Fannie Bee Gerlach's Obituary
In her favorite spot looking out over the Bay, Bee passed away taking a nap. She was planning her next party in her dreams. She was born to Harry and Alda Desch on November 11, 1925 in Illinois. The family moved to California in 1929 ' not the best of times ' but Bee and her two younger brothers would lead a most interesting life. There were grandparents that were very influential in shaping Bee and her brothers and we 'kids' have been lucky to have those many stories handed down.Bee attended the College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland, Calif. There she was teased by a cute guy named Richard. They eloped and settled in the middle of an apricot orchard in Hayward. Dick went to work for the family company and Bee raised their two adorable girls and redecorated anyone's home as often as possible. This family was full of music, laughter and art. The neighborhood was a party wherever she lived. Bee and Dick lost their youngest daughter, Tina Louise Pumphrey to an accident in 1979. Bee lost Dick in 2008. She is survived by her daughter Robin Gerlach Coenen, her son-in-law Peter Coenen, her two brothers, Lewis Desch and Donald Desch, her brother-in-law Herbert, her sisters-in-law Winifred B. Desch and Marnie Gerlach, nephews and nieces ' Gary, Tammy (John), Thor, Sandy, Eric ' and their children Andrea (Robert), Jennifer, Brian, Maddy, Kyle, and Eric. She also leaves behind her step-grandchildren Kimberly, Terri (Scott) and Mike (Veronica) as well as step-grandchildren Emma, Zachary, Joseph and Samantha. This is only a small part of Bee's family as she leaves many cousins and 'adopted' kids and grandkids. Her best friends will always be family. Her cat will be kept in the grand style he has always enjoyed. Bee loved so many people and they loved her back making for a very full life. A celebration of life will be held on September 25, 2012 at the Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland, California at 2PM. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the SPCA or the charity of your choice.
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