In Memoriam

IN MEMORIAM Sally Jane vanKaathoven

Jan. 12, 1946 - Feb. 12, 2021

Sally Jane Pace vanKaathoven passed away peacefully in her home on February 12, 2021 with her beloved husband Neil by her side. She was 75 years old.

Sally was born on January 12, 1946 to Thomas and Ilene (Whitney) Pace in San Jose, CA. Brother Thomas William Pace was born 3 years later in San Jose, CA. She attended Jefferson, Walter Bachrodt, and Belden elementary schools, Peter Burnett middle school and graduated from Lincoln high school in 1963. She then went onto Chico State where she majored with a Bachelor in English and a Minor in Psychology.

As a young adult, Sally lived in various areas of California including Lompoc, Los Altos, and San Francisco. At one point she even gave Canada a chance by living in British Columbia for six months. After working as an Eligibility Worker in San Mateo Co. Sally settled in as an eligibility worker with the Santa Cruz Dept. of Social Services in 1976. It was there she met her future husband Neil van and dedicated mother Kaathoven. Neil was to her children. She a resident of Santa was heavily involved Cruz with long family with volunteering in history in Aptos, CA. the Home and School At the time of Club at Mar Vista their courting, Neil Elementary School had three young in Aptos where she children; daughters became a student Julie (Guy) 5 years, favorite. She had a Jennifer (McLachlan) knack of crafting, 3.5 years, and son sewing, and tutoring Janah 2 years. Taking Sally vanKaathoven her children. Sally on an instant family remained active in of three very young children while in school affairs at Aptos Jr. High and Aptos her early 30s goes to show the strength High School. Sally and Neil never missed and love between Neil and Sally. They a single sporting event that their children were married on July 14, 1979 at Hollins competed in. Neil coached Gals softball House at Pasatiempo Golf Course, Santa and Little League/Pony League baseball. Cruz. They settled into their new home As her children continued competing in in Aptos on December 1, 1979 where sports through high school and junior Sally remained until her passing. college, they continued to support the In June of 1981 they welcomed their teams. Sally was a dedicated member fourth child Ryan Pace van Kaathoven of the Omega Nu, Dominican Guild, (La Selva Beach). Sally was a homemaker Friends of Hospice, and the Republican Women of Santa Cruz. Sally began employment once again in 2002 accepting the position of Course Accountant at Seascape Golf Course where she worked for 18 years. Sally was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer in May of 2020 and fought bravely until February 12, 2021, exactly one month after her 75 birthday.

Sally is survived by her husband and Muffin Neil van Kaathoven of 41 years, daughters Julie (Guy) and Jennifer (McLachlan), sons Janah and Ryan Pace van Kaathoven. Granddaughters Madelyn Shea Guy, Lauren Jane McLachlan, and Lucy Jane van Kaathoven. Sons in law Mark Guy and Dave McLachlan. Daughter in law Katharine Edson van Kaathoven. She was preceded in death by her father, mother, and brother. n •••

There will be a private burial at the Santa Clara Mission Cemetery on Monday Mar. 1. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those who wish to make a donation in Sally’s name to Hospice of Santa Cruz Co.

Community Activist, Respiratory Business Specialist

Joy Flynn

Joy is facilitating courageous conversations with the City of Capitola and its residents in the first ever Community Anti Racist Series Forum.

She is also the founding member of the Santa Cruz County Black Coalition for Justice and Racial Equity, recipient of the Officer Jim Howes service award and a Jefferson Award nominee.

In addition, Joy led the first peaceful action in the City of Santa Cruz after the public execution of George Floyd, which received national attention. Joy is a social justice leader and has spoken at multiple events such as Juneteenth, the Capitola BLM march and the BLM mural painting in the City of Santa Cruz. In addition, she is a panelist for the neighborhood courts restorative justice program.

Joy is working on the community engagement piece of the ad hoc committee for policing and social justice reform with the city of Watsonville. Joy is an advisor on the Black Health matters committee, board member for Second Harvest Food Bank and a friend of the Walnut Ave Women’s Center (their auxiliary board). Most recently Joy will begin working with the County’s Criminal Justice Council. Joy is a committed leader in our community and afar.

“Joy Flynn is a dedicated community leader in our community,” said Thomas Pedersen, founder of the Speak for Change podcast and CEO of Everyone’s Music School. “I connected with Joy when many people in the community suggested that I interview her for my podcast Speak For Change. We quickly realized we shared a lot in common with our upbringing and vision for the future of Santa Cruz County.

“Joy continues to amaze me with her leadership, activism and her tireless work in The Santa Cruz County Black Coalition for Justice and Racial Equity. I am honored to be friends and colleagues with Joy. “

Fahma Abdulle

Seventh Grader at New Brighton Middle School

Fahma is a wonderful all-around student and is one of the best performers on New Brighton Middle School’s Accelerated Reader Program.

Carlo Albano spoke about the impact his fourth grade student is making:

“I have had the true and sincere privilege to have Fahma Abdulle in my 4th grade class, and to have known her also as a classmate to my son as they progress through middle school.

“Recently, I saw her by her home at the Emerald Bay Apartments. We talked Fahma Abdulle about how things are going and I asked her what she thought about Distance Learning. She said that it could really be a good thing to have this time of focus on using technology and creating work projects online with tools that will be helpful in the future. As long as we do go back to school when this is all done.

“This reply helps to illustrate Fahma and her absolute inner compass of honesty, hard work, and excellence. She has shown herself to be a bright and supportive friend to her peers, and is thorough and confident in her own individual learning and work.

“Fahma regularly has a smile and loves to laugh as much as she genuinely loves to learn and apply knowledge. Truly, she is a special person, and I only wish her the best on her inspiring growth and future aspirations.

“Also, her mother and father are heart-warmingly generous and proud and love to share delicious East Aftrican food.”

•••

These five social justice activists have left their mark in Capitola, unifying people of color, and their allies as well as being role models for students like Fahma. It is my honor to recognize all of them for their continued work in Capitola as they make history like we have never seen before. n •••

If you have any questions please feel free to email me at brooksforcitycouncil@gmail.com.

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