Obituaries
Donald D. Watkins, age 78, of Berkeley, California, passed away peacefully at his home on July 17, 2026. He was born on November 17, 1947 in Richmond, California and raised by his mother, Evelyn Watkins. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sisters, Joan Watkins and Joyce Ray. Surviving are his wife, Karen Watkins; his daughter Krsni (Umesh) Tongbra; and grandchild Avani. He was a graduate of Salesian High School in Richmond and a few years later, volunteered to serve in the U.S. Army in Vietnam. He went on to co-author, with Clark Smith, The Vietnam Map (more…)
December 22, 1941 – July 27, 2026 Joy Louise Chase Dickey passed away on July 27, 2026, at the age of 84. She was laid to rest in a private green burial service at Fernwood Funeral Home in Mill Valley, California. Her final resting place is nestled high on a peaceful hillside beneath majestic eucalyptus trees overlooking the San Francisco Bay, watched over by Quan Yin, the Buddhist Goddess of Compassion—a setting as serene and independent as the life she lived. Joy was the loving mother to Andrea Joy Casalett (Beth McBride), proud mom of Heather Hartter (Libby Kava), and a doting grandmother to Michael (more…)
Shawn Raymond Crossley, a devoted husband, loving father, cherished son and brother, loyal friend, and respected colleague, passed away on July 14, 2026 at the age of 48 after a courageous battle with cancer. Shawn was born in Sunrise, Florida, and grew up in Naperville, Illinois. He graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago, where he majored in computer art—a fitting combination of the creativity and analytical thinking that shaped so much of his life. Shawn met his wife, Kelly, during the summer of 1999, when they were interns together at Nicor Gas. They married on August 10, 2002, at Cordillera (more…)
Forever in Our Hearts 12/23/25 – 07/18/26 Please join us in honoring Baby Valentina Xitlali-Selene Lizarraga. Thursday, July 30th, 1pm – 2pm Fernwood Funeral Home & Cemetery 301 Tennessee Valley Rd, Mill Valley, CA 94941 (more…)
Nancy Lee Bronstein passed away peacefully on June 13, 2026, with her children and husband by her side, after facing a brain tumor with grace and strength. Nancy was born on April 23,1959 in Los Angeles to Emy Brown and Leonard Bronstein. She was initially raised in La Crescenta before moving to Manhattan Beach in 1964, where she graduated from Aviation High School in 1977. Their Manhattan Beach home still remains with her family and has been a cherished place to visit throughout the years. Nancy moved to central California to attend California State University, Stanislaus, graduating with a B.A. in Business (more…)
Born November 26, 1936 in San Diego, CA, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2026. With bright eyes and a mischievous spark, ready to ignite the fireworks of life, Elizabeth was generous, passionate, and authentic. She made herself available to the world with a magic that drew people in, as if they had no choice; a whimsy that could charm; a beauty and brightness that would surely never dim. Elizabeth moved to Belvedere in 1966, where she lived until her death on June 5th, 2026. An entertainer by nature, Elizabeth was wild, funny and creative. She loved playing with and learning new words, (more…)
