 1951. He saw an ad for the executive training program for Bamberger’s in New Jersey, paying $50 a week and took the job, but was soon drafted into the U.S. Army. Before he was deployed, the 21-year-old Ruskin proposed to his girlfriend, Myrna, whom he had met at a college dance while she was still in high school.

The two were married in June 1954, upon his discharge from the Army service in Japan, and he returned to Bamberger’s, where he worked in the Ladies Better Coats department and then became a buyer of junior coats and suits. In 1957, Ruskin joined Bloomingdale’s and held various positions during his 10-year career there, rising to divisional merchandise manager of ready-to-wear in 1963. He left Bloomingdale’s in 1967 to become executive vice president of Best & Co.

According to his daughter, Ruskin’s favorite achievement at Best & Co. was the creation of a unisex department that was inspired by an article he read about Harrods in London and their marketing to young people. He set aside the ninth floor and hired the artist Peter Max to decorate and execute the vision of what became “Stage 9.”

He also met Diane von Furstenberg, who came to Best & Co. with some dressy dresses, before she introduced the wrap dress. Ruskin immediately called up his buyer and told her to pick a few styles and put them in the store. The dresses sold well and were von Furstenberg’s first order in the U.S.

“One of my earliest appointments was I went to visit him at Best & Co.,” recalled von Furstenberg Thursday. “I was very pregnant, and could not carry my bag. He was a true gentleman. I have fond memories of him.”

In a WWD story about Best & Co. in 1967, the 36-year-old Ruskin was described as “a dynamic, no-nonsense fashion merchandiser” who brought a wealth of ready-to-wear resource contacts and critical buying experience to his job. In 1971, Ruskin moved to Miami and became executive vice president of Jordan Marsh Florida. Three and a half years later, he received an offer to become president of May D&F in Denver.

In 1979, Ruskin moved back to New York and became president and CEO of Gimbels and signed a contract that was a landmark at the time in retail executive compensation, according to WWD. His package at Gimbels called for $2 million in base salary and bonus over the five year life of the contract. In 1983, he was promoted to president of the BATUS Retail.

When Ruskin assumed the role at Gimbels, he didn’t realize the extent of the challenge, Linder said. She recalled that her father’s strategy was to get his young salespeople to take more pride in what they were doing. “It was always my strong belief that people make the difference. If you can get them to perform at their best, you will be successful,” Ruskin told his daughter, she said. Within a year, Gimbels was in the black.

In fact, in a 1984 WWD story, Ruskin was credited with turning about the Gimbels New York unit and making the first operating profit in six years in 1981 at a division that had marked time during the ‘70s while competitors successfully moved upscale.

Linder also said Ruskin was a big proponent of hiring women.

Ruskin was honored in 1984 by the National Jewish Hospital and National Asthma Center at a dinner that raised more than $1 million, which was covered by WWD and attended by industry people such as Marvin Traub, Arnold Aronson, Burt Tansky, Robert Suslow, and Albert Nipon. While “always minding the store,” Ruskin accepted the award and said the fundraising was brought about by “our efforts and your money.” The prior year’s dinner had honored BATUS chairman Arnold Aronson, and also raised $1 million.

“I would like to make it clear, that the $2 million in no way excuses any manufacturer from participating in markdowns, returns, advertising allowances or the consideration of any other allowances,” Ruskin said at the time.

Burt Tansky, former CEO of Neiman Marcus Group, said Thursday, “He and I worked closely when he was at Gimbels and I was at Saks. [Both were then owned by BATUS]. I remember him as a very fine man and a good merchant. He was a good retailer.”

In 1986, when BATUS decided to sell 40 percent of its retail business in the U.S., including Gimbels, Ruskin left the company. On Feb. 1, 1987, Ruskin became president of Cohoes Specialty Stores, a privately held chain of apparel stores. He left after 16 months when Cohoes decided to cut back its ambitious expansion plans due to the sluggish retail climate, WWD reported. After that, he started consulting.

Laurence C. Leeds Jr., former chairman and CEO of Manhattan Industries and former chairman of Buckingham Capital, said he did a lot of business with Ruskin, especially when he was at Jordan Marsh in Florida. “I knew him well. He was bright, humorous, very entertaining and a pretty darn good merchant. I had a lot of respect for him. My wife and I enjoyed having dinner with Myrna and Ron.”

When asked what Ruskin was like as a father, Linder said, “He just never had a harsh word, he was just all love.” Ruskin’s hobbies included tennis, sports, old movies and a love of chocolate. “But he would say his hobby was his family,” Linder said.

In addition to his daughter Robin, Ruskin is survived by his wife, Myrna; his son, Brad; daughter-in-law, Susan; son-in-law, Brian Linder, and four grandchildren.

The above published in Women’s Wear Daily submitted by Lisa Lockwood.

Ron Ruskin, the patriarch of our family, much beloved husband, father, and grandfather, died Wednesday morning after a brave battle with Parkinson's disease. He had a long and distinguished career in the retail industry, serving as CEO of several major department stores across the country. He was a Trustee of National Jewish Health, a Founding Director and Chairman of Smithsonian Business Ventures, and a longtime member of the Harmonie Club. Ron was famous for his dry and endearing sense of humor, his love of chocolate, and his disdain for all green foods. Ron's family was the joy of his life. He is survived by his wife Myrna, his son Brad (Susan Brooks), his daughter Robin Linder (Brian), and his grandchildren Rachel (Adam Chernicoff), Max Linder (Shayda Milani), Meredith, and Casey Linder. We will miss him forever.

To understand who a person is, you have to examine the life lived. Who I was is the culmination of what I had done, who I have known, where I have been and all that I had seen. My life was built upon my past, a past filled with hard work and duty, a life of a protector. In the end, I believe I was a good son, a true friend, a persistent scholar, a loyal and loving husband, and a dad who tried my best every day to be someone my children could trust to only want the best for them. I like to think that I was a man of faith. I know that my life was blessed.

The journey of my life began when I was born Christopher John Waddell. I came into the world on May 11, 1950, in Chicago, Illinois. My parents were Paul and Lois Waddell, and I had an older brother, Jeff. I grew up in the Chicago area for the first few years of my life and then my family moved to Pasadena, California for a short time before moving to La Canada-Flintridge. This would remain my home until my marriage --- a place of lazy days spent by the pool or up in the orchard area behind the pool or just hanging out with friends playing chess or board games or video games.

Throughout my school years, learning proved to be a huge challenge for me. I was diagnosed with severe learning difficulties, including dyslexia, but this didn't stop me from loving school and was definitely not an excuse that my parents would accept for not doing my best. It may have taken me ten times longer to learn something but once it was planted in my brain, there it stayed! And I truly enjoyed learning new things. I was a proud graduate of La Canada High School where I participated in marching band as a trumpet and tuba player. I loved the camaraderie of my fellow band members and some of my fondest memories of high school derive from my experiences in band and orchestra. In high school I also developed my love for photography. What a wonderful way to be creative and let pictures speak for me.

Following high school, I wasn't sure that college would be possible for me due to my learning challenges but my parents, especially my father, encouraged me to pursue the dream of a college education. I attended Pasadena City College where I further explored the possibility of photography as a career goal. I also continued to enjoy marching band membership and was thrilled to be able to march in the Rose Parade. Five miles of marching across Colorado Boulevard while playing the big ol' tuba was harder than I thought it would be but here, once again, the fellowship of my band mates was rewarding and made all the hard work worthwhile. It was at PCC that I met Joan, who was a flag girl with the band. She turned out to be the love of my life and my future wife some years down the road.

The next stop on my academic journey was at the prestigious Art Center College of Design. I can't even begin to tell you how thrilled and proud I was to have been accepted here! My major was photography and here, again, my learning disabilities proved to be an enormous obstacle to overcome but I took advantage of every opportunity to get assistance and I worked my behind off to meet all the challenges that Art Center threw at me. My diligence and persistence paid off and as a result, I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1975. What I didn't know is that my struggles did not go unnoticed by my graduating class members. When my name was called to accept my diploma, my entire graduating class stood up to give me a standing ovation. I was overwhelmed because I didn't think anyone was really paying attention to all I went through along the way and because I was the only one so recognized! What an honor and what a memorable moment for me.

It is said that love can't truly be defined. Instead, it must be experienced. This turned out to be absolutely true for me. Joan and I were introduced while attending PCC by a fellow band member who didn't particularly like either one of us and thought it would be an amusing joke to get us together and watch a disaster happen. Little did she know that Joan and I became the best of friends. Joan has always said that she knew long before I did that, we would spend our lives together but I finally got up the courage to ask her to marry me one evening when we were walking my dog, Fletcher, around the neighborhood near my home in La Canada. That was one of the scariest things I had ever done! We were married on February 4, 1984, at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Altadena, CA. Our Matron of Honor was Joan's sister, Robin Manly, and my Best Man was my brother, Jeff. The Mass was celebrated by Father Chris Sanger and Father Bernard Jennings. One of the stand-out stories that came from this wedding involved my niece, Shannon, who was about 5 years old at the time and was our flower girl. At the point where rings were exchanged between myself and Joan it seems that Shannon was feeling a bit left out or jealous and loudly asked the church in general when she would be getting a ring. That brought quite a few chuckles. Our reception was held at Pikes Verdugo and we honeymooned by driving up to the northern part of California, stopping in San Luis Obispo (best pizza on the planet there), San Simeon (to see Hearst Castle), and finally Carmel before making our way back home

Our first home together was in Pasadena --- a very small but cozy one bedroom apartment. Our first landlord had okayed us to have one cat but, at the time, we had two orange cats that Joan brought along from her home. We really couldn't bear the idea of getting rid of either of them, so we fibbed a bit and told the landlord that we only had one. It was somewhat nerve-wracking to be sure that both orange cats weren't seen together while we lived there!

When Joan and I decided it was time to start a family we were disappointed when no pregnancy seemed to want to happen. After consulting doctors, we were told that we would not be able to have children and that we should consider adopting children if wanted them. Imagine our surprise and delight when we had not only one "miracle" child born to us but we eventually had three "miracle" children born to our family! Just goes to show that there is often a bigger plan for us than doctors may know. Adam Fulton Waddell, our first child, was born on Valentine's Day 1988, followed by his sister, Brianna Faith, in January of 1990, and finally Jeremiah Luke in July 1992. Our family was complete. I had what some might consider "old fashioned" parental values, but I always wanted to be involved with every aspect of their lives. I became an expert diaper changer, learned how to comb the hair of a fussy girl in such a way that she was okay with it, and was an enthusiastic cheering section for my kids as they participated in sports and music performances. I was a proud papa and believe that I was a good dad as the years went on.

In my work life, photography turned out not to be a very good bill-paying form of employment, so I explored other avenues. One of my first jobs was at JCPenney in the video game department. A match made in heaven! I truly enjoyed that job. I also worked as a camera repair person at International Camera Repair and in many jobs within the printing industry, starting as a floor boy at Overland Printers, working as a photographer and jack-of-all-trades at McKenzie Graphics, and eventually moving on to Welsh Graphics, which later became known as GAC. I was a hard worker and tried to provide well for my family. During my time in the printing industry, in the years before safeguards were put in place for handling industrial chemicals, I was exposed to many hazardous cleaning products and inks and, in 1996, I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease (PD) that was shown to have been triggered by my contact with these chemicals. By 1998, the PD had advanced to the point where it was impossible to continue working and so I retired from the world of paychecks in that year. This was a very sad and scary time for me, but my family stood by me and my faith saw me through many bad days. It is said that there is a silver lining to every black cloud. This turned out to be true regarding my Parkinson's Disease, too. As a result of my experience and my diagnosis, more safeguards are now in place within the industry and my case has been used as a precedent for others in the same boat.

In my retirement, I continued my desire to be life-long learner and tried to take a class at PCC or the Monrovia Adult School every semester. Most often, I took computer-related classes but also took some adaptive PE classes in order to try to combat the physical effects PD was having upon my body. I was a regular work-out member several times per week at the YMCA in Monrovia. Even when I was in the wheelchair more often than I was out of it, I took the bus to my destinations and didn't use PD as an excuse to feel sorry for myself. At Monrovia Adult School, I was honored to become the very first "Most Inspirational Student" and was awarded a beautiful plaque at a banquet where very nice things were said about my persistence and my ability to challenge other students to keep trying and to keep going even when things were tough. I didn't know I was doing anything special. I just kept plugging away and encouraged those around me to do the same.

Throughout my life, my Catholic faith was extremely important to me. I was a "cradle Catholic" and tried hard to understand my faith and to follow my faith. I was fortunate to be a member of St. Bede's Catholic Church through my growing up years. After I got married, Joan and I joined St. Andrew's Parish in Pasadena and then transferred to Holy Angels Parish when we moved to Arcadia. My two younger children were Altar Servers there and all three celebrated their first Communions at Holy Angels. In my later years, I rediscovered my love for the Mass celebrated in Latin, finding it to be very peaceful and a link to my faith as a child when, before the reforms of Vatican II, the Mass was always celebrated in Latin. I believed in the value of prayer to Mother Mary and found that praying the Rosary was a powerful tool in my spiritual repertoire.

As years went on, Parkinson's Disease continued to rear its ugly head. On Christmas Day of 2012, I became very sick, and paramedics had to be called to take me to the hospital. After spending a couple of weeks there, I bounced back and forth between the hospital and skilled nursing care as these medical angels tried to fight the good fight against my Parkinson's Disease and all the associated challenges that advanced PD brought along. Little did any of us know that Christmas Day would be my last day at home. My family was always by my side through the many months of treatment, the ups and the downs, and the unknowns but my poor, tired body just could go no further and on June 8, 2013, I passed away as a result of the Parkinson's Disease. My wife and my children were at my bedside. My Requiem Mass took place on June 25th at Holy Angels Church and my life was celebrated within this Mass by Father Michael Evans, who I considered to be a good friend and trusted counselor throughout many, many years.

As I left this earth, I left many people behind who were special to me. In addition to my own family, of course, I have to give a special thank you to my oldest and dearest friend of more than 50 years: Bill Biersach. This man stood by me in good times and bad times. We debated politics, religion, and every other topic under the sun and, through it all, remained the very best of friends. I was lucky to have Bill in my life. I left behind my brother, Jeff, his wife (Lynda) and children (Shannon and Shawn). Thank you, Jeff, for coming back to me in my time of need and traveling down the last road by my side. I wish I could thank all the doctors and nurses and caretakers who made my last months as comfortable as possible and who also tried to provide comfort and support to my wife and children. Kindred Transitional Care in Glendora was my home-away-from-home from January to June of 2013 and is where I took my last breath. I came to rely on these kind folks and they never let me down.

I encourage anyone who happens to read this biography of my life to think about supporting the Parkinson's Disease research and resource organizations that are currently making great strides toward eliminating this horrific disease. In particular, I owe a huge debt of gratitude to the Parkinson's Resource Organization (PRO) for their support and encouragement through the years. I learned a lot about PD from PRO and how to meet the challenges I would face throughout my battle with this monster.

I was fortunate in some ways to know that my days were coming to an end because I could prepare. My wife and I talked at length about many things over the last week of my life and I was not afraid to die. I was sad at the idea that I would miss milestones in the lives of my children, and I knew they would also be sad to be without me. I will miss you all and had some final thoughts that I wanted to give: Adam --- keep cooking. You're a sensitive and good-hearted young man and I am proud of who you have become. Brianna --- you are a beautiful and strong young woman. We chose your name because it means "strength" and you are definitely a force to be reckoned with! And Jeremiah --- you are a smart and kind young man. I was so proud to learn of your goal to join the Navy and sorry I won't be there to see this accomplishment in your life. And to my wife, Joan: thank you for always calling me "Number One" and for just being you.

It is said that some people can’t see the forest for the trees. I like to think that I had always been able to focus on each individual tree, tending to its needs, thus making the forest stronger as a whole. I had been called a trustworthy, pragmatic and sympathetic person, the kind of man to whom others are drawn. I suppose that was true. I do know that I always worked hard to be thorough and practical. And since I have always been very literal with my words, you always knew where you stood with me. I suppose, in a way, that sort of sums up everything that I had become. I am a life well lived, indeed. A life too short but full of influence upon others and a life to be remembered

Longtime Wellfleet resident Robert DuBeau succumbed to Parkinson’s disease on Jan. 21, 2023 after trying to ignore the affliction for years.

Bob was born in Willimantic, Conn. in 1934, the third of four children of Conrad and Esther (Parent) DuBeau. He attended Windham Regional High School, where as a freshman he met his future wife, Marsha Turshen. He was admitted to Harvard, where he worked to pay his tuition by establishing a food concession at the residence houses. By the time he graduated in 1956, his multi-employee business was taken over by the college as part of its food service.

Bob first fell in love with the Outer Cape when, shortly after graduation, he was drafted and stationed at Camp Wellfleet — then an Army outpost near Marconi Beach in what is now the National Seashore. After his discharge, Bob attended the University of Connecticut Law School and entered practice in nearby Rockville. Bob, Marsha, and their growing family soon started vacationing in Wellfleet.

After several years of renting, they purchased a cottage on Lieutenant Island before it had electricity or telephone service. As their children reached driving age, the tide-ruled access to the island became untenable. Wishing to stay in the area, they were among the first to purchase a parcel of the former Camp Mar-Ven and Camp Chequessett, converting the old counselor and guest house into a summer cottage. When they retired, they renovated the house for year-round use and moved to Wellfleet.

Bob quickly became a member of the Wellfleet Housing Authority, helping to provide affordable housing for year-round local workers. He helped found Nauset Neighbors, the volunteer network to help aging residents stay in their homes. He was the first representative from Our Lady of Lourdes parish to the area interfaith council. He was an enthusiastic golfer at the Chequessett Yacht & Country Club and a volunteer at Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater.

Bob was full of wit and fun, once leading a passel of family kids down Commercial Street in Provincetown after a Marx Brothers movie at the Waters Edge Cinema, all striding like Groucho. Many friends from Rockville were invited to visit the DuBeaus on their Wellfleet vacations, and several, including Pat and Dick Dimock, established their own connections to the Outer Cape in part based on Bob’s enthusiasm.

“You don’t have a boat,” said one curious friend. “You don’t seem to like sitting on the beach. What is it about Wellfleet?” to which Bob answered, “I just love to look at it.”

Bob is survived by his wife, Marsha; his five children: Dr. Catherine DuBeau of Lebanon, N.H., Matthew and wife Leslie Haynes-DuBeau of Nyack, N.Y., Peter and Lisa DuBeau of Norfolk, Va., Adam and Lauren Love-DuBeau of Marcellus, N.Y., and Sarah DuBeau-Farley and Stephen Farley of Dorchester; his grandchildren, Madeline, Henry, Julia, Jack, August, Sam, and Elise; and the families of multiple nieces and nephews.