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get updated on what everyone was doing. She and Tom were devout Roman Catholics and raised all her children in the faith, which instilled in them a reverence and respect and love for God, which guides them today and helps them cope with her passing. Marie was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Dorothy Lebarty, her brother Joe, and her grandson, Thomas Alexander Corry. She is survived by her husband, four sons, and 6 grandchildren, Rachel, Amanda, Hannah, Ben, Jordan, and Ethan and three daughters-in-law, Colleen, Lori, and Marie. The family is very appreciative of the care that she received from the Cottage Hospital, the Californian, Assisted Hospice and her caretakers, Juliette and Teo. A service will be held on May 28. Please email her son, Daniel, at dcorry@gmail.com if you would like to attend.
children, Leslie Sweeney (Bob), Darcy Limosnero (Ben), and Melanie Garst-Mcpherson (Sam). She absolutely adored and doted on her six grandchildren, Nikki Limo, Dane Limosnero, Robin Sweeney, Danny Sweeney, Ryan Sweeney, and Addie Roach. She was preceded in death by her parents, Hal C. Smith and Catherine F. RockSmith, and her brother Tony Smith. We want to extend a huge thank you to the staff at Mission Terrace. They treated Sydney like family and made her feel special every day. You guys are beyond amazing! We scattered her ashes May 7 at sunset at Hendry's beach, where she loved to swim as a child and an adult. Sydney will be very missed. Anyone that knew her and wishes to pay their respects please email Melanie at melanie.garst@gmail.com.
Sydney Smith-O’Neill
Shirle Casier
03/31/42-04/25/16
Sydney died peacefully at Mission Terrace after a decade long battle with Alzheimer's. Sydney was born and raised in Santa Barbara, and graduated SBHS in 1959. She lived a full and exciting life. She spent many years in Hawaii and traveled extensively with her husband, Dennis, who she was married to for almost 30 years. They enjoyed living in Las Vegas and Long Beach, as well. At one point, they bought a large RV and were hired as camp hosts at different campgrounds throughout the U.S. They loved their life and always made sure to watch every sunset. Sydney and sunsets go hand in hand. Sydney wore many hats in her job choices over the years including, but not limited to, flight attendant, real estate agent, travel agent, beer and wine distributor, receptionist for Paine Webber for many years, and her most favorite was being a professional extra in movies and TV. She loved being on Friends, Get Shorty, The Ellen Show, The Brady Bunch Movie, and so many more. Sydney was vivacious, hilarious, sarcastic, smart, witty, and an absolutely blast to be around. She could make anyone laugh, no matter what mood they were in. Her granddaughter, Nikki, said it best, “She was shiny.” She is survived by her husband, Dennis O'Neill, her brother, Alex Smith, and her 20
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At Shirle Casier's passing, many dear friends have commented about the qualities that made her such a special person. One of her closest friends, Margery Baragona, captured her essence when she described Shirle "as a blithe spirit, pretty, smart, compassionate, witty, selfless and more." Shirle grew up in San Bernardino and Fresno, and was graduated from Hoover High in Glendale in 1946, after which she enrolled at UCSB, then located on the Riviera campus. She was active in college life, joining two vocal groups, Alpha Theta sorority, and serving as the Vice President of the Student Body. Shirle earned spending money by modeling in her spare time. In her senior year, she married fellow collegian Bob Casier, thus beginning an enduring love affair of 66+ years. Their serendipitous first encounter occurred when she was a "pick-up" at the Riviera bus stop. Shirle graduated with honors in early childhood education in 1950. She then began her teaching career at Oxford Elementary School in Berkeley, while her husband was doing graduate work at Cal Berkeley. The young couple lived for a time in the Bay Area. They spent many happy hours in San Francisco, where their first son was born, before returning to Santa Barbara in 1953. After a ten year hiatus to rear their three young sons, Craig, Rodger and Bryan, she resumed her teaching career in
may 12, 2016
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the Hope School District in 1963, where she first taught primary grades and then became a reading specialist at Monte Vista School in a very successful professional career. Two key family developments arose from the Monte Vista connection. First, fellow teacher Kristine Jones married Craig. Later, Bryan married Karen Amundson, who had been one of Shirle's first grade students. After her middle son, Rodger, was diagnosed with schizophrenia, Shirle devoted countless hours to involvement in mental health groups. She served on the Board of Directors of The Wellness Center, was honored as mental health volunteer of the year, participated in a panel discussion of mental health issues on the Today Show, and in 2013, received a citation of appreciation from the County Board Of Supervisors. Her efforts were rewarded, as Rodger became well known as an abstract artist. His accomplishments included the National Mental Illness Awareness poster in 2005 and paintings on the covers of ten magazines. He was a featured subject in the award-winning documentary "Crazy Art". Rodger's illness led his younger brother Bryan to a career in mental health. He is currently a supervisor of a large children's mental health clinic in Riverside County. The Casier’s hosted numerous events at their ocean view property in Montecito, their home for 40 years. Shirley was always a gracious hostess and participated in many spirited discussions. Author and friend, Pico Iyer, fondly remembers Shirle as "one of the most wonderful conversational partners I've ever met — so intuitive, so generous, so frank, so penetrating.” Shirle shared a keen interest in politics with her husband, who taught Political Science at SBCC and UCSB. The Casier family traveled frequently. They spent the summer of 1967 visiting historical sites in the U.S. and their three sons were thrilled to watch every Major League team play. Trips to Europe always included visits to Bob's relatives in Belgium. In 1970-71, the Casier's spent the entire year traversing Europe in a Volkswagen camper, with stays in France and Spain. In later years, Bob and Shirle took trips to many foreign lands, some in connection with Bob's profession. Retirement began in 1990, when Shirle assumed part-time care for grandchildren Drew and Elizabeth. Their father, Craig, recently recalled that his mother "enjoyed reading to them, doing messy paintings together and playing in self-constructed cardboard boxes." Later, Shirle and Bob cheered their grandkids on at swim meets and took them on many trips, including whitewater rafting and ocean cruises.
The grandchildren, friends and students enjoyed the Casier "playground", which included bocce ball, tennis and basketball. In 2013, the Casiers moved to Vista Del Monte, involving themselves in many activities and making many new friends. Shirle's last years were rich and fulfilling. A celebration of life ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 14, at 3:00, in the Main Lounge at Vista Del Monte, 3775 Modoc Rd. She is survived by her husband, Bob, her son Craig and his wife Kristine, their children Drew and Elizabeth; son Bryan and his wife Karen; her sister, Virginia Andrews and her children, Susan and Richard; Bob's sister, Alberta Rossi and her children, Randy, Rick and Roberta; Bob's niece, Caroline Bows; his brother's daughter and relatives in Belgium and France. She was predeceased by her son Rodger. Remembrance gifts may be made to Crescend Health (Formerly Phoenix House), the Mental Wellness Center or any local non-profit associated with student scholarships. Arrangements entrusted to McDermott-Crockett Mortuary
Samuel Bernard Solter 05/30/20-05/04/16
and Marie moved to Santa Bar Barbara to help their son, Ken, run a successful stained glass business for twenty years. Their original stained glass windows beautify many homes in the Santa Barbara area and the chapel at Samarkand. Until the end of his life, he maintained a keen interest in politics, world affairs, and the arts, continually educating himself by reading. An avid stamp collector, he enjoyed both the cultural and artistic aspects of his extensive stamp collection. He and Marie volunteered for many years at what is now the William Sansum Diabetes Center. After Marie’s death in 2006, he enjoyed taking classes in silver jewelry making, and he created many lovely silver pendants, which he generously gave to friends and family. He is survived by his sister, Vivian Tew; his son, Ken Solter (wife Aletha); his daughter, Nancy Amodeo (husband Tony); his grandchildren, Nicholas Solter (wife Sonja) and Sarah Solter (husband Aaron); his great-grandchildren, Kai and Katja; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank all of Sam’s wonderful caregivers, the Assisted Hospice team, and the friends who lovingly helped him in so many ways during his last few years when he struggled with multiple disabilities. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a charity of your choice. The family can be reached at P.O. Box 1281, Goleta, CA 93116.
Constance “Connie” Hernandez 10/31/60-04/30/16 Samuel Bernard Solter passed away on May 4, 2016, just a few weeks before his 96th birthday. Beloved by family and friends, he was an accomplished fine artist and able woodworker. Sam was born on May 30, 1920, on a farm near Kerhonkson, New York, the third surviving child of Harry Solomiansky and Sadie (née Maskin), Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe. At age ten, he moved with his family to Los Angeles, where his parents opened a grocery store and his father also worked as a carpenter. In 1942, he married the love of his life, Marie Fine. During World War II, the couple lived in Herington, Kansas, where Sam served as a sergeant in the Army Air Corps. His job was to type the secret orders given in sealed envelopes to B-29 pilots heading for the Pacific. Sam discovered a love of painting as a child, and, using the GI Bill, attended the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles. His varied careers included a hand-painted tie business, work as an architectural illustrator and model builder, and a family pearl business at county fairs. In 1980, he
Connie was born October 31, 1960, in Santa Barbara, CA. The youngest of six children, she was raised by her mother, Anna Hernandez Lopez. Connie was known for her free spirit, fun personality, loving heart, and her generosity, even when she had nothing to give. Connie could light up a room with her laughter and befriend anyone around her. She will truly be missed by many! She is survived by her 4 children: Rita Higuera, Nadine Wishart, Elisa Regalado, and John Regalado III; as well as her 3 grandchildren, Gabriel, Adrian, and Danielle Higuera. The family will be holding a private service for close friends and family on May 27, 2016.