100 portraits

Loved and not forgotten: The East Valley

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The state's first COVID-19 death came in mid-March 2020. In the year since, the virus has claimed thousands more. 

The disease is a deadly thief. It steals time. It steals milestones. It steals walks down the wedding aisle and games of catch with grandchildren. It steals aspirations.

These are just a fraction, less than 1%, of the people Arizona has lost to COVID-19.

Noa Marcela Bailey

41 years old • Tempe

Noa Marcela Bailey, 41, Tempe
Courtesy of Jerica Vie

Noa Marcela Bailey was a mother and friend, and she was motivated.

“Noa was filled with life and energy. She was motivated to wake up and live every day to the fullest,” said Susan Vie, Noa’s best friend and self-proclaimed kindred spirit.

Noa and Susan would hike together on the weekends and then walk to their neighborhood Starbucks where they would “just talk for hours on end.”

Every day, Noa would go for a hike and take a photo of the sunset.

Noa was compassionate, determined, optimistic and a warrior, Susan said.

She was known for giving others a boost, telling them, “You are unique, you are special, you are chosen; You aren't gold, you aren't silver; You are magic, you are dust,” Susan said.

Noa made assisting people her life. She worked as a housing specialist, helping people find places to live. 

“Her willingness to always show up as a friend was astounding,” Susan said.

Noa is survived by her two sons, Elias and Jonathan.

“Noa lived to be a mom, she loved her two boys so much,” Susan said.

She died Feb. 6, at age 41.

It is unclear how Noa was infected with COVID-19, but both she and her one of her sons were sick. They entered the hospital within days of each other. She was scared of going on a ventilator, but did it in hopes that she would be helped and could get home sooner.

“I don't think anyone could've imagined COVID-19 hitting such a young healthy individual so hard. It is hard to wrap our minds around,” Susan said.

A fundraiser for the family can be found on GoFundMe

— Rylee Kirk

Kevin Ray Campos Sr.

61 years old • Mesa

Kevin Ray Campos Sr., 61, Mesa
Courtesy of Paula Jean Campos

Almost every morning, Kevin Ray Campos called his wife, Paula Jean Campos, and said, “I’m just calling to make sure I told you I love you today.”

He was the owner of Campos School Portraits in Mesa for 30 years and took immense pride in it.

Kevin had a selfless nature, always looking to make vacations, family barbecues and pool parties days to remember. Music and dancing were integral to his family’s life, and Kevin always found a way to slip in a tune when he was with his brothers.

He was the rock of the family, and his wife’s hero.

“As a husband, Kevin was romantic, thoughtful, loving and true,” Paula said. “He was my knight in shining armor and the man of my dreams. We had a lifetime in the five magical years we shared.”

When Kevin was diagnosed with COVID-19, he worried about everyone but himself, an act that served as a reminder of his generous and loving spirit, Paula said.

Kevin died on Dec. 4, 2020, after two weeks of fighting the virus. He was 61.

He is survived by his wife, Paula, his children, grandchildren, siblings and extended family.

— Megan Taros

Velvalee Cluff

87 years old • Mesa

Velvalee Cluff, 87, Mesa
Courtesy of Erica Cluff

Velvalee Cluff was always making friends.

She lived a life in service to others, through her church and for her family and friends, said her granddaughter, Erica Cluff. 

That life of service ended on July 31, 2020, when Velvalee died of complications from COVID-19. She was 87.

Erica loved her grandmother more than anything, and Velvalee returned that love. They sat together on the couch and talked about everything. Velvalee would reach over and place her hand on Erica’s knee, telling her exactly the right words she needed to hear. 

“It was always a sacred experience and one I miss every day,” Erica said. 

A homemaker, Velvalee decided at an early age to give her family better than what she was given as a child, Erica said. She was resilient and resolved to be the best mother, grandmother and friend. 

“You always knew you were loved by her. She would never give up, she would always keep going no matter the circumstances,” Erica said. 

She loved to make art and reveled in the beautiful, from decorating the house to wrapping packages with detailed bows. 

COVID-19 entered Velvalee’s home unexpectedly; she took many precautions. As she grew sicker and her oxygen levels dropped, she sought medical care. She was scared and sad to be in the hospital alone. Her family called providers and nurses regularly and fought for her. She was intubated and never recovered, Erica said.

“It’s always so sad to me when the hospital lets you in to see them die, but not to help them live, which I fully believe would be a key part to recovery, having your family by your side,” Erica said.

Velvalee is survived by her husband, Wayne, and her children, Rick, Mark and Greg, as well as daughters-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

— Rachel Leingang

Leticia Graham Corona

60 years old • Gilbert

Leticia Graham Corona, 60, Gilbert
Courtesy of Jasmine Conrad

Leticia Graham Corona always knew the right thing to say. She saw the best in every situation and person, and still loved and prayed for people if they wronged her. She held an open mind and heart, making people feel safe and included.

Her kids would call her the “Dalai Mama.”

If you were around Letty, you were either laughing or crying from laughing so hard, her children Jasmine Conrad and Marcos Corona said. She brought hilarity, wit and sarcasm to the table.

“There was nobody quite like Letty. She was the brightest light there ever could be, and to know this sweet spirit was to adore her,” Jasmine and Marcos said.

Her children and grandchildren were everything to her. She loved her Boston terriers, too. She enjoyed getting dressed up to go out for a fancy meal, playing board games, hosting parties, baking, reading and writing.

She retired after a career helping students get scholarships and find their passion and purpose at Maricopa Community Colleges. 

She was gone too soon. She contracted COVID-19 from a family gathering and had a spate of symptoms, including muscle aches, migraines, gastrointestinal issues and difficulty breathing. She was admitted to the hospital July 2, 2020, and was on a ventilator for 2½ months. The family thought she may pull through, and in her last days she showed signs of improvement. But she died Sept. 20, 2020, at age 60.

Letty had strong faith in God, and her family finds comfort in knowing she wasn’t scared when she died. 

“I guess Jesus needed her more than we did,” Jasmine and Marcos said.

She is survived by her children, Jasmine, John and Marcos, and six grandchildren.

— Rachel Leingang

Steele Kerriden 'Kerry' Croswhite

61 years old • Tempe

Chandler's pool will be named after former swim coach Kerry Croswhite, who died on July 21, 2020 from COVID-19 complications. Photo courtesy of Laurie Croswhite
Courtesy of Laurie Croswhite

Steele Kerriden Croswhite played a pivotal role in the lives of everyone he knew. As a husband, father, son, teacher and coach, “Kerry” left an indelible mark. 

Kerry spent the last 15 years of his life at Chandler High School teaching history and coaching the swim and softball teams. He was competitive.

He engaged his students through humor and stressed the importance of family coming first. He ate lunch with his swim students in his classroom, and he welcomed them to invite other students. 

Sometimes Kerry could be found on the field, too. He played the bagpipes at football games, the high school’s “Unity Assembly,” swim meets and more. He also played at funerals for fallen officers. He loved music, and like the other areas in his life, he played passionately. 

As a husband, Kerry found ways to make his wife, Laurie, feel special. Throughout their 23-plus years of marriage, he would ask her, “Have I told you lately that I love you?” He never forgot to make her feel loved, Laurie said.

Sharing his love of swimming with his children, who swam in club swim programs for years, was easy for Kerry. He was their biggest fan, always there to cheer them on, Laurie said. 

Kerry’s children followed in his footsteps in other ways, too. 

“It was incredibly special that his son began teaching at Chandler High School with him, and Kerry's grandson was also going to the daycare at the high school,” Laurie said. “Kerry was proud to have three generations of the family at school together.”

Kerry’s wife and children will miss his “big bear hugs and silly jokes,” Laurie said. Also, his Hawaiian shorts and utter lack of outfit coordination. 

“He was never one to be concerned if his shirts matched with his shorts,” Laurie said.

The personal things will be missed, too. 

“I miss hearing his voice and our conversations about family, current events, or just everyday discussions,” Laurie said. “I miss his presence at our dinner table.  I miss my soulmate, my best friend, and partner in this life.”

Kerry showed symptoms of COVID-19 on June 22, 2020. After a false negative test and a failed attempt to get in at a hospital, Kerry stayed home for more than a week. He was finally admitted July 3, 2020, when he was diagnosed with double pneumonia and COVID-19.

Kerry fought for 19 days in the hospital. His friends and family rallied around him under the hashtag “#lungsofsteele,” referencing his first name. He was eventually placed on a ventilator.

Kerry died July 21, 2020, at 61. He is survived by his wife, Laurie; children, Kassidy, Kagen, Ky, Bristyn and Dusten; siblings, Pamela, Melissa, Joddy, DeeDee and Vanessa; two daughters-in-law; a stepmom; and four grandchildren.

— Taylor Seely

Carole Dorothy Jacobsen Donnay

85 years old • Mesa

Wayne Arthur Donnay, 87, and Carole Dorothy Jacobsen Donnay, 85, Mesa
Courtesy of Michele Clark

She lived life to the fullest and treated others like gold.

Carole Dorothy Jacobsen Donnay never forgot a birthday, holiday or anniversary. She was caring and loved visiting with family. 

Simple dinners with her were fun and full of laughter, her daughters said. 

When Michele, Mary and Melissa wanted to play dominoes with their mom, Carole would oblige — even though games weren’t really her thing. 

After Carole endured an aneurysm in her 40s, she was less physically active but still enjoyed visits with children and grandchildren. 

She was an “armchair warrior,” Mary said. 

Carole contracted COVID-19 in a rehabilitation center after spending time in a hospital for different ailments. 

She passed it to her husband, Wayne Arthur Donnay, at their assisted living facility. 

She was hospitalized for one week before she died Dec. 27, 2020. Her husband died 11 days later, also from COVID-19. She is survived by her daughters, Mary, Melissa and Michele; son, Wayne; brother, Daniel; a sister-in-law; five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. 

Mary said Carole was terrified of contracting COVID-19 and she and Wayne watched news reports about it often at their assisted living facility.

Carole and Wayne’s daughters said they would miss their parents’ love and care, and they wished their lives ended differently. 

Mary said visiting her parents through a glass window felt like she was watching animals at a zoo. 

“Every day, I'm tortured by the memory of their end of life,” Mary said. “So inhumane, so lonely. They deserved better.”

Melissa said she was grateful for the doctors and nurses who cared for her parents but wished it had been her and her sisters caring for their parents.

— Taylor Seely

Wayne Arthur Donnay

87 years old • Mesa

Wayne Arthur Donnay was a humanitarian who sought to help his friends, family and neighbors. He worked to get unsaleable food from Walmart donated to food banks and volunteered with Habitat for Humanity. Whenever he went hiking, he took it upon himself to pick up litter from the trail, and he was a custodian at archeological sites near Payson. He shoveled snow from neighbors’ driveways.

He was creative and active. He liked trying different activities to keep his mind stimulated. He loved to fish and make wood carvings. He made castings of other artists’ carvings as limited editions.

For many years, he and his wife Carole Donnay enjoyed riding his motorcycle, sometimes even taking long road trips around the country.

Wayne was an optimist. He made friends wherever he went and offered comfort when his daughters needed it. He said his three girls were his best friends.

“Whenever times were tough for me, my dad would say, ‘Remember this is just a temporary situation. Things will get better,’” his daughter Melissa Rightmire said. “And he was right. They always did!”

Wayne and Carole felt alone in the assisted-living apartment they shared in Mesa and spent a lot of time watching news coverage. They felt “scared to death” to get the virus. Wayne was admitted to the hospital with COVID-19 after his wife. He died Jan. 7. He was 87.

“I think he willed himself to die,” his daughter Mary Donnay said. “He missed my mom so much and didn't want to live anymore.  He told me he'd been here long enough and wanted to go.”

He is survived by his children Wayne, Michele, Mary and Melissa, five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

— Megan Taros 

Aristeen Marie Dunmire

28 years old • Mesa

Aristeen Marie Dunmire, 28, Mesa
Courtesy of Steve and Elizabeth Dunmire

Aristeen Marie Dunmire was a songbird. Her voice filled the halls of her church and the karaoke stage.

When she wasn’t performing for a live audience, she would film herself singing in her room and post it to her YouTube account.

Aristeen also loved animals, something that started when she had a mild form of cerebral palsy as a child. Physical therapy was a struggle for Aristeen until her parents took her to Therapy Zone, where she was able to do therapy on horseback.

Aristeen became best friends with her therapy horse, Midnight.

Since therapy, Aristeen’s love for animals grew, her parents said. She rescued a kitten and named her Morticia.

Her parents remember her as someone who loved playing with makeup and hair color.

“She loved doing her hair so much. She would get an idea, try to cut it and then realize she messed up. She would then shave it off and grow it out again and start over,” her mother, Elizabeth Dunmire, said.

Aristeen believed she contracted COVID-19 at work, and “then the pneumonia set in hardcore,” Elizabeth said. She died Dec. 20, 2020, at age 28.

Elizabeth said they would miss “everything, her love, her voice, her beauty ... just everything” about Aristeen.

A month after Aristeen’s death, Morticia had her first litter of kittens.

Aristeen is survived by her parents, Steve and Elizabeth; her siblings, John Duke and Cherie; a brother-in-law and a niece.

A fundraiser for the family's expenses can be found on GoFundMe.

— Rylee Kirk

Michael Flores

57 years old • Chandler

Michael Flores, 57, Chandler
Courtesy of Debbie Flores

Michael Flores believed in never giving up on a dream. His mantra was, “If you put your mind to it, you can do anything.” 

His wife called him a jack of all trades who knew how to cook and fix a car. He worked as a plumber and was certified as an orbital welder and pipefitter. Flores also was pursuing a General Contractors license. 

Debbie Flores described her husband as a champion who overcame much adversity. He raised his sibling growing up. He completed a 12-step program to beat addiction.  

Michael was immensely proud of his daughter, Bailey. He loved God, his family and fishing, and he lit up the room when he walked in. 

That’s something Debbie said she misses, along with his cooking and jokes. “He was loved by so many people,” she said.

Michael contracted COVID-19 after coming into contact with another infected person. 

“He suffered a great deal while in the hospital for six weeks,” Debbie said. 

He died Dec. 30, 2020, at age 57. He is survived by his wife and daughter.

Debbie said she wants people to know “how unprepared our health care system was for this pandemic” and that she feels doctors are failing to make decisions, instead relying on health insurance companies “to inform them how to treat a patient.”

A fundraiser organized by a family friend for Debbie and the family can be found on GoFundMe

— Taylor Seely

Raymond Ortiz Garcia

73 years old • Chandler

Raymond Ortiz Garcia, 73, Chandler
Courtesy of Eliliana Alarcon

Faith and family defined Raymond Ortiz Garcia. He was his family’s rock: a reliable, compassionate and charitable Christian who never hesitated to help people in need.  

He prayed with others over the phone and ended every conversation with “God bless you.”

“It made me feel so safe that someone was always there to ask for blessings from God for me,” said his grandchild, Eliliana. 

“He was closer to God than anyone I know could ever be,” said another grandchild, Adrina Valenzuela. 

Raymond regularly called his children and grandchildren to check in. He was happy to help however they needed: prayer, advice, money and more. He never asked to be paid back, Eliliana said. 

He loved eating and watching movies in his recliner. He loved taking his grandkids to the mall and spending time with family. 

Raymond also enjoyed teaching his kids the importance of hard work. 

“He used to say it was better to crawl in than to call in to work,” Yvonne Garcia, his daughter, said. 

Raymond became ill in December. He bounced between feeling normal one day, then sick the next. His family thought he would pull through. On Christmas Day, his legs gave out and he fainted after struggling to breathe. He was admitted to the hospital.

His health declined in his final weeks. Doctors inserted a feeding tube, and he struggled to speak. His family said goodbye through a video call the day before he died, Jan. 6. He was 73.

Raymond is survived by his wife, Janie; daughters, Yvonne and Yvette; and four grandchildren.

Raymond's family members don’t know how he contracted COVID-19. They want people who read this to be responsible and not go out if they are sick. 

“Little do you know, you are robbing people of their lives,” Adrina said.

A fundraiser to help with expenses from Raymond's death can be found on GoFundMe.

— Taylor Seely 

Salim Yousuf Hanna

72 years old • Gilbert

Salim Yousuf Hanna, 72, Gilbert
Courtesy of Mark Hanna

Salim Yousuf Hanna, also known as Sam, emigrated from Iraq in 1973 and landed in Detroit. His first job was at a butcher shop, working for free as a trainee before a promotion to a full-time butcher with just a few days of training. He was emblematic of the American dream and the bravery and tenacity it took to build it, his son, Mark Hanna, said.

While in Detroit, he married his wife, Noual, and purchased his first convenience store. The couple later moved to Oak Park, Michigan, where Salim bought a truck and started Sam’s Family Produce, a produce delivery business. He ran that business for 12 years before selling it and moving the family to Gilbert in 1994. He was enamored with Arizona because it reminded him so much of his native Iraq.

He purchased Gilbert Convenient Mart that he ran until his death. In 2018, he purchased a two-story building that now houses the popular Hundred North Bar and Kitchen.

He was tenacious and passionate, invested in an argument one minute and laughing the next. Mark said he will miss his father's “ability to succeed in life and accomplish so much when others doubted him,” and even his arguments.

“He cared about the community and worked to make his own little niche in the world,” Mark said.

Salim continued to work when the pandemic hit. His family thinks he likely got COVID-19 at work, but they aren’t sure.

Salim died on Aug. 15, 2020, at age 72.

He is survived by his wife, Noual; his children, Mark, Christine, Christopher, Michael, Steven, Anne and Samantha; and four siblings.

— Megan Taros and Priscilla Totiyapungprasert

Mokhtar Hussein

76 years old • Tempe

Mokhtar Hussein, 76, Tempe
Courtesy of Orion Hussein

Mokhtar Hussein came to the U.S. from Egypt in 1969, after he finished college. First, he moved to Minnesota. Then, 17 years later, he moved to the exact opposite: Arizona. 

Hussein lived in Arizona for 34 years. He loved fishing, gardening and cooking. He lived by the golden rule: treat others the way you want to be treated.

His son, Orion Hussein, said he was kind, honest and generous.

“He was a man that appreciated living life,” Orion said.

He laughed at the simple things and lived with humility; he understood how blessed he was.

That’s what Orion will miss most: Mokhtar’s laughter and way of thinking. 

Mokhtar contracted COVID-19 and fought the symptoms for several weeks. Orion said he lost his appetite and stopped eating. Eventually, he developed pneumonia.

By the time he got to the hospital, his strength was depleted and his health continued to deteriorate.

Mokhtar died Jan. 14 at 76.

Orion said his father would encourage those with COVID-19 to keep eating and not delay getting help. 

Mokhtar is survived by his wife, Faten; his daughter, Nadia; his son, Orion; and six grandchildren.

— Taylor Seely 

Kathy Sue Jones

64 years old • Chandler

Kathy Sue Jones, 64, Chandler
Courtesy of Todd Bailey

Kathy Sue Jones was the quintessential "cool 1970s strong Black woman," by those who knew her. 

Her nephew, Todd Bailey, said she was the first person on her block to purchase her home. She was intelligent and could make anyone laugh — a quality her family will miss most. Her vinyl collection was something to behold, and she "loved Aretha Franklin and Chaka Kahn like they were her actual sisters."

Kathy graduated from Arizona State University, moved to Chandler in 1992 and worked as a supervisor at Motorola for many years. 

She was "secretly proud" of her independence as a single, Black woman, Todd said.  

Kathy was also wicked stubborn.

"She didn't take no crap," Todd said. "From nobody."

After she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and renal failure, she transitioned to a power chair and transported herself to dialysis three days a week. 

Todd said he and his mother, Joyce, helped Jones the last seven years "making sure she had a somewhat normal life experience."

Kathy found out she contracted COVID-19 when she went to the hospital in June for an infection. She told family she felt fine and was only concerned that she had infected them. 

Within days, Kathy was struggling to breathe and put on oxygen. She died July 6, 2020. She was 64.  

Todd was adamant that his aunt was not near death before COVID-19. She loved watching "The View," "Schitt's Creek," food shows and home renovation series. 

She loved spoiling her nieces and nephews as if they were her own children. 

Todd said he would miss discussing politics with her and "singing 'Strawberry Letter 23' and making up the words we didn't know."

Kathy is survived by her three older sisters, Cora Petty, Barbara Nelson and Joyce Bailey; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. 

— Taylor Seely

John Kopina

74 years old • Gilbert

John Kopina (right), 74, Gilbert.
Courtesy of Sharon Kopina

John Kopina left his little corner of the world better than he found it.

A retired school teacher, he often heard his students recite that quote at graduation. It was one of his favorites, and one he lived by: leave your little corner of the world better.  

John left an impression on everyone he came in contact with: friends, family, students — even soup kitchen staff members where he volunteered. 

“He asked so little and gave so much, despite his own needs and/or afflictions,” a soup kitchen director wrote of him. 

John’s leg was amputated in 2018 after a car crash. He was also diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, which made swallowing difficult and negatively affected his overall quality of life.

But he chose to focus on and be grateful for what he had, not what he did not have, his wife, Sharon, said. He was an inspiration to his friends with Parkinson’s, showing them how to never give up. 

Sharon said John never judged a person but instead saw the potential for kindness in everyone. 

“He led by example, and so many have told me that in time of conflict or difficulties, they would often harken back to, ‘What would Mr. Kopina say or do?’” Sharon said. 

In June 2020, John moved to a small group home as his mobility declined.

Sharon said they kept their marriage strong, even when the home went on lockdown. 

In November, he needed a medical procedure unrelated to COVID-19. Afterward, Sharon took him home for a week. Because he had gone to a hospital, Sharon figured it was possible he could have been exposed to the virus, and she wanted to ensure he did not spread it to group home residents.

After no symptoms appeared and he tested negative, John returned to the facility. But shortly after, he contracted COVID-19 from another resident who had gone out for lunch and a haircut. Sharon said he was overcome by the disease quickly and had few lucid moments.

Sharon and John celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary through a window on Dec. 17, 2020. John died Dec. 18.

Sharon said she was grateful to have spent the last eight hours of his life with him, as the staff looked the other way. She played his favorite songs and retold him stories of their 49 years of life together. 

He is survived by his wife, Sharon; daughter, Jeremy; a son-in-law, brother, Michael; grandchildren and other family members.

— Taylor Seely

Rogelio 'Ro' Lechuga

44 years old • Mesa

Rogelio "Ro" Lechuga, 43, Mesa
Courtesy of Susan Lechuga

He climbed the ladder his entire life — always working hard, always progressing. In the final five years, things were really coming together for Rogelio Lechuga, or “Ro,” as everyone called him.

He moved to the U.S. at 14. He was humble with a good work ethic. He started working in the fields, then construction, and later, materials handlings.

“Not one to be content with just scraping by,” Ro went back to school for mechanical drafting when he was 38, his wife, Susan Lechuga, said.

He worked his way into sales and found success, Susan said. 

He had a beautiful wife, three children and a career he enjoyed. He worked hard for all of it, and he was proud of where he was. 

“He loved being a husband and his children were the light of his world,” Susan said.

The family took a vacation to the Mogollon Rim before Ro got sick. It was supposed to be the start of a new life chapter, one in which they traveled more frequently.

COVID-19 stunted their travel plans. Susan homeschooled their children to keep the family safe. But two weeks before Ro died, he was required to go back to work. 

Susan said he wore a mask and took precaution, but he soon contracted the disease. 

Ro fought his symptoms at home after a doctor said COVID-19 was unlikely. Eight days later, isolated in a bedroom at home, he asked Susan to call an ambulance. He couldn’t breathe. 

Two minutes later, before the paramedics arrived, he was dead. 

“The minute the chief came out with his wedding ring in his hand I knew he was gone,” Susan said.

Ro died Oct. 26, 2020, at age 44.

After 21 years of marriage, Susan could list a million things she’ll remember about Ro, she said. But mostly, she’ll remember his strength and how he always rose up to a challenge.

“I miss holding him at night. I will miss his smell, his voice. But what I really miss the most (is) knowing he will come home every night,” Susan said. “Seeing him walk through that door with his voice exclaiming, ‘Honey I'm home,’ holding a box of treats for the kids and me. I miss my best friend waking up with me and going to sleep with me. I will miss seeing him watch all the milestones of our children.”

He is survived by his wife, Susan; his children, Roana, Rowen and Rodrigo; his mother, Rosa; and siblings, Jackie, Maria and Ricardo.

— Taylor Seely 

Rosie Martinez

78 years old • Mesa

Rosie Martinez, 78, Mesa
Courtesy of Alyssa Dailey

Rosie Martinez was always the first to cry.

It takes a strong person to do that, said her granddaughter, Alyssa Dailey. Rosie was a generous and tough person. She was sweet and compassionate. She helped people without worrying whether they deserved it.

She was a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan who came from a huge Texas family before she moved to Arizona with her children. She loved spoiling her chihuahuas. 

Rosie was just 5 feet tall, but she was larger than life, Alyssa said.

“She was the glue that held us together,” Alyssa said. 

Because of her strong faith, her family members found theirs. 

“It was a hard valley to walk through, losing her. Still is. But we know that she gained so much,” Alyssa said. 

Rosie always put her family first, and in her eyes, they could do no wrong. She was a spunky person who would put herself in harm’s way to protect her children. When people asked her what she was doing, she would tell them she was “chillin’ like a villain.”

It’s not clear how Rosie contracted COVID-19, but she spent a few weeks in the hospital fighting the virus. She died Aug. 8, 2020, at age 78.

She is survived by five children, four brothers, two sisters, 21 grandchildren, 39 great grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren.

A fundraiser to help with Rosie's burial can be found on GoFundMe

— Rachel Leingang

Linda McCullough Mead

74 years old • Mesa

Linda McCullough Mead, 74, Mesa
Courtesy of Rick Mead

Linda McCullough Mead loved teaching. She taught everything from junior high English to college literature, but her true calling was adult education.

“She always wanted to help others, be it at church, at school, through adult education, or teaching citizenship classes,” said her son, Rick Mead.

Linda died of COVID-19 complications July 22, 2020. She was 74.

She possessed endless kindness and loved seeing the world. She enjoyed swimming, the ocean, gardening, flowers and her family, Rick said.

Linda was a fighter, and the list of things she’d overcome was long: cancer (twice), divorce, knee surgery, diabetes, back pain. 

Rick and Linda both got sick, and they assumed it would be another hard-won battle for Linda.

She was isolated as hospitals fought Arizona’s summer surge. She was put on a ventilator and died one day later. Not being able to say goodbye in person to the “kindest person on the planet” really hurt, Rick said.

“My sister and I, and several others, received a last text from her prior to being put on the ventilator that said what needed to be said, but not being able to be there was heartbreaking,” Rick said.

Linda’s life deserved a proper memorial, but the virus made it difficult. Since so many friends and family needed closure, her family turned her Facebook page into a memorial where loved ones could share photos and stories.

“We think that this helped, not only us, but many who loved mom and needed somewhere to go to remember her,” Rick said.

They later held a remote service in January, allowing her family and church to celebrate her life.

She is survived by her children, Rick and Erin, as well as her brother and sister, cousins, nieces and nephews. 

— Rachel Leingang

Ethan Thomas Newman

46 years old • Tempe

Ethan Thomas Newman, 46, Tempe
Courtesy of Keirsten Newman

To Ethan Thomas Newman, anything was possible. His big imagination kept him open-minded, adventurous and kind.

“He encouraged others and instilled self-confidence in so many people, through his positive attitude and through his words,” said his wife, Keirsten Newman.

Newman, a musician, had an “uncanny ability” to make people feel included. He could make someone feel like they were lifelong friends within five minutes of meeting them.

He was fiercely loyal. He was a thinker who was constantly learning and teaching others. He was an amazing son, husband and “bonus dad” who showed his love and appreciation to those around him often, Keirsten said.

“He loved with his whole heart, and was loved so deeply in return,” she said.

He loved to laugh and found the fun and joy in life. He had a knack for telling stories and could hold people’s attention from the first second he started speaking, Keirsten said. 

“Laughing together with him and hearing his laugh and his voice was one of the best gifts in life,” she said.

Ethan loved to spread joy wherever he went. He loved what he did for a living, playing music, and wanted to see others happy, Keirsten said.

He held onto two philosophies throughout his life: “Find the joy” and “Be good to each other.”

“He simply enjoyed life ... whether it was reading a book, eating delicious Mexican food, looking at the sky, or just watching his favorite movie ... he enjoyed it,” Keirsten said.

A Facebook post that announced Ethan’s passing noted that he “fought as hard as he could until the very end.” He died Dec. 29, 2020, at age 46, from COVID-19 complications.

Ethan is survived by his wife, Keirsten, his “bonus” daughter, Kaylee, and “bonus” son, Tyler, and his parents, Kathleen and Brad.

— Rachel Leingang

William 'Bill' O’Brien

75 years old • Tempe

William "Bill" O'Brien
Courtesy of Shannon Parys

William "Bill" O'Brien was a computer scientist whose job took him across the world.

He once interviewed for a position with former presidential candidate and billionaire businessman Ross Perot, but the job would have required him to move his family. So he instead started his own company, Computer Science Institute in Carlsbad, California.

Outside of work, he loved to have fun and he loved his family, including his wife of 49 years, Sue, and his two children.

He died on May 6, 2020, from complications of COVID-19. He was 75.

Bill gave warm hugs, had a caring demeanor and lit up any room he entered. 

"Always kill people with your kindness" was one of his favorite phrases, according to his daughter, Shannon Parys.

He gave great advice and showed great courage. He loved to play golf, hunt and travel. And he had a "wicked sense of humor" that made him a delight to be around, Shannon said.

Bill lived in a memory care center in Tempe, where his daughter found him ill and in need of care in April 2020. He was rushed to Chandler Regional Medical Center, where he received "amazing care" for three weeks, Shannon said. He turned 75 in the ICU. 

It was early in the pandemic, and though he received all the available life-saving drugs and treatments at the time, he improved only slightly. Shannon told him goodbye in his hospital room, on one of the worst days of her life.

"There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of him. I love you forever Dad," she said.

He is survived by his daughter, Shannon, as well as grandchildren, siblings, friends, nieces and nephews.

— Rachel Leingang

Terry Dean Pearson

65 years old • Mesa

Terry Dean Pearson, 65, Mesa
Courtesy of Ken Pearson

Terry Pearson’s innate will to live was extraordinary. 

Doctors didn’t think he would make it past his 40s. Terry became mentally disabled after brain surgery when he was 14. 

His brother, Ken, said his quality of life was diminished thereafter, but Terry always persevered. 

Ken said he will miss Terry’s laughter and how eyes lit up around family. Terry loved visiting and when others paid attention to him. 

He was funny, athletic, happy and outgoing as a boy, Ken said.

Terry lived in a nursing home when COVID-19 raced through the facility in November.

He died nine days after he was infected, on Dec. 17, 2020, at age 65. 

He is survived by his brothers, Ken and Randy, two sisters-in-law and two nieces.

— Taylor Seely

Carlota Meraz Perez

89 years old • Mesa

Carlota Meraz Perez, 89, Mesa
Courtesy of Sylvia Perez

Carlota Meraz Perez made the best tamales.

“She loved to have people visit with her and eat her food,” Sylvia Perez, her granddaughter, said. 

She raised her children and helped raise her grandchildren, working various jobs on the side as a babysitter and housecleaner. She helped her son manage rental properties.

“Her philosophy was to live humble and love greatly,” Sylvia said.

She loved to travel and see her family. She loved mariachi music.

She contracted COVID-19 in a nursing home. Her family did not get a notice that she had the virus.

She died from complications of the virus on April 20, 2020. She was 89. The family learned her death was from COVID-19 after the fact, through the medical examiner.

She is survived by her sons, Eduardo and Francisco, as well as many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.

— Rachel Leingang

Laureen Isabel Pernack

88 years old • Mesa

Laureen Isabel Pernack, 88, Mesa
Courtesy of Tina Lipman

Laureen Isabel Pernack was a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who liked to have fun.

Laureen enjoyed being outside, weekend BBQs and birthday pool parties.

She was married to her husband, Bill, for nearly 60 years, until his death. They were season ticketholders for Arizona State University’s football games.

“She remembered him every day after his passing,” Tina Lipman, Laureen’s daughter, said.

Laureen was living in a nursing home when she contracted COVID-19. Tina described Laureen’s death as “horrible” and “painful.”

“She was unable to see her family and suffered from the loneliness of isolation,” Tina said.

Laureen died one week after her 88th birthday, on Aug. 11, 2020.

Tina said she would miss her mother’s voice most of all, and her common refrain: “Everybody! Get in the car!”

Laureen was known to spoil her grandchildren and “was a loving and caring lady who taught us about love,” Tina said.

Laureen is survived by her children: Michele, Richard, Tina, Becky, Lisa, Glen; 11 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

— Rylee Kirk

Keith Purdy

70 years old • Gilbert

Keith Purdy, 70, Gilbert
Courtesy of Joan Pipersburgh

Keith Purdy was never idle. He was always doing something productive, either physically or mentally. 

He hiked the Grand Canyon rim to rim in just over 24 hours. He read personal development books. He enrolled in Toastmasters. 

His positive outlook was infectious, but he was a jokester who loved pranking people too, said his youngest daughter, Joan Pipersburgh.

He worked hard as a bus driver for the Gilbert Public School District, where some of his fellow drivers staged a final goodbye after Keith died from COVID-19.

“He never took himself too seriously but also loved to make goals and work towards them. He had no problem assessing his life, his weaknesses and strengths, and then tackling them head on,” Joan said.

He showed his family what a husband and father should be. He showered his wife with gifts, just because. He was always looking for ways to serve others.

“My dad was an amazing man without even realizing it. He was just that way,” Joan said. 

He gave great hugs and advice. He taught his daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren about the concept of the “emotional bank account,” from “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.”

His family was his greatest accomplishment.

He would want people to know that COVID-19 is a hard fight, even for the strong, Joan said. 

Keith died from complications from the disease Feb. 2, at age 70.

He is survived by his wife, Joan; his children, Rachelle, Nyline, Marjorie, Keith, Rebekah, Cathryn, and Joan; sons-in-law, a surrogate daughter, 22 grandchildren, four sisters and two brothers. 

— Rachel Leingang

Patricia Purdy

84 years old • Gilbert

Patricia and Dwight Purdy, 84 and 90, Gilbert
Courtesy of Sean Jernigan

Patricia Purdy enjoyed a life of travel and fun, never letting her age or health slow her down. She found a second chance at love after her first husband’s death, meeting an adventure partner in Dwight Purdy on Yahoo Personals.

They married on the beach in Kauai, Hawaii. In their last few years, they lived at The Enclave, an independent living community in Gilbert, and enjoyed all the activities the place had to offer, until COVID-19 restrictions came into play.  

She was a talented cook and a gifted seamstress, her daughter, Jennifer Stork, said. 

“Her recipes were requested over and over,” her obituary said.

She retired after a career as a registered nurse. She traveled around the country in an RV with Dwight, and around Arizona with him and a group of friends known as the Salt River Gadabouts. She loved Bingo and card games, and she especially loved spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Patricia had struggled with cardiac and respiratory issues since the end of October, requiring her to go in and out of the hospital multiple times. She was receiving home health care when she and Dwight began showing COVID-19 symptoms. 

She died on Dec. 25, 2020, at age 84. Dwight continued to battle the disease for 11 more days, dying on Jan. 5. 

Patricia and Dwight missed their chance to get the COVID-19 vaccine by only a few weeks. They would encourage everyone to get theirs, and to remain positive and optimistic that the worst will eventually be behind us, Jennifer said. 

“Between the two of them they leave behind many children, grandchildren and great grandchildren who they loved dearly,” Jennifer said.

— Rachel Leingang

Dwight Purdy

90 years old • Gilbert

In February 2020, Dwight Purdy’s family threw him a 90th birthday bash at The Enclave in Gilbert, the independent living complex he lived in with his wife.

By the next year, he was gone, and so was his wife.

Dwight served his country in the U.S. Air Force, where he was an F-86 fighter pilot. He was widowed and met Patricia in 2004 on Yahoo Personals. They found a second chance at love, and married on the beach in Kauai, Hawaii, when he was 75, Patricia’s daughter, Jennifer Stork, said. 

They spent their years together traveling in an RV, and especially enjoyed time traveling in Arizona with a group of friends called the Salt River Gadabouts. 

Dwight loved technology and was always learning about and using new gadgets. He rode a 9-bot Segway scooter around the community while walking their dog, a Yorkie.

Before COVID-19 hit, the Purdys took advantage of the festivities in their community, from casino nights to guest speakers to costume parties. Dwight’s 90th birthday bash was the last big event before COVID-19 restrictions were put in place.

Patricia died first of complications from the disease, on Christmas Day. Dwight died 11 days later, on Jan. 5, at age 90. 

“We thought Dwight would survive the illness but he had a hard time fighting through it with a broken heart,” Jennifer said.

Dwight is survived by children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who will miss their love, support and encouragement.

“We will always remember their zest for life. Neither one of them allowed age or ailment to slow them down,” Jennifer said. 

— Rachel Leingang

Jose Tobar

54 years old • Gilbert

Jose Tobar, 54, Gilbert
Courtesy of Veronica Nazario

Jose Tobar was a hard worker. He joined the El Salvador military at 14 and was shot twice during his service.

He left El Salvador and came to the United States, where he worked as a landscaper.

“That man lived through so many adversities in life, and came out on top each time,” his daughter, Veronica Nazario, said.

Veronica said her father was “the strongest man we knew,” and they never thought he would succumb to COVID-19.

Jose enjoyed spending time with friends and family. He often spent time in nature, camping, fishing or hiking.

He died on Christmas Day, at age 54, after being on life support for three weeks.

Veronica said her father dedicated his life to his family.

“He was always one call away, and never hesitated to lend a hand to anyone in need,” she said.

Jose was a healthy man with no underlying conditions, Veronica said. Within days of contracting COVID-19, his condition became serious.

He taught his daughters to “always do the right thing,” she said. His biggest dream was to retire to El Salvador.

“Needless to say, this has been a devastating loss for our family, however, this opportunity to give people even a tiny glimpse into who he was, warms my heart,” Veronica said.

He is survived by his wife, Rosa, and four daughters, Veronica, Eva, Kairy and Gabriela.

— Rylee Kirk

Paul Vaz

70 years old • Chandler

Paul Vaz, 70, Chandler
Courtesy of Shefali Collins

Paul Vaz was a humble and brilliant mathematician. 

He had two doctorate degrees, though he never brought that up. He was a caring professor who taught and assisted at Arizona State University for 30 years, working his way through the ranks to become a principal lecturer in 2012.

His daughter, Shefali Collins, said he was the type of teacher to stay and help students one-on-one until they understood something. 

Paul’s colleagues wrote that he was “a dear friend who didn’t hesitate to help out in times of need.”

Shefali said her father left her, her brother and her mother in India when they were young to make a better life for them in the U.S. 

He fulfilled that promise, and eventually he was able to move his family here.

Paul contracted COVID-19 and was sick for only five days. His only symptom was shortness of breath. No fever, cough or anything else, Shefali said.

When he first went to the hospital, Paul responded well to oxygen. But he suddenly went into acute respiratory distress syndrome and was intubated.

He was stable for two weeks before again plummeting.

Paul was “a strong man who rarely got sick,” Shefali said, “so it was overwhelming seeing him hooked up to so many tubes.” 

Paul died Jan. 22 at age 70. 

“We are devastated and very much in shock,” Shefali said. She was grateful to have spent his last few hours in-person with him. 

Shefali hopes her father’s story can serve as a cautionary tale for others to get tested early.

Paul is survived by his wife, Eva; son and daughter-in-law, Rahoul and Rynida; son-in-law and daughter, Scott and Shefali; and three grandchildren.

— Taylor Seely

Robert Edward Washington, Jr.

68 years old • Ahwatukee

Robert Edward Washington, Jr., 68, Ahwatukee
Courtesy of Lina Washington

Robert Edward Washington, Jr., was a lifelong athlete and a 1973 College Football National Champion with Norte Dame. He loved Roberto Clemente and LeBron James.

And he was a caring father who always showed up at his kids’ recitals, performances and games to cheer them on. 

He died of COVID-19 on June 11, 2020, at age 68, soon after he returned to work at Lone Butte Casino. He was diabetic and a prostate cancer survivor who enjoyed a good quality of life before he had to return to work to afford insulin, his daughter, Lina Washington, said.   

“His death was preventable, if only his employer and local leaders cared enough to protect him,” Lina said.

His family wasn’t able to say goodbye in person. But after Lina began speaking out about his death to raise awareness, she heard from a nurse who was with him during his final moments. The nurse fulfilled her dad’s final request for a vanilla milkshake. 

Robert saw more in Lina than she saw in herself. He called her his “chocolate angel” and repeatedly told her she was a champion and the daughter of a champion. He was wise, selfless, charming and funny, Lina said.

His wisdom stays with her, and so do the years of voicemails she saved and an hourlong on-camera interview she did with him on her birthday last March.          

“I will remember the life lessons my dad taught me the most,” Lina said. “Everything from how to swim and ride a bike to how to drive and file my taxes, my dad’s spirit and knowledge lives within me every day.”

Robert is survived by his wife, Mary, his children Chris, Shawne and Lina, his mother and siblings, his ex-wife and lifelong friend, grandchildren and extended family and friends. 

— Rachel Leingang

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