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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (June 7, 2017)
Wednesday, June 7, 2017 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon 9 Obituaries Gwendolyn Berry Stanley Charles Pintarich March 2, 1922 — April 11, 2017 April 22, 1935 — April 28, 2017 Gwendolyn Berry, a resi- dent of Sisters for 24 years, passed away peacefully at home. She was 95. Born in Missoula, Montana, she was raised with her sister in Portland. Gwen attended St. Mary of the Valley Catholic boarding school in Beaverton and grad- uated from Jefferson High School in Portland in 1940. An adventurer her entire life, Gwen was inspired to help her country during World War II, applying to the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), a program designed to utilize the talents of women who were trained to shuttle military aircraft around the United States dur- ing the war while the nation’s men served overseas. Gwen was accepted out of 25,000 applicants. She took flying lessons in Blythe, California, in prepa- ration for joining the WASP program. She was ordered to report to Sweetwater, Texas, for advanced training but, alas, the program was can- celled before she joined. Sometimes bad luck plays midwife to good fortune. A picture of her flight school graduating class wound up in the hands of a talent scout for Howard Hughes’ RKO Pictures. He found Gwen and asked if she wanted to screen-test for stardom. Gwen politely said no. She had other ideas. After a brief marriage that produced one son, Gwen met her husband-for- life on a blind date in 1957 in Portland. John “Jack” Stanley Charles Pintarich, born April 22, 1935 in Portland, passed away peace- fully among family members after an extended struggle with Binswanger’s dementia on April 28 in Sisters. He had just celebrated his 30th anniversary and 82nd birthday. He was the only child of Stanley Louis and Margaret Opheim Pintarich. A lifelong Oregonian, he graduated from Lincoln High School and from Oregon State College where he received a Bachelor of Science in History. Stan spent his career with Pacific Northwest Bell (later Qwest and now Century Link), starting out as a payphone coin collector and working his way to fed- eral procurement manager. Stan was active and involved in his communi- ties, including membership on the Tillamook County Planning Commission dur- ing the passing of the her- alded Oregon Beach Bill. He was a member of the Berry (deceased in 2006), was working at Aetna Life and Casualty’s field office in Portland. A gal working in the office who knew Gwen set them up. Jack’s eyes left their sockets when he saw her for the first time and were reportedly still missing when they married in 1958. Jack’s work called him to field all over the East Coast. Gwen dutifully followed. While focusing on her family, Gwen found adven- ture in travel and camping. By the end of her life she vis- ited most of the national parks in the U.S. and all 50 states, some several times. Gwen also enjoyed rock hound- ing and was a great cook. In 1993, Jack and she retired to Sisters. In the house they custom built on 12 acres of land, Gwen mar- veled at the Cascade moun- tains. Here she tended to the land and enjoyed the com- pany of friends and family. Gwen is survived by sons Scott Christiansen of Gladstone; John Berry of Sisters; and Michelle Berry Helitzer of Simsbury, Connecticut; and several grandchildren, including twins Gretchen and Kirsten Helitzer. Services were held in late April. Obituaries Policy: The Nugget Newspaper does not charge a fee to publish obituaries. Obituaries may be up to 400 words and include one photo. Obituaries outside these guidelines are handled by the advertising department. Obituary submissions must be received by noon on Monday. Obituaries may be submitted to The Nugget by email or hand delivery to our office located at 442 E. Main Ave., Sisters. READY FOR RODEO? Everything you need is at 100 E. Cascade Ave., Sisters 541-549-6451 - ShopDixies.com city council in Scappoose and was appointed to the Columbia Regional Association of Governments Council, a precursor to today’s Metro Board. Stan also served on the statewide planning Land Conservation and Development Council. After his retirement, he stayed active working with seniors in Washington County. Stan and his wife, Phyllis, were involved with various clubs including ones dedicated to vintage Volvos, Land Rovers, and Airstream travel trailers, and moved to Sisters in 2003, after having camped in Camp Sherman for several years. Stan had a sense of humor and love of music that he gained from his father, local radio host Stan “Old Dusty” Pintarich. He loved the outdoors, and in his middle years could often be found sailing local inland waterways. Stan is survived by his wife, Phyllis; daughters Leslie Pintarich (Denny Cusimano), Cheryl Costello (Laird Davis), and Kristin Pintarich; son Daniel (Dia) Pintarich; step-daughters Jenny (Chris) Humcke, Sarah (John) Short, and Amy Tantau Hamilton; four grand- daughters and two grand- sons. Remembrances may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association. Brace Yourself for Summer! $300 Discount ULTRASOUND PAIN THERAPY AVAILABLE We welcome all patients, Workman’s comp., and auto accidents too. Three Sisters Chiropractic & Pain Management Dr. Inice Gough, DC, CCT, CCST 541.549.3583 For the month of June when you start a comprehensive treatment program! Not valid with any other offer. New Patients Only. Smile by Shanda and The Brace Place! 541-382-0410 410 E. Cascade Ave., Sisters CentralOregonBracePlace.com
