All Tributes

Stephen Shang is an unassuming man who had lived a remarkable life.  Born in China, he lived through the Japanese occupation and then fled to Taiwan with his junior high school.  Forcefully conscripted into the army, he never the less strived to enrich himself through self study.  He was able to become an officer and then eventually tested into the number one university in Taiwan.  His passion for learning and education led him to earn 2 masters degree in various areas of education in...

Martha Gonzales was born in Los Angeles, California on March 2, 1921. She was the eldest of 12 children and shared many stories of assisting her parents with the younger siblings. Growing up during the depression, Martha left school in the 11th grade to help the family. She had one child, Lillian, who has fond memories of taking the bus downtown to meet her mother in the garment district. Although she spent half her working career in the garment industry in downtown Los Angeles, Martha later...

Enes Tonda Mariani Lonsway December 9, 1930 – April 29, 2021 Resident of Concord Enes Lonsway, age 90, born in Crockett. First generation native. Her parents Eufrosina and Giuseppe Tonda emigrated from Turin, Italy. Enes graduated from John Swett High School, then received her Nursing Degree at Samuel Merritt College. Her adventurous and caring spirit led her to the University of Hawaii, where she earned a Bachelor’s in Nursing. She raised her family in Novato, sharing with them her...

Sam Zorich was born October 28, 1932 in San Francisco, CA to Sam and Angelena Zorich, immigrants of Yugoslavia. On April 28, 2021 at the age of 88 Sam passed away peacefully, in his home with Carrie, his wife of 64 years, by his side.   Sam grew up in San Francisco attending Balboa High School and worked weekends at his parent’s restaurant. After graduation he attended San Francisco State University, he was not able to finish his final semester, the United States Army had other plans and...

Maureen Grgurina Linder, 53, of Concord, Ca. passed away on April 23, 2021 after an extended struggle with her health. She is survived by her devoted husband of over 26 years, Darin Linder, and sons Aaron and Aidan Linder, along with many immediate and extended family members and friends who were like family to her. Maureen was born on February 10, 1968 in Hayward, California. She attended St. Joachim Catholic School, Moreau High School and the University of San Francisco where she...

Julie Bates, resident of Pleasant Hill, May 9, 1930 – April 21, 2021 Julie Bates passed away on Wednesday April 21, 2021. She was born in Cardiff, Wales. She emigrated to the United States in 1951 where she met and married Thomas Bates in 1955. Julie is survived by her children, Barbara, Beth, Bill and Tracy; grandchildren Jake, Langston, AJ, Dominic, Michaela, Teresa, Michelle, and Thomas; great grandchildren Emilia, Scarlett, and Milo. A remembrance service will be held on Saturday,...

Laura Marilyn Carlson Resident of Clayton, CA Nov. 10, 1933 - Apr. 18, 2021 Laura Marilyn Carlson, loving wife and mother and devoted nurse, passed away on Sunday after a courageous battle with several illnesses. Laura was born in Bloomington, IL and graduated from Danvers High School in Danvers, IL. She completed nurses training at St. Luke’s hospital in Chicago, IL. Laura served as a registered nurse for 30 years, the last 22 years at John Muir Concord hospital. She enjoyed reading...