Elizabeth Ann Olsen Dec 19, 1944-August 18, 2025

Elizabeth Ann Olsen, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away on August 18, 2025, at the age of 80. Born on December 19, 1944, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, to Ruth and Harold Olsen, Elizabeth lived a vibrant and multifaceted life with a passion for creativity and community.

 She is survived by her devoted son, Chris, and daughter-in-law, Kristen; grandchildren, Romero, Natalie, Melanie, Miles, Ellie, and Chase; siblings, Bill, Fred, and Carl; and nieces, Sandra, Rebecca, and Megan. She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Neil.

Her legacy lives on in the laughter of her grandchildren, the memories shared by loved ones, and the countless lives she brightened with her caring spirit.

Here at the Center we remember Elizabeth for her deep appreciation of our teachings and her love of music. She often had a wonderful book to recommend and delighted in sharing her knowledge of ecological, water-wise gardening. Elizabeth added her own quiet grace to the tapestry of our community, weaving in wisdom, curiosity, and genuine kindness.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to support the Ceres Community Project: https://www.ceresproject.org/giving-options-for-individuals.

 

Celebration of Life for Elizabeth Ann Olsen

Saturday October 18 at 2PM

Center for Spiritual Living

2075 Occidental Rd, Santa Rosa Ca

All are welcome.

 

 

Jolynn Jean Lauer 1946-2025

Jolynn Jean (Bidwell) Lauer was born in Iowa City, Iowa to Jean and Bill Bidwell, now deceased. She grew up in Burlington, IA, graduated from Burlington High School in 1964 and Burlington Junior College in 1967. She joined VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) in 1967 and served for a year in Chicago, IL and Tulsa, OK. In 1967 she married Fred M. Lauer, Jr. They lived in Columbus, OH, then moved to Berkeley, CA in the late ‘60ies.

After their divorce, jo remained in Berkeley and began unfolding her career path in psychology. She moved to Napa and became a licensed Psychiatric Technician.  In 1976 she married Lincoln Beals. Their daughter Sara was born, and Jo opened The Scent Shoppe in Napa. Following her divorce from Lincoln, Jo returned to school and got her BA in Psychology and MA in Counseling at Sonoma State University. 

She moved to Santa Rosa with their daughter and did her internship at Chrysalis Counseling Services where she then became a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. In 1990, Jo began her private practice. She retired in 2021.

She was active in the Lesbian Voter’s Caucus, was a founding member of Lavender Roses Readers Theater, a member of LezResist, and Senior Lesbians in Community. She was a member of the Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa, and a member of the One Heart Choir there for 20 years. She was also a member of the Redwood Empire Chapter of the California Writers Association, and the Redwood Empire California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.

She considered herself a therapeutic phenomenologist, welcoming anyone who walked into her therapy office, and a gustatory enthusiast – her favorite pastime was having a great meal with good friends.

She was also the author of seven novels and a collection of short stories. One of her stories, “Roots in My Garden” was adapted to film in 2021 and screened at both the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival and the San Francisco Independent Film Festival in 2024. She was a member of BAI-Take 2, a Facebook group of independent film makers and screenwriters.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Bill Bidwell (CO).

She is survived by her loving family, daughter Sara Frampton, her “grandtwins” Lincoln and Everett Frampton, her sister Sue Spight (CT), many nieces, and a nephew.

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jo’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 

Here at the Center our hearts are tender as we surround Jo Lauer and her beloved family in love and blessing.

For 33 years, Jo graced our Center with her radiant spirit. Her voice rang out through our choirs, lifting spirits and opening hearts. Her Lavender Rose performances brought laughter, insight, and warmth.
Through her writing and film work,she pointed us toward deeper truth and our shared humanity.

Now we release her with love,honoring the beauty she brought to this world.

Fly free, dear Jo—carried by the prayers of your Center family, and held always in the heart of Spirit. 

Please join the family and friends of Jo Lauer as we come together to celebrate her bright and beautiful spirit. The service will be held in our sanctuary. 

Celebration of Life-Jo Lauer

Saturday, September 6, at 11 AM

Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa

 All are welcome. 

Debra Leehouts 1962-2025

Celebration of Life-Debra Leenhouts

Saturday, August 9, at 10 am

Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa

 

You are warmly invited to join Keith Hanna with  the extended family  and friends of Debra Leenhouts as we come together to celebrate Debra , a bright and beautiful soul. The service will take place in the social hall at the Center.
 
It was easy to spot Debra with her bouncy blond curls and radiant smile. Her joy filled the space wherever she was at the Center, whether sitting at our weekday reception, or riding her wheelchair into the sanctuary on Sunday, closely followed by her beloved husband, Keith Hanna. 
 
 
"I miss her bubbly presence, and look forward to remembering her with you on Saturday." 
                                                                                                                      Rev. Joyce Duffala  
 
Debra Leenhouts was born on May 24th 1961 in Grand Rapids Michigan. Debra passed on July 6th 2025 from complications of MS. She is survived by her loving husband Keith, loving brother Dave, sister Sandy, amazing nieces and nephews, wonderful cousins, and loving family and friends.

She moved around Michigan many times in her youth as her dad, Al's job working for Standard Oil took him to parts far and wide.

Debra graduated from Hope College with a degree in Social Work which she did for several years. She then moved to San Francisco with her first husband and worked for Computer Learning Center.

Debra then got into the insurance business where she met some of her most dear and longest friends Bev and Wayne, and Alicia.

Debra met the love of her life, Keith Hanna, during a singles event put on by the Center for Spiritual living. They were married on October 4th 2003. Keith  remembers this as “the Happiest day of his life, except every day after that.”

Debra greatly valued her family, friends, the environment, and a world that works for all beings, and was herself a loving, wonderful and kind person.
 
Here at the Center we remember Debra for her beautiful bright smile and vivacious spirit. She brought light and love to every room and to every heart. Our hearts are tender as we say goodbye.