Roberta Lee Johnson 1944-2026 Roberta Lee Johnson, 82, of Seal Beach, California, passed away on July 2, in Los Alamitos, California. Roberta was born on Jan. 29, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois, to Francis and Ilva Roder. She is survived by her daughters, Vickie McCorkendale of Bellevue, Washington, and Laura Miles of Reston, Virginia; her grandchildren Sierra Miles, Miles McCorkendale, Mia Bailey, and Cole McCorkendale; and her brother, Mike Roder. Roberta was, above all, a devoted mother who always put her daughters first. Her home was always open to friends and family in need, and she helped care for her father in his final years. An avid reader and card player, Roberta was never one to sit idle—her hands were always busy crocheting, knitting, or quilting, and as a skilled seamstress she made matching dresses for her daughters when they were young. She had a green thumb that showed itself best in her houseplants, filling her home with exotic greenery. Later in life, in Virginia, she became a Master Gardener through the Virginia Arboretum. She gave generously of her time to her community, serving repeatedly as an election and census official in both California and Virginia. She volunteered at the Virginia Arboretum Garden Fair and the Museum of Shenandoah Valley, and at Leisure World she was active with Mobility Aids Office, Friends of the Library, and the American Legion Auxiliary. Roberta will be remembered for her strength, warmth, generosity, and the countless lives she touched. A memorial service will be held in Lake Arrowhead.

Gloria A. Mote 1945-2026 Gloria A. Mote passed away peacefully on May 19, 2026, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. Born March 9, 1945, Mote grew up in the small town of Peralta, New Mexico, where she was taught faith, and the value of hard work. She dedicated her 30-year career to the Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration, rising from administrative assistant to director of five different cemeteries. She retired as a financial administrator, her favorite position of them all. In her free time she enjoyed ballroom dancing, traveling, cheering on the Dodgers, and spending time with her family. She is survived by her son Michael, daughter Annette, grandchildren Carolyn, Colin, and Andrew, and brother Albert Aragon. Mote will be laid to rest at Our Lady of Guadalupe Cemetery in Los Lunas, New Mexico.

Van Ho Tran 1952-2026 Born April 9, 1952, Van Ho Tran died at home in Mutual 12 on June 16, 2026. Her daughter, Amanda Tran, wrote this about her mother: “Mom, I love and miss you. My mom lived a remarkable life. She was only 23 when she and my dad escaped Vietnam after the fall of Saigon. “She worked and put herself through school at night to earn her college degree all while raising her children. She was my dad’s life partner for 55 years. When they retired, they lived their dream of traveling all over the world. She had a quiet determination and unmatched work ethic. “She passed peacefully June 16, 2026, in the comfort of her own home, surrounded by family, friends and prayers. She was so, so loved, and she will be so missed. “During my last visit home, I came across a photo album that had pictures from my childhood I hadn’t seen in a long time. I smiled because looking at myself as a baby, I see my children’s faces. And looking at my mom, I now see myself. “As much as I wish my kids would have had more time with her, I know they will know her through me. I know I am the mother I am because of her. “I will love and miss you always, Mom. I hope we meet again one day. Until then, I’ll see you in my dreams.” —Amanda Tran