In Memoriam
We salute our members who have passed on and cherish the time we had with them. Now, we celebrate their lives. They live on in their works.
Camille Minichino
June 3, 1937 – May 6, 2024
Kymberlie Ingalls
August 9, 1971 – April 9, 2024
Our hearts go out to Kymberlie’s husband, Roger Ingalls, and the rest of her family. Rest in peace, Kymblerlie.
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Phyllis Houseman
1940 – 2024
Phyllis Houseman was a delight to those of us lucky enough to know her. A stalwart member of CWC, she volunteered for multiple tasks, including maintenance of the Author’s Carousel and judging for the Young Writers Contest. And as an excellent writer, she provided invaluable critiques that encouraged and strengthened the work of the writers in her critique groups.
Initially, Phyllis wrote in the romance genre and her first five novels were snapped up for publication. She was especially proud of her last novel, Somewhere in the Silence, that had begun as a collaboration with her since-deceased husband. Innumerable short stories filled her portfolio, finding their way to various publications. Her website, which she designed herself, provides a window on her writing legacy.
Phyllis will be truly missed and dearly remembered. Her entry into our branch’s short story contest this winter won first place. Read it here.
James Wiseman
1928 – 2021
This obituary is compliments of Jim’s daughters Tracy, and Tanya, with their permission, as James loved the CWC-Mt. Diablo Branch, its events, and the members he cherished. He also brought his family along whenever possible.
My father ended his journey in this world after 93 years. He was my dad, friend, mentor and advisor. He taught me to always be curious and seek knowledge and always grow and learn.
Jil Plummer
November 21, 2019
Originally a Vancouver Island, Canada native, Jil and her husband traveled the world for his work as a photographer. They had the privilege of living in several countries, some of which became the inspirations for settings in Jil’s books.
Ellen Aubry
1947 – January 27, 2021
In Ellen’s own words – a quote from her unfinished novel The Grandview Arms:
Betty speaking about Mac
“…It makes me feel an odd sense of panic. I didn’t know her well, but loved the music of her writing… To go away and take such a gift out of the world, seems like a sacrilege to me… Am I doing enough to open up my own life?”
Gerald (Jerry) Wilson Vaught
August 14, 1940 – July 28, 2022
Published by the East Bay Times on Aug. 28, 2022.
Gerald Wilson Vaught (Jerry) bragged about being married to Cheryl Vaught for 55 years. They parented Kevin and Katherine.
Jerry was proud of achieving high academic excellence, having a BA from Arizona State University and a master’s from UC Berkeley. This was in spite of his mother, who forbade education beyond high school.
Continue reading…
Jack Russ
December 3, 2020
Former Mt. Diablo branch president Captain Jack Russ passed away December 3, 2020 in his 90s.
During a 30 year career in the Navy, Jack collected anecdotes based on his experiences beginning with flying and combat experience aboard a destroyer escort in Korea then assignments around the world.
Patricia Edwards
J a n u a r y 3 , 1 9 3 1 – Ap r i l 1 1 , 2 0 2 3
Pat was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on January 3, 1931 to John Magaw and Norma Lathrop Magaw. Graduated from West High School in 1948, William Woods College in 1950, and the University of Minnesota in 1952–where she majored in journalism and was a Pi Beta Phi.
In 1952 Pat moved to New York City to work for J. Walter Thompson Advertising as an advertising trainee.
Continue reading Elisabeth Tuck’s memorial in the Write News, May 2023.
