In every chapter of our Association’s history, there are voices that once guided us, hands that helped build our foundation, and hearts that gave selflessly to the profession and community we serve. Though these members are no longer with us, their influence endures — in the standards they set, the lives they touched, and the legacy they leave behind.
This page is dedicated to remembering them not only for who they were, but for the lasting mark they impressed upon our Association and beyond. Their stories remind us that while life is fleeting, the impact of service, kindness, and dedication is eternal.
If you would like to honor a member who has passed, we welcome submissions so that their memory and legacy may be preserved. Email: info@pfar.org
Norma Darlene Ellis, broker and cofounder of Ellis Realty and a former president of the Crescenta-Cañada Board of Realtors, died peacefully at her home with family on Sunday, July 26.
Born on a farm in Prescott, Iowa on Sept. 22, 1932, Norma Darlene Krisinger was the only child of farmers Harry and Dorothy Krisinger. Self taught on the accordion, Norma was playing at social events and on local radio by age 6. Not particularly fond of rugged farm life without electricity or running water, Norma was delighted when her family moved to town when she was 12. In Creston, Iowa (population 8,000), Norma was ecstatic to have kids her own age to socialize and play with.
Norma married Dallas Roberts and her daughter Vicki Lynn Roberts was born in August 1951. After divorce, Norma completed schooling and received a scholarship to junior college.
On a summer trip to Los Angeles with her father in 1953 she met her future husband Danny Ellis. She returned to Creston but Dan’s persistence won out and she returned to Los Angeles. They were married on July 3, 1954. Sons Tim and Rick were born in 1958 and 1963.
In the 1960s Norma reluctantly got a real estate sales license and eventually a broker’s license to help her husband’s new business venture Ellis Realty. She answered the business line, which rang at home, to help keep the business going while tending to her young children. She discovered her love of real estate and her friendly smile and love of people was the wind in the sails as Ellis Realty, which eventually grew to five offices. After five and half decades, Norma sold Ellis Realty in 2016 to longtime friends and competitors Dilbeck Realtors.
A pioneer in real estate since the 1960s, Norma, the “Boss Lady,” left a legacy of love and community. She was honored with a lifetime achievement award in 2019 from the Pasadena-Foothill Association of Realtors.
Her grandchildren Elizabeth and Nicholas were the sunshine in grandma Norma’s eyes. She enjoyed singing with her family and could still magically find her way around the accordion. She cherished her family and many longtime friends.
She survived the loss of her husband Dan in 1993 and daughter Vicki in 2020. Norma is survived by her sons Timothy Ellis, Rick Ellis, daughter-in-law Joanne Ellis, and grandchildren Elizabeth and Nicholas.
Norma and her wonderful smile will be missed by all who knew her.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Habitat for Humanity.
A celebration of life will be held on Aug. 11 at 7 p.m. at the United Methodist Church, 2700 Montrose Ave. in Montrose. Memorial funeral service will be on Aug. 12 at 10 a.m. at United Methodist Church, 2700 Montrose Ave. in Montrose followed by burial at Forest Lawn Glendale.
Cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend Thomas “Tom” Joyce of Altadena, CA passed away peacefully on January 14, 2026.
Born in 1936 in Pasadena, CA, Tom attended St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Elementary School in Altadena and San Gabriel Mission High School. After serving in the U.S. Coast Guard, stationed on the Clover in Kodiak, Alaska, he married Mary Diane Joyce (1936-2023) (nee Coover) at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Arcadia in 1957. This marked the beginning of a life of fortitude and family that shaped his life and his civic engagement in Pasadena and Altadena.
In the 1950s-60s Tom was the co-proprietor, along with his father, Howard T. Joyce (1900-1978), of Joyce’s Market on Hill Street in Pasadena. While working he received his LLBJD from Blackstone School of Law and his AA from Pasadena City College. After the market closed, he became a successful realtor, helming Tom Joyce Realty on Lake Avenue in Pasadena from the 1980s through 2020.
Joyce was an advocate of his community, serving as President of the Altadena Chamber of Commerce (1984); and as member of the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, Exchange Club, Rotary Club, Tournament of Roses, Serra Club, Altadena Town and Country Club, Altadena Sheriff’s Support Group, and others. Outsized in stature and in personality, he played a jubilant Santa Claus for Altadena’s Christmas Tree Lane on his motorcycle, and for Pasadena City Hall for Toys for Tots via helicopter. In the spring he would have been spotted more than once in a furry white costume with tall ears during appearances as the Easter Bunny. In later years he drew upon his humor and love of football to recite rhyming invocations for lunches with the Pasadena (Rose Bowl) Quarterback’s Club.
Tom found joy and purpose every day, whether venturing in his motorhome or boat with his family, or swimming morning laps at the country club pool. A lifelong parishioner of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church, he saw his five children through the grammar school and sang in the choir. He is survived by his brother Theodore M. Joyce and sister Della M. Marshall; his children and their spouses T. Christopher (and Colette) Joyce, Patrick F. (and Melanie) Joyce, Kimberly M. (and Randy) Magnin, Julie A. Joyce (and JR Scalise), and Elizabeth (and Bill) Griffin; and by ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. The family requests that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to St. Elizabeth’s Church [stelizabethaltadena.org], St. Vincent de Paul (St. Elizabeth Conference), the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose [msjdominicans.org] and to the Sisters of the Holy Names [PO Box 907, Los Gatos, CA 95031].
Terrence (Terry) J Murphy, 81, of Surprise, Arizona, passed away on Saturday May 31, 2025.
Terry was born on August 21, 1943 in St. Paul, Minnesota where he grew up. He studied restaurant management at Michigan State University and became involved in the family restaurant business. From there he embarked on a varied career, including stints as a flight purser for Northwest Airlines, and a police officer in St. Paul Minnesota and Marin County, California. It was in California that he found his passion for helping people in selling real estate, becoming licensed in 1977. The last five years of his career were spent as the CEO of a large Association of Realtors group in Pasadena, California.
Terry spent his whole life believing that helping others is one of the important privileges of being human. Throughout Terry’s diverse career, his caring for people became a common thread as he was continuously engaged in one or more volunteer assignments – which he always undertook with passion and commitment. While in California, he held leadership positions with the American Red Cross and United Way of the Bay area.
In 2011, Terry made the move to Arizona, and became an active member of his church, St. Mary’s Basilica in Phoenix, where he served throughout the years on councils and committees.
Upon his retirement in 2014, he settled into the vibrant community of Sun City Grand in Surprise. It didn’t take him long to begin volunteering within his new community, where his outstanding contributions landed him on the Board of Directors, serving as President in 2019-20. He also committed his time and talent to the national Community Associations Institute, where he was Arizona Chapter President in 2022.
Terry’s greatest passion lay in working closely with individuals on a personal basis, including his work for the Surprise Fire/Medical Crisis Response Team where he provided support to families in their hours of need, the Safe Kids Program as a technician and instructor helping parents install car seats, and with the Dementia Friendly Surprise program, assisting people living with dementia and their care partners.
Terry will be remembered as a supportive friend, a loving father and partner, and a gentle spirit to all who knew him. Terry is survived by his granddaughter Emily Sundsmo, his great grandsons, Carter and Dylan, and his life partner, Suzanne. Terry requests that any remembrance donations be sent to the Benevilla organization in Surprise, a non-profit that embodies Terry’s volunteer spirit and commitment to his community.
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Paul David DeJoseph, who left us at age 73.
Paul was a kind, gentle man, known for his integrity, generosity, and warm spirit. His life was defined by his work, his dedication to public service, and his devotion to family, friends, and the South Pasadena/Pasadena community.
Paul’s early years were marked by both hardship and resilience. He lost his birth mother to cancer at a very young age, and his father, Paul DeJoseph, raised him with the help of family and friends. His grandmother came to live with them, offering love and stability through those formative years. In 1957, his father remarried. Young Paul – just six years old – welcomed his new mother, Catherine Joy, with warmth and affection.
A proud graduate of South Pasadena High School, Class of 1969, Paul had an adventurous youth, including a cross-country motorcycle trip across Canada and the USA. He returned to complete his studies with guidance from his high school guidance counselor, Mr Hartsough. Following time working on a Nevada cattle ranch, Paul built a long and successful career as a respected real estate professional and appraiser in the San Gabriel Valley. His honesty, professionalism, and attention to detail earned him a stellar reputation.
For over 50 years, Paul was the owner/broker of his own real estate company, with expertise in leasing, sales, exchanges, and the rehabilitation of apartment units, homes, and condos. Paul held numerous real estate designations and industry leadership positions. He is a graduate of the Realtors Institute and holds the prestigious Certified Residential Specialist designation from the Real Estate Marketing Institute.
At age 28, he faced and overcame a cancer diagnosis, an experience that deepened his gratitude and resolve to live a full life, and with purpose.
Paul became deeply committed to community service. He joined the Pasadena Jaycees in 1978, focused on ‘Operation Santa Project’, and became a founding member of the South Pasadena/San Marino Jaycees in 1981. For the past 40 years, Paul has been a cherished member of the Oneonta Club, serving as President (1998-1999) and on the board of the Oneonta Foundation, which awards scholarships to deserving SPHS seniors. He also served on the SPHS Alumni Association Scholarship Committee, overseeing the Harold Hartsough Memorial Scholarship in honor of his former counselor and mentor.
Paul’s contributions extended to many other organizations as well. Just to name a few, the Pasadena City College Foundation, The Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens, and Montrose Church, where his faith and fellowship flourished over the past 10 years.
An avid traveler and lifelong learner, Paul explored the world and continued his education throughout his life, later earning his Associate of Arts degree from Pasadena City College. He remained deeply connected to his South Pasadena roots and lifelong friendships.
Paul is survived by his loving sister and brother, Diana ’79 and Peter ’76, and was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Cathie DeJoseph.
His legacy of kindness, generosity, community spirit, and faith will continue to inspire all who knew him.
The family of France Hughes Meindl of Altadena, California, is saddened to announce her passing on October 10, at the age of 90.
Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, France was the middle child of Euphemia Carse and John Hughes. She attended the prestigious Holy Cross Academy and was a proud Scot with an adventurous spirit and enormous love of animals.
France settled in Pasadena in the 1960s, where she raised her children—alongside an ever-changing menagerie of cats, dogs, tortoises, turtles, and monkeys. Her home was filled with music, international visitors, good food, kids, and friends. She lived in Altadena for almost 50 years, most recently at Montecedro.
She worked as a Pasadena-area realtor for more than four decades and was deeply involved in the community. France was a devoted Suzuki mom; a Caltech Associate and Women’s Club member; a docent at both the Gamble House and the Huntington Library; a founding member of the Pasadena Chamber Orchestra; and a generous patron of the Camerata Pacifica, Crescendo Young Musicians Guild, The Colburn School of Music, and Caltech’s chamber music ensembles.
France will be remembered for her outgoing and energetic nature, her high standards, and her generosity. Her home was the setting for countless Suzuki violin lessons, solo recitals, international dinners, Burns nights, and her beloved annual Christmas celebration. She enjoyed hiking the Altadena mountains with her dogs, classical music, tennis, Jazzercise, JPL launches, dining at the Athenaeum, and taking piano lessons—resumed after a 50-year hiatus.
She is survived by her children: Guido Meindl (Lou), Monique Carroll (Bob), Stephany Joy, and Gabrielle Meindl; grandchildren: Drew Carroll (Meg Rumsey-Laserson), Clare Carroll (Ray Scanlon), Gwyn Seligmann (Matt), Tom Knapp, Nicky Meindl, Stella Joy, Katie Knapp, and Sakura Meindl; and great-grandchildren: Mila and soon-to-arrive baby Rumsey-Carroll.
Robert “Bob” Dini passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 30, at the age of 93.
A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Bob was a warm and inspiring presence who lit up every room with his engaging smile and natural charisma. A man of many talents, he left an indelible mark through his music, professional achievements, and community service.
Born in Somerville, Massachusetts, to Alice and Louis Dini, Bob was a proud Italian American and lifelong Boston Red Sox fan. His parents owned one of Boston’s most popular restaurants, Dini’s Seafood Grill, but Bob’s path led him into the arts. He earned dual degrees from Tufts University and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.
Music was his greatest passion. With a silky-smooth tenor voice reminiscent of crooners like Eddie Fisher and Tony Bennett, Bob performed widely, eventually recording a top-ten hit in 1953 with the love song “Remember Me.” His success brought him to Washington, D.C., where he became the featured vocal soloist for the prestigious U.S. Army Band, even stepping into the role once held by his sound-alike, Eddie Fisher. Bob’s career also took him to national stages, where he performed on The Tonight Show, The Perry Como Show, and opened for comedian Don Rickles.
Despite these successes, Bob ultimately chose to step away from life on the road and focus on family. He and his loved ones settled in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he began a new chapter in advertising, first with McCann Erickson and later through his own firm, Dini Advertising.
In the 1990s, he pursued acting, appearing in more than ten films, including Down Periscope with Kelsey Grammer and the thriller Copycat. He was a proud, longtime member of SAG-AFTRA.
Bob also built a successful real estate career, working with Coldwell Banker for 35 years in San Francisco, Boston, Winchester, and later San Marino, California, where he and his beloved wife, Nancy Kocha, settled in 2004. He remained active with Coldwell Banker in San Marino until his passing.
Equally committed to his community, Bob served as a docent at The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, sat on the council of the Salvation Army, and twice served on the vestry at St. Edmund’s Episcopal Church in San Marino, where he and Nancy worshipped together.
For many years, San Marino residents were moved by his stirring rendition of the national anthem, performed annually at the Memorial Day gathering in Lacy Park.
Bob is survived by his wife of 27 years, Nancy; his four children — Paul, Jane, Bruce, and Stephen; his stepson, Mark; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and his cherished puppy, Zara.
A memorial service celebrating the life of Robert L. Dini will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 27, at St. Edmund’s Episcopal Church in San Marino.
Jacqueline Margaret Johnson, lovingly known as Jackie, passed away peacefully at her home on January 18, 2025, at the age of 92, in Pasadena, California, where she was a longtime resident.
Jackie was born in Anaconda, Montana, to Margaret and Jack Weiss, who preceded her in death. She attended the University of Montana before marrying and moving to Pasadena, California, where she devoted herself to raising her family and building a life grounded in faith and community.
Jackie’s greatest joy and legacy were her deep Catholic faith and her unwavering devotion to her family. She was a loving mother to her three children: Karl Johnson, Mike Johnson, and Kerry Sousse. Jackie always put family first, and her love extended beyond her immediate family to Holy Family Catholic Church and the community she held dear.
Jackie had a remarkable career, beginning at the Redevelopment Agency in Pasadena before transitioning to the Pasadena Foothill Board of Realtors, where she served as Chief Executive Officer for 30 years. She was deeply admired and loved by her colleagues and the many friends she made throughout her professional journey.
An avid traveler, Jackie had a special connection to Ireland, the homeland of her grandmothers, and cherished her visits to the Emerald Isle.
Jackie is survived by her children Karl Johnson (Karen) of San Gabriel, Mike Johnson (Cherry) of Dana Point, and Kerry Sousse (Mauricio) of Irvine; her sister, Patty Presson (Greg) of Newport Beach; her niece, Morgan Kasulis (Kyle) of Costa Mesa and their daughter, Kasey; and her nephew, Jack Presson of Utah.
A funeral Mass celebrating Jackie’s life will be held at 12 pm on Friday, January 31, at Holy Family Church, 1501 Fremont Ave., South Pasadena.
Arthur R. Greenup II, 68 years old of Pasadena, California, passed away on Saturday, June 3, 2023. Artie, as he is known to close family and friends, was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Arthur R. and Janet (Ewing) Greenup. The family relocated to Pasadena in 1958. Artie attended Grover Cleveland Elementary and Sacred Heart Elementary schools in Pasadena, where he made friendships that would last his entire life. He graduated from Blair High School and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Utah. In 1999, Artie married the “love of his life,” Patricia. The couple welcomed twins Arthur III and Adrianna in 2003.
Artie was predeceased by his parents and is survived by his wife, son, daughter, sisters Nedra (Greenup) Kirkland and Janet (Greenup) Graham, nieces and nephews, and a very large, loving extended family and an equally tight network of friends and business associates from across the U.S. and in Jaco, Costa Rica.
A Catholic memorial Mass will be held Friday, July 22, 2022, at 11:00 am at Holy Family Church, 1527 Fremont Ave., South Pasadena, CA 91030.
Nan had a special love of music, art, design, patterns, and colors. She enjoyed drawing, being an artist, interior design, playing the harmonica, spending time with friends and family, and centering herself in her spirituality. Nan always thought it was essential to be present, genuine, and involved with the community, helping others whenever possible.
Nan will be deeply missed by all, and has joined her daughter, Michelle, and her parents, many aunts, uncles, and beloved friends in Heaven.
Judy was active in the community and began a 30-year career in real estate with Dilbeck Real Estate La Canada/Flintridge in 1990. She often said she “loved making people’s dreams come true” and quoted Freud: “The two most important things in life are work and love. If you’re lucky enough to love your work, the results are good.”
If you’re good at your work, the results are even better. Most of her real estate clients were referrals from satisfied customers. People loved her smile and enthusiasm. She was great at numbers and even greater at seeing every house on the market at a given time. She happily loaded her real estate associates, and working partner Julie Mahoney, into her sparkling red Lincoln SUV for the weekly caravan to tour new listings.
As a regular inductee of Dilbeck’s prestigious Winners’ Circle and Multi-Million Dollar Club, Judy was a member of the California Association of Realtors, the Dilbeck Pasadena/Foothill Association of Realtors, and the National Association of Realtors.
A memorial gathering will be held at the Old North Church at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills at 2:30 pm on August 5, 2022. A private gathering for the family will follow.
Carol Louise Reeves was born on December 12, 1934, in Pomona Valley, California, to Roy Daniel Reeves and Heddie Edith (Craig) Reeves. She was nicknamed Sissy because she was the only daughter and had four brothers. She grew up in both Redlands, California, and Pomona, California. Carol graduated from Pomona High School in 1953. Carol met the love of her life, Marine Sgt. Jackie Lee Majors on a double date. They were married 60 days later and recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary!
Carol fell in love with real estate early in her adult life and became a realtor in 1979. It is a testament to her passion and sales acumen that in Carol’s first year in real estate, she earned over a million dollars in sales, which was an incredible kickoff to her long career in real estate. Her enthusiasm for real estate extended to acquiring and managing personal properties as well.
Carol had a strong work ethic throughout her life and is fondly remembered as a mover and shaker, often moving so fast that end-of-phone-call goodbyes were omitted, and she was on to the next thing. Along with her quick business wit, she treated her clients like family, always looking out for their best interests. Her loyalty to her family, friends, peers, real estate team, and clients was never-ending.
Throughout her career, she earned numerous titles, including Top 1% of NRT sales associates from 1989-2019, International President Elite 2007-2020, International President Premier 2011-2019, and #1 agent for Coldwell Banker in San Marino for 2020, among others. Even with failing health, she and her incredible team had an amazing and successful year!
She is survived by Jack L. Majors of South Pasadena, husband of 65 years; son Todd W. Majors and daughter-in-law Belinda Majors of Pleasant Hill, California; daughter Renee S. Tullar and son-in-law David Tullar of Apex, North Carolina; brother Gene Reeves of Chico, California; granddaughters Melissa Tullar, Rebecca Majors, Abigail Tullar and Alysha Tullar; best friends since 1958, Doreen Craig, and her children Shelley and Darren Craig.
Carleton P. Adams, a resident of La Canada since 1963, passed away on February 16, 2014, at the age of 90. A descendant of John Adams, he was born in Winchester, Massachusetts, in 1923 and was raised in the Boston area. Following his service in the Naval Air Corps during World War II, he resumed his education and worked for the F.B.I. He graduated from Boston University in 1947 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.
His early business career was spent in the newspaper business and in public relations with The Keene Sentinel, Quaker Rubber Corporation, and Yale & Towne Manufacturing Company. He came west to work at Gladding McBean & Company. While at Gladding McBean, his sales and management skills ultimately led to his selection as Vice President and General Manager of their Franciscan Dinnerware division. He spent the rest of his corporate career in the global ceramics industry, including advancement to Executive Vice President of North America for Ceramco, a New Zealand conglomerate. He also served as President of the American Fine China Guild, a national trade organization.
He enjoyed a later career in real estate, where he was active in the Foothills for more than a quarter of a century. Twice he was chosen Realtor of the Year. He was elected President of the Foothill Association of Realtors, Treasurer of the Pasadena Foothills Association of Realtors, and was a Director of both Associations. He also was a four-term Director of the California Association of Realtors.
Affiliated with Rotary since high school, he was a member of Pasadena Rotary. An extensive traveler, he was proud to have visited all 50 states, the populated areas of every continent, and obscure places like Iceland and the Galapagos Islands. Active all of his life in sports, he enjoyed golf, baseball, football, skiing, and fishing as a member of the Pasadena Casting Club. He served as Deputy Athletic Commissioner for the State of New Hampshire in the early 1950’s. A member of the La Canada Congregational Church, he was active on its Board of Trustees and served as Chairman in 1996.
He is survived by his wife, Reiko Adams, a daughter from a previous marriage, Sharen Hatfield, three stepsons, seven grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Perry Adams, and a wife, Mary Adams.
A memorial service will be held at the La Canada Congregational Church on March 9, 2014, at 1:00 p.m.
Follow us
