Mary F. Kofmehl, J.D., passed away on Sept, 11, 2009 at her home in Sonoma.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph Leo Kofmehl of Sonoma; her father, Sgt. (Retired) George F. Morse of Georgia; her mother, Mary M. Couch of Sacramento; her brothers Jim Smith of North Carolina and David W. Couch of Costa Mesa.
She is survived by her daughter, Sharon L. Kofmehl of Folsom, Calif.; three grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Mary was born Aug. 21, 1942 in Meridian, Miss. and moved to California with her family in 1947. She was raised in Southern California and was active with the school newspaper as well as writing columns for the community newspapers. She also wrote for several national teen magazines while in high school and participated in community theater. In her mid-30s she went back to school, graduated Magna Cum Laude with her undergraduate work in psychology and philosophy. She went on to receive her doctorate in law from the University of California, LaVerne, College of Law. After moving to Sonoma with her husband in 1981, she joined the Newcomer’s Club and was vice president in 1983. She was also secretary of the Bay Area Campers RV Club, one of the early volunteers for La Luz, past member of the Sunrise Soroptimists, the Sonoma Mission Lions and the Women of the Moose where she was publicity chairman. She played the part of “Mother Bailey” in the Community Center production of “It’s A Wonderful Life” and also served on the Sonoma County grand jury from 1995-1996. More recently, Mary was the host of “Kofmehl’s County,” an information program on local radio station, KSVY, 91.3 FM. She had done paralegal work for low-income people in the Valley for over 20 years, but did more work for free than for pay.
At her request, no formal services will be held but an informal gathering may be held at a future date.
Arrangements under the direction of Duggan’s Mission Chapel.
Alan Howard Halpin, 85, of Sonoma died in Marin on Sept. 17, 2009. He is survived by his wife, Margaret P. Halpin of Sonoma. He was the dear father of Robert, Ronald, David and Jason, father-in-law of Faye and Maureen, and step-father of Julie, Robert, James, Ronald and Anita, grandfather of Robert, Thomas, Whitney, Vanessa and Ronald and great-grandfather of Alisha, Skylor and Alexis.
Alan was a mathematician and worked for Aero Jet for 16 years and retired in 1988. He received his Master’s Degree from The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy World War II and received a Victory Medal. He was a seven-year resident of Sonoma and a native of Cleveland, Ohio.
A memorial service will be held on at 1 p.m. on Oct. 17 at Duggan’s Mission Chapel. Officiating will be Rev. David McCracken. Private inurnment will be held at Oakdale Memorial Park, Glendora, Calif.
Directions under Duggan’s Mission Chapel.
