Mountain Views News, Combined Edition Saturday, January 14, 2023

Mountain Views-News Saturday, January 14, 2023 

WALKING SIERRA MADRE -The Social 

REMEMBRANCE: 


in God being the most impor-

Side by Deanne Davis

CAROL ALCORN 

tant one. She was most at peace 
in this deep spiritual grounding 

“Kindness is like snow. It beautifies everything 

Carol Rondeau Alcorn was 

it covers.” Kahlil Gibran 

that spanned nine decades. 

born on January 4th, 1929 
in Lynn Massachusetts and 

“Never let loyalty and kindness leave you. Tie 

She was a depression baby who 

passed away peacefully in her 

them around your neck as a reminder. Write 

was way ahead of her time with 

bed on December 8th 2022, in 

them deep within your heart. Then you will 

“being green” as evidenced by 

Sierra Madre at the young age 

find favor with both God and people, and you 

her collection of old sponges, 

of 93, shocking all who loved 

will earn a good reputation.” Proverbs 3:2-3 

slightly tattered envelopes, pens 

her by not trying to putter to 

that no longer worked, empty 

the end. Funeral services will 

Here’s a really great KIND thing…two kitties 

“I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter” 

be held 12:00, January 21st at St. 

have found a forever home with my daughter, 

containers, and 1 cent stamps. 

Rita’s church, where she spent 

Leah and her friend, Marty. Yes, friends and 

70 years as a parishioner and 

neighbors, they are rescue cats. Leah found 

Carol’s wicked sense of humor 

countless years as everyone’s 

them at Rescues Rock. These two are brother 

could stop you in your tracks. 

favorite kindergarten teacher. 

and sister and about a year and a half old. I had 

From razor sharp quips that 

For those able to attend, Carol 

to laugh when Leah said they have very short 

came from seemingly out of the blue to the antici


had one simple request: please dress colorfully. 

legs. The good thing about that is they won’t 
so easily be able to jump up on kitchen coun


pated - and often PG13-rated comebacks. 

She died knowing Frank Sinatra was the best singer 

ters and other assorted places where they re-

Her regrets were few but include serving cow tongue 

of all time and that there is always a need to keep 

ally don’t need to be. When they first arrived, 

once for dinner, that there is no video evidence of 

a folder of newspaper clippings dating back to the 

they had been named Spaghetti and Meatball. 

her as a high school cheerleader and taking out the 

1960’s. 

They are now Tabitha and Merlin. I am so very 
proud of Leah and Marty for adopting rescue 

street sign on the corner of Foothill and Rosemead. 

She had a great love of “perfectly good boxes” that 

cats. It’s been my observation that rescue ani-

She left behind an incredible amount of stuff that 

she would never throw out, because they were per


mals know they have been saved and are grate-

her daughter Sarah and sons Steve and Adam have 

fectly good, and she kept them in a perfectly good 

ful. Also, picking cats who are long past the 

no idea what to do with. 

large box that was labeled “small boxes”. 

kitten stage saves a whole lot of trouble as these guys already know how to do everything. 
In lieu of flowers, please go home and start throw-

Over the years she also helped to maintain See’s 

“Cats can work out mathematically the exact place to sit that will cause the most inconvenience.” 

ing things out. 

candy as a viable business and most likely single 

Pam Brown 

handedly kept it afloat through her love of two 

“In ancient times, cats were worshipped as gods. They have not forgotten this.” Terry Pratchett 

Services will be live streamed on the St. Rita’s Face-

pound boxes of Nuts and Chews. 

“Dogs have owners. Cats have staff.” 

book page and will automatically go live when the 

mass starts. facebook.com/SaintRitaSM/videos 

She held onto many things during her life, her faith 

The picture this week is just one more of our award-winning Rose Parade float. This little 
guy is so incredibly cute that I had to put him in just one more time. Our float builders/dehis 
best to attend 


signers are able to take seeds and spices and flowers and make the most whimsical creatures. 

DENNIS LEE MARQUARDT 

his sons’ sport-

He looks so lifelike! 

April 8th, 1943 – December 30th, 2022 

ing events and his 
daughters acting/ 

There has been so much rain in our community and surrounding areas that people’s water 

Dennis Lee Marquardt passed away with family at his side 

singing perfor


collection devices have overflowed, which has never happened before, and there are rumors 

after a prolonged series of health issues on Friday, Decem


mances. He built 

that maybe our never-ending drought has ended, which would be wonderful. We are so grate


ber 30th, 2022. He was born in Pasadena, CA on April 

their family home 

ful for rain, at last, when we’ve all been praying for years for the heavens to open. 

8th, 1943. He moved to Covina at the age of 8, where his 

to be one where 
father, LeRoy, started the Covina Little League. 

they could enterWhile 
growing up, Denny played youth baseball, Ameri


I’m getting great reports about our new restaurant, Something Healthy Café. I had to laugh 
can Legion baseball and other youth sports, making a 

tain, as well as, 

looking at the signs inside about flying. My adorable John, was a private pilot for many years, 
name for himself as a stellar athlete even before enrolling 

where all their kids’ 

friends were always 

enjoying countless hours piloting a Cessna 172. We had some fantastic times together flying 
at Covina High School. There he starred as a four-year 

welcomed. He even 

over various areas of California. Anyway, when you’re in Something Healthy Café, look for 

letterman in both baseball and basketball. Excelling in 

went so far as to 

the sign: Flying Lessons: $1.00 to Fly - $50.00 to Land 

these sports, he was named to numerous All-CIF teams in 

add a basketball 
both sports. After graduating from Covina High School, 

hoop to the neigh-

I have a little picture on my wall that says: “Flying is the second greatest thrill known to man. 

Denny signed a baseball contract with the Los Angeles 

borhood cul-de-sac 

Landing is the first!” This is totally true. 

Dodgers, where he played outfield for five years. During 

so kids had a place 
the off season, he would return home to Covina and take 

to go play or let off 
courses at Cal Poly Pomona, keeping his promise to his 

Back to Something Healthy Café: They specialize in salads, soups, wraps, sandwiches, 
mother that he would get his degree. 

some steam. He always supported youth in their endeav


smoothies and some great coffees. There are many vegan and non-vegan choices And, any 
After his years with the Dodgers, Denny finished his 

ors and always told his kids to dream big. Denny never 

met anyone he didn’t like and always wore his heart on his 

salad can be made into a wrap. They’re at 7 Kersting Court. This is their second location, havstudies 
at Cal Poly Pomona and received a Bachelor of 

sleeve. He dreamed big and he loved big. 

ing another Café in Monrovia. I will be reporting more about these nice folks in a later issue. 

Science degree in Physical Education. He then received 

Dennis and Clare resided in Sierra Madre for the past 48 

Jessie, who is 15, and my puzzle buddy, and I just completed another 500 piece puzzle. My 

his teaching credential from Pepperdine University and 

years and to the end of his days still maintained “it was 

next -door neighbor, Sarah, is able to do 2,000 piece puzzles in no time at all but it takes Jes-

later his Masters in Education. Denny started teaching 

a best place to raise you, kids, and live. I love this town.” 

sie and me weeks to do one. Our latest is a pride of lions and they look so great when they’re 

at Temple City High School in 1968, where he taught 

The Marquardt family was a part of the St. Rita’s parish in 

finished we kind of hate to dismantle them. Daughter, Patti, gave us an undersea puzzle we’re 

Health and Safety and Drivers Education to every incom-

Sierra Madre, where all four kids attended school. 
ing freshman for 35 years. In 1970 Denny met Clare Col-

just starting. Dolphins and clown fish and sea anemones. Love these things. 
lins, an English teacher at TCHS who would later become 

 Dennis was predeceased by his wife, Clare Collins Mar


quardt, and son, Michael Marquardt and his parents, Le-
his wife for the next 45 years. Denny coached a year of 

Jigsaw puzzles have helped folks hang onto their sanity keeping our hands busy doing some-
basketball at TCHS before being named the head baseball 

Roy and Helen Marquardt. He is survived by his sister, 

Janis Marquardt, children Katherine Marquardt, Martin 

thing other than lifting our fork or opening another bag of Doritos. 
coach in 1971, a position he held for 27 years until 1997. 

Marquardt (Mary), Andrew Marquardt (Karen); grand-
As the Varsity baseball coach, his teams were, year in and 

children Calvin, Camille and Kennan, his brother-in-law, 

“There are no extra pieces in the universe. Everyone is here because he or she has a place to 

year out, among the best in Southern California. In 27 

Charles Collins, sisters-in law, Sharon Collins and Otilia 

fill, 

years, his teams made 20 CIF playoff appearances and 

Collins, nine nieces and nephews, and twelve grandniec


and every piece must fit itself into the big jigsaw puzzle.” Deepak Chopra 

won ten Rio Hondo League Championships. 

es and grandnephews. 
Denny amassed 398 wins as the head coach and was 

 In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to the 
recognized with induction into the San Gabriel Valley 

“There are times in life our dreams seem to be scattered all over the place like jigsaw puzzles. 
Coaches Hall of Fame. His jersey, Number 7, is retired at 

Boys and Girls Club of Pasadena at www.bgcpasadena. 

We just have to take time and continue to assemble them into a unique shape.” Euginia Herlihy 
Temple City High School, and just recently the school’s 

org. Interment will be private and held at Pioneer Cem


etery in Sierra Madre. Services will be held on Saturday, 
baseball facility was named Dennis Marquardt Stadium 

February 11th at 11am at Alverno Heights Academy in 

“You are a piece of the puzzle of someone else’s life. You may never know where you fit, but 
honoring his 27 years of dedication to the baseball pro-

Sierra Madre. Cabot & Sons, Directors. 

others will fill the holes in their lives with pieces of you.” Bonnie Arbon 

gram and the young men he coached along the way. 
Denny was a very involved dad from the get go, doing 

Puzzles are not only sanity savers, but they are calming, too. We don’t stress out nearly as 
much 

faith and trust in God. In the years afterwards, Pat would 

when we’re trying to find all the pieces for the border and what to do with all these pieces of 

drive up the coast to Big Sur to find peace and quiet. He 

PATRICK 

blue sky that don’t seem to have any relation to each other. 

would visit New Camaldoli Hermitage that overlooks the 
vastness of the Pacific Ocean to spend time in a place 
where all visitors were required to take a vow of silence. 

NEILAN 

Something more I thought of, writing about Something Healthy Café…I came across this 
He further developed his connection to God and spoke 

thought from Ardath Rodale. Remember “Prevention” Magazine? Filled with 

Patrick Jon Neilan 

fondly of the calmness and serenity he felt while there. 

healthy stuff? The Rodales were the creators of “Prevention.” This is pretty healthy stuff, too: 

passed away peacefully 

In 1974, Pat spent time as an ironworker helping 

on December 22nd, 

build the 210 freeway. A freeway that would be well trav


“Born as human beings, 

2022 after a short and 

eled by him through his many years in Southern Califor-

It is our duty to strive our utmost 

quickly progressing can


nia, specifically, Monrovia and Sierra Madre. He received 

For peace in the world and the happiness of others. 

cer diagnosis. He was 

his general contractor license in 1979 and would go on 

Those who love humanity and help people in need, 

surrounded by his chil


to remodel many projects and later build a home for his 

dren and in the comfort 

Are always loved and protected by God wherever they may go. 
of his own home, just as 

young family in Monrovia, CA. 

A person who strives constantly to help others, and better the world, 
he had wished. Please 

His life changed forever when he became a father in 1985, 

Is like a diamond buried in the sand.” 

welcoming his first son, Cody Patrick. Not long after, in 

join us in remembering 

1986 his second son, Thomas Ryan was born. In 1989, his 

and honoring the life of 

family was complete by the birth of his daughter, Molly 

Hope this week brings you joy and laughter. Stay safe, warm and dry, my friends and get 

our beloved father on 

Kathleen. 

yourself a puzzle. 

Saturday, January 28th, 

Pat’s greatest gifts were his children but his 

2022 at 10:00am at St. 

greatest loss was losing his son, Cody, to Leukemia in 

In a world where you can be anything you want to be…Be KIND! 

Rita Catholic Parish in 

2005. Cody’s death devastated Pat as it would any parent. 

Sierra Madre. 

He used to go to the cemetery to grieve and be close to 

Born on July 3rd, 1947 to Bernard & Blanche 

My book page: Amazon.com: Deanne Davis 
Neilan, Patrick was number nine of eleven children. He 

Cody up to three times a day shortly after his passing. In 

There are adventures galore available there: 
grew up in the small farm town of Faulkton, South Dako


the recent months prior to Patrick's passing, he remarked 

True tales of early California, a story about a well-traveled violin, 

to Thomas and Molly the following: “I’ve been able to 

ta and as a farmer's son, learned the lessons of hard work 

witness the miracle of life through the birth of all of you. 

Emma Gainsworth and her horrific encounters with pumpkins, 

at a young age by waking up at dawn to tend to cattle 

And I learned how fragile and vulnerable life is when 

So many Kindle stories to enjoy. Take a look! 

& crops. At 18 years old, he enlisted in the Viet-

Cody became sick. And through Cody’s death, I learned 

nam war. He boarded a troop carrier in December of 

what a gift life is - what a gift it was to be his father and to 

1966 and spent the next 29 days at sea before arriving in 

SENIOR COMMUNITY COMMISSION SEEKING 

continue being yours” 

Vietnam in January of 1967. He served under the 523rd 

Pat was many things; a builder of homes and 

“OLDER ‘SIERRA MADRE’ AMERICAN OF THE YEAR” NOMINATIONS 

Engineer Company operating heavy equipment and was 

highways, a thoughtful and attentive neighbor, a serving 

one of five soldiers that would go around fixing blown 

patriot, a caring Brother and Uncle, a loving Father, and 

 The City of Sierra Madre Senior Community Commission is seeking nominations for Older ‘Sierra 

out bridges. He made 5 ranks in 16 months earning his 

a wonderful Grandpa. His family loved him dearly, they 

Madre’ American of the Year. The honor is a long-standing tradition in Sierra Madre and bestowed 

way up to an E5 Specialist. In January of 1968, one of the 

miss him immensely and will carry on holding his words 

upon an exceptional Sierra Madrean, age 60 or older, for their outstanding commitment to community 

deadliest times in Vietnam, Pat extended his time by 30 

close. “Life is not to be taken for granted - it’s an experi


service. 

days before returning home in February of 1968. 

ence and it’s not to be endured. Go for the gusto and re-

Recommendations are now being accepted for new honorees. Please send nominations to Sierra Madre 

Upon returning home from Vietnam, Pat se


ally make the most of it.” 

City Hall, c/o Older American Nomination, Community Services Department, 232 W. Sierra Madre 

cured a job in Minneapolis as an inspector before mov-

Patrick is preceded in death by his eldest son, 

Blvd., Sierra Madre, CA 91024 by Thursday, March 16, 2023. Forms may be picked up and returned 

ing to Los Angeles in 1969. This transition from war to 

Cody Patrick Neilan and best canine companion Deuce. 

to the Hart Park House Senior Center: Hart Park House 222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. Sierra Madre, 

civilian life back home was a very difficult period for 

He is survived by his two children, Thomas Neilan (Sier-

CA 91024 

him. Alcohol became his crutch as he readjusted to life 

ra Madre, CA) and Molly Foulon (Eugene, OR), Son-in

 
The Senior Community Commission will discuss the selection of the Older ‘Sierra Madre’ American 

after the war. Over the next few years, Pat attended night 

law, Patrick Foulon, Granddaughter, Remi Foulon, and 

of the Year at their regularly scheduled meeting, open to the public, in City Hall Council Chambers on 

school at Pasadena City College and received straight A's 

his four sisters and one brother. 

Thursday, April 6th at 3:00 p.m. A reception to honor the 2023 Older ‘Sierra Madre’ American of the 

earning his associate degree. He got sober in 1973 after 

Year will held on Wednesday, May 10th, 2023. 

his participation in AA and from what he described as a 

For more information, please contact the Hart Park House Senior Center (626) 355-5278 

power greater than himself. He would remain sober the 

x704; or the Community Services Department at (626) 355-5278. 

rest of his life and attributes his 49 years of sobriety to his 


Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 
Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com