Saturday Obituaries

12/17/05

GRANAROLI, Juanita Jean

Juanita Jean Granaroli, or Jean as she was known to friends and family, died peacefully in her home on December 13, 2005 after a brief battle with cancer. Born on October 3, 1925, to Robert Marshall and Raymie Forbes Duff, Jean lived her entire life in Santa Barbara, where she met and married her loving husband of 59-years, Steve Granaroli.

Jean is survived by her husband Steve, two sons, Van and Ty, her daughters-in-law, Marlene and Gabrielle, and her three grandchildren, Dovignon, Alessandra and Daniela. Anyone who came to know Jean Granaroli recognized that her family was her life. She was a constant source of quiet strength and selfless support for her family until the time she passed and her loved ones will cherish memories of generous spirit, sharp mind, fine character and exemplary sense of devotion.

Jean was preceded in death by her mother, father and brothers, Robert and Fred Duff. She will be interred after a graveside service at Carpinteria Cemetery on Monday, December 19, at 10am. In lieu of flowers the family asks that those who would like to remember Jean do so by donating to their favorite charities. Arrangements by Welch-Ryce-Haider.

MILLER, Marie

Marie Miller, a long time Santa Barbara resident, died in her sleep at her home on December 13th, 2005 with her large extended family in attendance.

Marie was born on May 22nd 1929 and spent her earliest years in Indiana. When her father perished after a night in a snow bank, the family moved to Los Angeles where they owned and operated Smitty's SOS, a bar at Sunset Blvd. and Lucile St.

Graduating from Fairfax High School in LA, Marie received her bachelor degree from UCSB. She was married to Bill Miller for twenty-five years, after that ended she had several significant loves.

Her career, as an early childhood educator, began as a volunteer at The Oaks Nursery School. Marie was the co-founder and director of the Nursery School at Marymount, working there until she retired. That school is now known as The Circle of Friends Children's Center. She initiated the education of multiple generations of Santa Barbarans. When out on State Street with her, one always had to allow time for greeting former students of all ages and their parents.

Marie tirelessly invented projects for her students; collecting leaves, sifting glitter, dying macaroni or whatever she imagined they might enjoy the next day. She was particularly known, at home and at the school, for her decorative paper hats for every holiday and season.

She kept a large home on Pedregosa Street, built in 1900, where she rented rooms and eventually turned it into an informal bed and breakfast. That house was active with music, dinners, brunches, marriages and many celebrations for no reason, as well as the Annual End of Summer Party.

A life long Democrat, she held fast to her strong liberal convictions, but was bitterly disappointed in the current state of her local and national Representatives.

An avid reader, Marie will be remembered for her intelligence, sharp wit, stubborn nature, sense of style, graceful Irish beauty and a deep streak of kindness. She is survived by her brother Edward Newett, her daughter Robyn, her son Andrew, her grandchildren, Jade, Jerrell and Savannah Miller, and an uncountable number of friends she collected during her lifetime. She made us all her family.

Marie requested to be cremated, her ashes scattered at sea and that her friends gather for a pot-luck dinner with live music which will be held January 7th. She also asked that a bench be placed near the ocean in her memory. In lieu of flowers contributions for the construction of her bench may be sent to Robyn Miller, 2204 Lakeshore Ave #5, Oakland, CA 94606. The time and location of the party will be on Marie's phone, 805-569-1914. The family would like to extend sincere thanks to Dr. Michael Bordofsky, Visiting Nurse and Hospice Care, LivHome and the nurses at Cottage.

SORENSEN, Elinor

1919 - 2005

Ellie loved to take care of people: her children, her mother, her husband and numerous unrelated older people without families. She had a childlike enthusiasm that people loved. She was fun to be around. She never complained because she didn't think about herself much.

Born and raised in Oak Park, Illinois, Ellie graduated from Northwestern University and married her childhood sweetheart, Kenneth. She lived the next 50 years in Elgin, Illinois before moving to Santa Barbara in 1996. She loved tennis, bridge, spending winters in Florida, being with her parents. But most of all she loved her two sons.

A small family celebration will be held. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Direct Relief Int., 27 S. Patera Lane, Santa Barbara, CA 93117.