Author: Carmen Guerrero

Retired (February 2015); Dean, Career and Technical Education, Oxnard College (2008-2015); Professor, Business, Oxnard College (1992-2008); Adjunct Professor, Business, Business Information Systems, Moorpark and Ventura Colleges (1976-1992); Intermediate Steno-Secretary, Moorpark and Ventura Colleges (1970-1974).

Categories
Obituaries

Joyce Parkel’s Passing

Joyce Parkel
Joyce Parkel

With sadness, VCCCDRA has learned of the passing of Joyce Parkel on June 9, 2026 in Ojai, California.

Joyce retired in 2006 as a professor of health and physical education at Oxnard College. Joyce was hired in 1976, one year after Oxnard College opened.

Joyce graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education and Physiology from California Lutheran University in 1966, followed by a Doctorate of Education from the University of La Verne in 1983.

Arrangements are under the direction of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, Ventura.

Please use this link to view Joyce’s obituary.

Categories
Obituaries

Robert Lawson’s Passing

Robert Lawson
Robert Lawson

With sadness, VCCCDRA has learned of the passing of Robert Lawson on October 6, 2024. Robert retired from Ventura College as a professor of Music. He also served as the Department Chair of the Performing Arts Department.

Robert was a prolific composer and served for seven years as the Music Director of the Sana Clarita Symphony, 11 seasons as the director of Ventura City Hall Concert Series, the founding Music Director/Conductor of the Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra for 12 seasons, the conductor/director of the Ventura County Ballet Company for ten seasons, and Music Director/Conductor of the Santa Clarita Valley Youth Orchestra for 18 years. (This biographical information regarding his musical contributions was gleaned from the Santa Clarita Valley Youth Orchestra [SCVYO] web site.)

Robert graduated with BFA and MFA degrees from California Institute of the Arts

To read more about Roberts compositions and musical contributions, please visit, the SCVYO website.

Categories
Obituaries

Carolyn Dorrance’s Passing

Carolyn Dorrance

With sadness, VCCCDRA has learned of the passing of Carolyn Dorrance on Saturday, May 23, 2026 after a brief illness.

Carolyn was a founding faculty at Oxnard College, having been hired in 1975. She served as a political science professor for 39 years, retiring in May 2014. In retirement, Carolyn served district retirees as a member of the VCCCDRA Executive Board as chair of the Scholarship Committee, a role that she fulfilled with dedication and deep commitment.

Carolyn received a Bachelor of Arts degree in history/political science from Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Massachusetts; a Master of Science from Columbia University; and a doctorate, Ph.D., from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

A memorial service for Carolyn will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at Unity Church, 227 E. Arrellaga St, Santa Barbara, CA

Please use this link to read a tribute to Carolyn Dorrance by Oxnard College’s President of the Academic Senate, Dolores Ortiz.

Categories
Obituaries

Carol Smith’s Passing

Carol Smith
Carol Smith

With sadness, VCCCDRA has learned of the passing of Carol Smith, Ventura College retiree. Carol passed on February 5, 2026. She was a Biology Lab Technician and a part-time biology faculty. Carol graduated from Oxnard High School, attended UC Davis, and earned a graduate degree from University of Nebraska, Lincoln.

A memorial service is planned for May 9, at the Poinsettia Pavilion, Ventura, starting at 11:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a generous donation to the UCLA Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation or the Community Memorial Hospital (CMH) Foundation (Ventura, CA). UCLA Health and CMH physicians and nurses provided exceptional care and support for Carol during her cancer ordeal.

Categories
Obituaries

Gwendolyn Lewis Huddleston’s Passing

Gwendolyn Lewis Huddleston
Gwendolyn Lewis Huddleston

With sadness, VCCCDRA has learned of the recent passing of Gwendolyn Lewis Huddleston. Gwendolyn was originally hired as Oxnard College’s Dean of Liberal Studies. She then transferred and retired from Ventura College. In addition to her educational background, Gwendolyn was a prolific artist. Per her son, Joseph Adams, a celebration of life will be held sometime in 2027.

Categories
Annual Meetings

Annual Meeting Announcement: April 29, 2026, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Download Meeting Agenda HERE.

Ventura County Community College District Retirees’ AssociationA logo for a retirement association AI-generated content may be incorrect.

Save the date April 29, 2026, for our ANNUAL MEETING

TOPIC: LAWSUIT, ELECTIONS, AND MORE!

This year’s general meeting will take place on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. The event will be held in person at the AFT office.  The address and directions are provided below. The board is currently uncertain whether the room has connectivity to support a Zoom link for remote attendees.   We will contact everyone by email if it can be arranged. The meeting will start with a brief period of socializing before it officially begins.  It will be nice to see those that are able to attend.

Susan, our VCCCDRA president, will provide an overview of the lawsuit and an explanation of the issues and problems related to the settlement.  Adding to the matter of lack of progress towards a solution is the serious issue of funds.  Our legal fund has nearly been depleted.  Therefore, we need guidance from the membership as to where to go from here.  We encourage all members to attend this meeting so that we may hear from you.

Additionally, the agenda will include a discussion on election of officers for the VCCCDRA.  The offices open for election are the president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer. Susan Bricker has decided to step down as president, but Marie Soo Hoo, and David Magallanes are willing to run again for the secretary, and treasurer positions if we do not find anyone else to serve.  Please email us at vcccdra@gmail.com if you are interested in running for the board (see next article for more information).

Attendees will also be informed of our regular business, such as minutes of our last general meeting, treasurer’s report and brief reports from members of the VCCCDRA Executive Board, including the president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, committee chairs, and other officers.  

The board hopes you can attend the meeting and receive this important information.  We look forward to seeing you very soon.

Driving Directions:  AFT Office, Orchid Room, 816 Camarillo Springs Road, Camarillo, CA  93012

From the North (Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura, etc.):

Take the 101 South to Camarillo Springs Road off-ramp (Exit 50).

Turn right onto Camarillo Springs Rd. and make an immediate left turn into the Orchid Professional Building parking lot.

The Orchid Room is on the first floor.

From the South (Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks, etc.):

Take 101 North to the Camarillo Springs Road off-ramp (Exit 51).

Follow the off-ramp around to Camarillo Springs Rd.

Turn right on Camarillo Springs Rd.

Turn left into the Orchid Professional Building parking lot.

 The Orchid Room is on the first floor.                                                                                                                     

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Ventura County Community College District Retirees’ Association                                     Page 2

ELECTION OF OFFICERS!A yellow and black sign Description automatically generated with medium confidence

This year all executive board officer positions, president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer, are up for election and serve a two-year term.  We will vote for officers at our general meeting on April 29, 2026.

Susan Bricker, our current VCCCDRA president, has decided to step down.  We need someone who is willing to step in and fill her shoes.  Are you The One? Do you have leadership abilities? Are you willing to support your fellow retirees in this matter? The president plans and runs our general meetings and monthly board meetings; handles legal matters in conjunction with our attorney; provides a president’s report for our newsletter, which is published two to three times per year; and is master of ceremonies for our social events.  All this is done with the support of the rest of the VCCCDRA Board. We are all in this together. We are hoping there is a fellow VCCCD retiree willing to serve in this vital position.  The legal issues we are facing require us to elect a qualified individual who can proactively lead efforts to resolve our longstanding, stagnant settlement agreement to our lawsuit against the District. Please give serious consideration to volunteering now by emailing us at vcccdra@gmail.com.  We need your help!  

The other offices of vice-president, secretary, and treasurer are also open for nominations.  We welcome your interest in these positions. If there are no volunteers, Marie SooHoo and David Magallanes are willing to continue as secretary and treasurer. Please think of volunteering today! Each of these offices has a two-year term.

The Executive Board meets monthly for two hours via Zoom to monitor retirees’ interest in VCCCD Board decisions and benefit-related issues and plan retiree social events.  We also maintain a communication channel with retirees to encourage information sharing and camaraderie.

The success and continuation of our organization is dependent upon your participation.  Please do not hesitate.  Volunteer for an office today.  You will be serving alongside some of the best in our ranks.  Email us at: vcccdra@gmail.com.

We invite you to read about the VCCCDRA Board at  https://vcccdra.org/executive-board/.

Categories
Obituaries

Jim Merrill’s Passing

Jim Merrill
Jim Merrill

With sadness, VCCCDRA has learned of the passing of Jim Merrill on February 2, 2026. Jim was an English professor at Oxnard College and retired in 2017. Jim served numerous times as Department Chair, on tenure committees and various governance committees on campus.

From Jim’s obituary (https://www.vcstar.com/obituaries/pyrk1413873):

Jim Merrill (James Arthur Merrill on the dotted line) was an incredible, loving, principled man who touched many lives. He died at home in his sleep on Feb. 2, 2026. He was 70.

It’s hard to imagine a more meaningful, impactful life. His family and friends grieve that he was robbed of the time we thought he would have but are glad that he had so many fine adventures while he lived.

Jim moved to Oxnard in 1981 and made it his home. He received a tenure-track position at Oxnard College in 1985. There, he spent his career as an active member of the college community and as professor of English and ESL, teaching and chairing his department until his retirement in May of 2017.

In 1985, he married Kitty Ann Balabanov. They had two daughters and enjoyed a rich family life. Jim and Kitty raised their children in the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura, where they both served in several leadership positions. Jim served two separate terms as president of the board of trustees, sang in the choir from its founding until his death, and was active in regional Unitarian Universalist governance.

Jim showed his love of community in his actions. In the ‘90s, he chaired the Tierra Vista Neighborhood Council and was the campaign manager for the Measure N School Bond. In 2001, he joined the Ocean View School Board and continued to serve first as a trustee and then board president until his death. In all his leadership roles, he saw himself as a caretaker and referred to himself not by his title, but as one serving in that position.

His service to the wider world was nurtured by his deep devotion to family: as a spouse, a daddy, and a brother. He leaves behind his wife Kitty, daughters Erin and Caitlin, daughter-in-law Raven, and brother Tony and sister-in-law Gena. He is preceded in death by his parents, and his older sister, Judy.

His deep intelligence, quick wit, and love of storytelling made Jim a delight in conversations and a superb partner in Trivial Pursuit games. He traveled to many lands and enjoyed exploring and visiting the far-flung friends that made up his extended family. As a talented musician, he was quick to take the harmony line and to regale his family with a lullaby, ditty, or jingle. We will miss the music and joy he brought to our lives.

While at Oxnard College, Jim composed the College’s Alma Mater, which is framed and now hangs in the Liberal Studies Building, where his office was located.

Oxnard College Alma Mater by Jim Merrill
Oxnard College Alma Mater by Jim Merrill

A memorial for Jim will be held on March 1st, 1:00 pm at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura, 5654 Ralston St., Ventura, CA.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to:

Categories
Obituaries

Norma Letinsky’s Passing

Norma Letinsky
Norma Letinsky

With sadness, VCCCDRA has learned of the passing of Norma Letinsky on January 19, 2026, of cancer. Norma retired as a professor and learning disabilities specialist from Moorpark College.

Norma was a woman of great faith and followed her husband, Mike, who died in the Fall of 2024.

We have no information on services for Norma; we will post any information we receive here on the Blog.

Categories
Obituaries

Tom Bertolino’s Passing

Tom Bertolino
Tom Bertolino

With sadness, VCCCDRA has learned of the passing of Tom Bertolino on December 6, 2025. Tom was an engineering and mathematics professor at Ventura College and retired in 2000.

Tom was born June 20, 1935, to Edward (HS principal and coach) and Vivian (grade school teacher and community pianist) Bertolino in Nokomis, Illinois. Tom graduated from Nokomis High School in 1953.

Tom graduated from the University of Illinois in 1958, earning a Master’s in Electrical Engineering that year. In 1957, Tom met Shirley Clark during summer 1957 employment. They were married August 23, 1958, and moved to San Diego, where Tom was employed at Astronautics working on the Atlas and then Centaur missile guidance systems.

Tom’s goal to become an educator was attained September 1965 as an engineering and mathematics instructor, which continued until he retired in 2000. Tom then continued teaching part-time at VC for 5 more years, plus tutoring at Holy Cross School.

The second benefit of Tom’s teaching was summer vacations which gave him time to take the family to visit relatives in Illinois and go camping, traveling to four campuses the summers he won National Science Foundation course scholarships, and to Scotland in 1980-81 for a year of teaching at Thurso Technical College.

Tom was an active instructor on campus, serving on many committees. He was treasurer of San Diego chapter of CORE. As other issues arose over the years, he actively supported many like-minded political candidates. Tom volunteered at the County Fair, read scientific journals, eagerly attended plays and concerts, enjoyed picnics, a bowl of popcorn, watched science fiction movies and TV programs, listened to “Prairie Home Companion” radio shows. He supported his children’s sports, music, dance, club, and school events with unfailing attendance, love, and respect.

Tom was an intense forward-thinking environmentalist before the word came into common lexicon. He saved newspapers early and helped start the Saturday recycling program at Ventura College, served on the first City Bicycling Committee, SOAR (Save Open-Space and Agricultural Resources), and Zero Population Growth. He was a wizard at repairing things (especially electric appliances), was frugal with the use of water and utilities, lifetime example in all respects. Bicycling was his transportation mode 85% of the time.

Tom is survived by his life companion of 67 years, Shirley. He was a beloved father to his children – Lisa Mueting (William), Jon Bertolino (Michelle), and Linda Viles (Andrew). He was a role model grandfather to Tess, Max, Ivan, Nadia, MacKenzie, Taylor, Ryan, Zachary, Emily and Darren, and four great-grandchildren. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, sister Barbara, and grandson Nicholas. His ashes will be spread with official sanction at Yosemite National Park by his children.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 am, Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at the Boyko and Reardon Telegraph Road Mortuary, Teloma Drive, Ventura. The family has asked VC math retiree, Lydia Matthews to say a few words at the service. If retirees who cannot attend would like her to share one of your memories, please email your thoughts to Michael Bowen, at fizzbowen@gmail.com.

The family invites attendees to stay for a catered picnic style reception in the community room for friends, neighbors, fell college instructors and the students to continue the Celebration.

The family wants to acknowledge the loving care given by granddaughter Nadia Mueting, the dedicated support of Devoted Care Services and Assisted Living Hospice.

Categories
Obituaries

Sharon Miller’s Passing

Sharon Miller and students
Sharon Miller and students

Moorpark College President Dr. Julius Sokenu invites you to a special potluck brunch to honor and celebrate our amazing friend, mentor and colleague, Sharon Miller. 

Please join us on Saturday, December 13 at 11:30 a.m.

Moorpark College Campus Center Conference Room
7075 Campus Road
Moorpark, CA 93021

RSVP FORM LINK
Please use this form to confirm your attendance, indicate if you’ll bring a special dish or treat to share, and let us know if you’d like to say a few words.

Questions? Dina Pielaet: gpielaet@vcccd.edu

______________________________________

Sharon Miller

With sadness, VCCCDRA has learned of the passing of Sharon Miller, retired Student Activities Specialist at Moorpark College.

As announced by Dr. Julius Sokenu, President, Moorpark College:

“It is with a heavy heart that I share with you the passing of our colleague, mentor, and friend Sharon Miller. Sharon served our students and campus community from 1993 to 2017. She’s defined what it means to put students first. Students at Moorpark College for multiple generations were introduced to leadership and service because Sharon Miller, Student Activities Specialist nurtured, mentored, challenged and loved them and empowered them to lead with grace. She became synonymous with student leadership because students were her why. Sharon modeled integrity, collegiality and was always present for colleagues as well as staff. Two months ago she attended Mike Madrid’s presentation at the college. She was the advisor to ASMC when he was student body president in the early 90s. I saw the pride in her as she watched him mingle with the crowd and Sharon waited till the end and gave him the biggest hug and he in return embraced her. He kept saying, ‘she’s a reason I’m here.’ We lost a force for good and for those who did not know her, her legacy is in our ASMC, it’s in our high transfer rates and it’s in the many lives she touched by just being her kind and caring self.

“Her smile and kindness remain in our hearts!”

Please use this link to read Sharon’s obituary.

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