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OBITUARY - Orange County Register, Santa Ana, California, January 22, 2008.
Perry, Emily Duncan, (known as "Lita" Perry for most of her life) born June 19, 1908, died January 15, 2008, having lived almost 100 exciting years. She was a modern lady although she died of old age. Born in West Hampton Beach, Long Island NY, just past the turn of the century, she led a life of adventure and great charm. Lita graduated from the Knox Girl's school in New York and was an accomplished horsewoman at a young age. At a time when cars were newly invented and women did not learn to drive, she learned. The rest of her family relied on a chauffeur. As a debutante she was presented at a spectacular ball. Her dream was to become a Zigfeld Follies girl, but the audition with the Follies did not yield an offer. She was successful as an actress and singer, and became a member of the renowned Theatre Guild in NYC. She was raised at a time when most young ladies of society did not go to college. Instead, they went on grand tours of travel to exotic locations to ensure they were well rounded. Lita Traveled throughout Europe and Africa as a singer with an Italian opera Co. She told us of her adventures in Paris where she lived adjacent to George and Ira Gershwin and listened to them composing now famous songs. She left Europe and returned to US soil on one of the last boats to safety prior to World War I. She then continued her adventures traversing the USA with her new theatre group, often driving other cast members who did not have cars. Rubber for tires was scarce, roads were not what they are today. She lived in NJ, NY, and FL, and then gratefully settled into her favorite place, California. She chose this golden beach state to live in at a time when it was exploding with grace and newness. Here she lived the rest of her life as a happily married lady enjoying her life with her husband Edward Perry, her children and especially her grandchildren. She was a great beauty and loved to exercise. At age 89 she was still leading an exercise class for her friends. Born the youngest of 5 children, Emily Duncan had a wonderful childhood in Englewood, NJ. They were located outside NYC and had many adventures. She adored her parents and was proud to be a Duncan. The family has a long history of service. Lita's great grandfather, General Duncan, volunteered to lead one of the first African American units to fight for the Union during the Civil War. Her mother, Emily Vermilye Brinkerhoff, was the youngest of the popular siblings her community referred to as "the 7 sisters of Englewood." The senior Emily volunteered to play piano for the prison inmates as an act of compassion. Lita's grandfather, Elbert Adrain Brinkerhoff, took a sea voyage in 1859 on the clipper ship Adelaide to the gold rush. He also carried gold bullion by steamship across the Sacramento River as an agent for Wells Fargo Co. during one of the first Pony Express Rides in California. Later in life he was one of the founding fathers and 1st mayor of Englewood. Lita was preceded in death by her loving parents, Fredrick Smyth Duncan, and Emily Brinkerhoff Duncan; her brothers, Fredrick, Elbert, Samuel, and her husbands, Louis Stewart, Jr., Denny Dennison, and Edward Thomas Perry. She leaves behind all the family who loved her incredible spirit and sense of adventure. Through them, "Grammy's" laughter will continue to brighten this world. Lita will be greatly missed by this generation and all the future generations who will discover her legacy. She leaves behind 2 daughters, 8 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great- grandson: daughters, Lita Perry O'Connell and Joan Duncan Stewart Ruvane her grandchildren, Kelly O'Connell Marin, Maura O'Connell Marbut, Emily Anne Ruvane Johnston, Sharon Vermilye Ruvane, Mary Brent Ruvane, Patricia Mildred Ruvane, Joseph Jerome Ruvane, III, Louis Stewart Ruvane; great-grandchildren, Logan Diego Marin, Maya Emily Marin, Ella Ladybug Marbut, Gretchen Duncan Neison Duarte, Harry Hoke Neison, Kelly Lynne Ruvane, Joseph Jerome Ruvane IV, Kyler Gates Ruvane, Scott James Gravatt, Katie Joan Gravatt, Liam Samuel Ruvane, Boden Louis Ruvane; her great-great-grandson, Logan Duarte. Lita will be buried at Cypress Lawn Memorial Park in Colma, CA, beside her beloved husband Edward Perry. Nearby will be her favorite dog, "Prancer" the spunky Schnauzer. Emily Lita Duncan Perry always searched for the joy in life. It was her personal trademark. Her family will continue to do the same through her timeless inspiration.
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Full name, obituary, family links and information by Laura J. Stewart (#47412616)
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OBITUARY - Orange County Register, Santa Ana, California, January 22, 2008.
Perry, Emily Duncan, (known as "Lita" Perry for most of her life) born June 19, 1908, died January 15, 2008, having lived almost 100 exciting years. She was a modern lady although she died of old age. Born in West Hampton Beach, Long Island NY, just past the turn of the century, she led a life of adventure and great charm. Lita graduated from the Knox Girl's school in New York and was an accomplished horsewoman at a young age. At a time when cars were newly invented and women did not learn to drive, she learned. The rest of her family relied on a chauffeur. As a debutante she was presented at a spectacular ball. Her dream was to become a Zigfeld Follies girl, but the audition with the Follies did not yield an offer. She was successful as an actress and singer, and became a member of the renowned Theatre Guild in NYC. She was raised at a time when most young ladies of society did not go to college. Instead, they went on grand tours of travel to exotic locations to ensure they were well rounded. Lita Traveled throughout Europe and Africa as a singer with an Italian opera Co. She told us of her adventures in Paris where she lived adjacent to George and Ira Gershwin and listened to them composing now famous songs. She left Europe and returned to US soil on one of the last boats to safety prior to World War I. She then continued her adventures traversing the USA with her new theatre group, often driving other cast members who did not have cars. Rubber for tires was scarce, roads were not what they are today. She lived in NJ, NY, and FL, and then gratefully settled into her favorite place, California. She chose this golden beach state to live in at a time when it was exploding with grace and newness. Here she lived the rest of her life as a happily married lady enjoying her life with her husband Edward Perry, her children and especially her grandchildren. She was a great beauty and loved to exercise. At age 89 she was still leading an exercise class for her friends. Born the youngest of 5 children, Emily Duncan had a wonderful childhood in Englewood, NJ. They were located outside NYC and had many adventures. She adored her parents and was proud to be a Duncan. The family has a long history of service. Lita's great grandfather, General Duncan, volunteered to lead one of the first African American units to fight for the Union during the Civil War. Her mother, Emily Vermilye Brinkerhoff, was the youngest of the popular siblings her community referred to as "the 7 sisters of Englewood." The senior Emily volunteered to play piano for the prison inmates as an act of compassion. Lita's grandfather, Elbert Adrain Brinkerhoff, took a sea voyage in 1859 on the clipper ship Adelaide to the gold rush. He also carried gold bullion by steamship across the Sacramento River as an agent for Wells Fargo Co. during one of the first Pony Express Rides in California. Later in life he was one of the founding fathers and 1st mayor of Englewood. Lita was preceded in death by her loving parents, Fredrick Smyth Duncan, and Emily Brinkerhoff Duncan; her brothers, Fredrick, Elbert, Samuel, and her husbands, Louis Stewart, Jr., Denny Dennison, and Edward Thomas Perry. She leaves behind all the family who loved her incredible spirit and sense of adventure. Through them, "Grammy's" laughter will continue to brighten this world. Lita will be greatly missed by this generation and all the future generations who will discover her legacy. She leaves behind 2 daughters, 8 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great- grandson: daughters, Lita Perry O'Connell and Joan Duncan Stewart Ruvane her grandchildren, Kelly O'Connell Marin, Maura O'Connell Marbut, Emily Anne Ruvane Johnston, Sharon Vermilye Ruvane, Mary Brent Ruvane, Patricia Mildred Ruvane, Joseph Jerome Ruvane, III, Louis Stewart Ruvane; great-grandchildren, Logan Diego Marin, Maya Emily Marin, Ella Ladybug Marbut, Gretchen Duncan Neison Duarte, Harry Hoke Neison, Kelly Lynne Ruvane, Joseph Jerome Ruvane IV, Kyler Gates Ruvane, Scott James Gravatt, Katie Joan Gravatt, Liam Samuel Ruvane, Boden Louis Ruvane; her great-great-grandson, Logan Duarte. Lita will be buried at Cypress Lawn Memorial Park in Colma, CA, beside her beloved husband Edward Perry. Nearby will be her favorite dog, "Prancer" the spunky Schnauzer. Emily Lita Duncan Perry always searched for the joy in life. It was her personal trademark. Her family will continue to do the same through her timeless inspiration.
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Full name, obituary, family links and information by Laura J. Stewart (#47412616)
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OBITUARY - Orange County Register, Santa Ana, California, January 22, 2008.
Perry, Emily Duncan, (known as "Lita" Perry for most of her life) born June 19, 1908, died January 15, 2008, having lived almost 100 exciting years. She was a modern lady although she died of old age. Born in West Hampton Beach, Long Island NY, just past the turn of the century, she led a life of adventure and great charm. Lita graduated from the Knox Girl's school in New York and was an accomplished horsewoman at a young age. At a time when cars were newly invented and women did not learn to drive, she learned. The rest of her family relied on a chauffeur. As a debutante she was presented at a spectacular ball. Her dream was to become a Zigfeld Follies girl, but the audition with the Follies did not yield an offer. She was successful as an actress and singer, and became a member of the renowned Theatre Guild in NYC. She was raised at a time when most young ladies of society did not go to college. Instead, they went on grand tours of travel to exotic locations to ensure they were well rounded. Lita Traveled throughout Europe and Africa as a singer with an Italian opera Co. She told us of her adventures in Paris where she lived adjacent to George and Ira Gershwin and listened to them composing now famous songs. She left Europe and returned to US soil on one of the last boats to safety prior to World War I. She then continued her adventures traversing the USA with her new theatre group, often driving other cast members who did not have cars. Rubber for tires was scarce, roads were not what they are today. She lived in NJ, NY, and FL, and then gratefully settled into her favorite place, California. She chose this golden beach state to live in at a time when it was exploding with grace and newness. Here she lived the rest of her life as a happily married lady enjoying her life with her husband Edward Perry, her children and especially her grandchildren. She was a great beauty and loved to exercise. At age 89 she was still leading an exercise class for her friends. Born the youngest of 5 children, Emily Duncan had a wonderful childhood in Englewood, NJ. They were located outside NYC and had many adventures. She adored her parents and was proud to be a Duncan. The family has a long history of service. Lita's great grandfather, General Duncan, volunteered to lead one of the first African American units to fight for the Union during the Civil War. Her mother, Emily Vermilye Brinkerhoff, was the youngest of the popular siblings her community referred to as "the 7 sisters of Englewood." The senior Emily volunteered to play piano for the prison inmates as an act of compassion. Lita's grandfather, Elbert Adrain Brinkerhoff, took a sea voyage in 1859 on the clipper ship Adelaide to the gold rush. He also carried gold bullion by steamship across the Sacramento River as an agent for Wells Fargo Co. during one of the first Pony Express Rides in California. Later in life he was one of the founding fathers and 1st mayor of Englewood. Lita was preceded in death by her loving parents, Fredrick Smyth Duncan, and Emily Brinkerhoff Duncan; her brothers, Fredrick, Elbert, Samuel, and her husbands, Louis Stewart, Jr., Denny Dennison, and Edward Thomas Perry. She leaves behind all the family who loved her incredible spirit and sense of adventure. Through them, "Grammy's" laughter will continue to brighten this world. Lita will be greatly missed by this generation and all the future generations who will discover her legacy. She leaves behind 2 daughters, 8 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great- grandson: daughters, Lita Perry O'Connell and Joan Duncan Stewart Ruvane her grandchildren, Kelly O'Connell Marin, Maura O'Connell Marbut, Emily Anne Ruvane Johnston, Sharon Vermilye Ruvane, Mary Brent Ruvane, Patricia Mildred Ruvane, Joseph Jerome Ruvane, III, Louis Stewart Ruvane; great-grandchildren, Logan Diego Marin, Maya Emily Marin, Ella Ladybug Marbut, Gretchen Duncan Neison Duarte, Harry Hoke Neison, Kelly Lynne Ruvane, Joseph Jerome Ruvane IV, Kyler Gates Ruvane, Scott James Gravatt, Katie Joan Gravatt, Liam Samuel Ruvane, Boden Louis Ruvane; her great-great-grandson, Logan Duarte. Lita will be buried at Cypress Lawn Memorial Park in Colma, CA, beside her beloved husband Edward Perry. Nearby will be her favorite dog, "Prancer" the spunky Schnauzer. Emily Lita Duncan Perry always searched for the joy in life. It was her personal trademark. Her family will continue to do the same through her timeless inspiration.
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Full name, obituary, family links and information by Laura J. Stewart (#47412616)
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OBITUARY - Orange County Register, Santa Ana, California, January 22, 2008.
Perry, Emily Duncan, (known as "Lita" Perry for most of her life) born June 19, 1908, died January 15, 2008, having lived almost 100 exciting years. She was a modern lady although she died of old age. Born in West Hampton Beach, Long Island NY, just past the turn of the century, she led a life of adventure and great charm. Lita graduated from the Knox Girl's school in New York and was an accomplished horsewoman at a young age. At a time when cars were newly invented and women did not learn to drive, she learned. The rest of her family relied on a chauffeur. As a debutante she was presented at a spectacular ball. Her dream was to become a Zigfeld Follies girl, but the audition with the Follies did not yield an offer. She was successful as an actress and singer, and became a member of the renowned Theatre Guild in NYC. She was raised at a time when most young ladies of society did not go to college. Instead, they went on grand tours of travel to exotic locations to ensure they were well rounded. Lita Traveled throughout Europe and Africa as a singer with an Italian opera Co. She told us of her adventures in Paris where she lived adjacent to George and Ira Gershwin and listened to them composing now famous songs. She left Europe and returned to US soil on one of the last boats to safety prior to World War I. She then continued her adventures traversing the USA with her new theatre group, often driving other cast members who did not have cars. Rubber for tires was scarce, roads were not what they are today. She lived in NJ, NY, and FL, and then gratefully settled into her favorite place, California. She chose this golden beach state to live in at a time when it was exploding with grace and newness. Here she lived the rest of her life as a happily married lady enjoying her life with her husband Edward Perry, her children and especially her grandchildren. She was a great beauty and loved to exercise. At age 89 she was still leading an exercise class for her friends. Born the youngest of 5 children, Emily Duncan had a wonderful childhood in Englewood, NJ. They were located outside NYC and had many adventures. She adored her parents and was proud to be a Duncan. The family has a long history of service. Lita's great grandfather, General Duncan, volunteered to lead one of the first African American units to fight for the Union during the Civil War. Her mother, Emily Vermilye Brinkerhoff, was the youngest of the popular siblings her community referred to as "the 7 sisters of Englewood." The senior Emily volunteered to play piano for the prison inmates as an act of compassion. Lita's grandfather, Elbert Adrain Brinkerhoff, took a sea voyage in 1859 on the clipper ship Adelaide to the gold rush. He also carried gold bullion by steamship across the Sacramento River as an agent for Wells Fargo Co. during one of the first Pony Express Rides in California. Later in life he was one of the founding fathers and 1st mayor of Englewood. Lita was preceded in death by her loving parents, Fredrick Smyth Duncan, and Emily Brinkerhoff Duncan; her brothers, Fredrick, Elbert, Samuel, and her husbands, Louis Stewart, Jr., Denny Dennison, and Edward Thomas Perry. She leaves behind all the family who loved her incredible spirit and sense of adventure. Through them, "Grammy's" laughter will continue to brighten this world. Lita will be greatly missed by this generation and all the future generations who will discover her legacy. She leaves behind 2 daughters, 8 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great- grandson: daughters, Lita Perry O'Connell and Joan Duncan Stewart Ruvane her grandchildren, Kelly O'Connell Marin, Maura O'Connell Marbut, Emily Anne Ruvane Johnston, Sharon Vermilye Ruvane, Mary Brent Ruvane, Patricia Mildred Ruvane, Joseph Jerome Ruvane, III, Louis Stewart Ruvane; great-grandchildren, Logan Diego Marin, Maya Emily Marin, Ella Ladybug Marbut, Gretchen Duncan Neison Duarte, Harry Hoke Neison, Kelly Lynne Ruvane, Joseph Jerome Ruvane IV, Kyler Gates Ruvane, Scott James Gravatt, Katie Joan Gravatt, Liam Samuel Ruvane, Boden Louis Ruvane; her great-great-grandson, Logan Duarte. Lita will be buried at Cypress Lawn Memorial Park in Colma, CA, beside her beloved husband Edward Perry. Nearby will be her favorite dog, "Prancer" the spunky Schnauzer. Emily Lita Duncan Perry always searched for the joy in life. It was her personal trademark. Her family will continue to do the same through her timeless inspiration.
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Full name, obituary, family links and information by Laura J. Stewart (#47412616)
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Gravesite Details
Ref: Cemetery Records gave date of death only
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