Our Angels (Previous Recipients)
Kelley patterson
Kelley Patterson was a wife and mother of two beautiful daughters living with ALS. In January 2009, her health began to deteriorate. This was not only a lifestyle change for her family; it was the beginning of a new journey in life. Five years into her illness, she was 100% dependent on her family. Between camping trips and her girl's school activities, she enjoyed life to the fullest.
Blanche Spruengli
Blanche was a loving and loyal partner, mother, and friend. She was born to Mary Walker Spruengli and Hans Spruengli in the Philippines on September 3, 1945. She graduated from St. Paul College (Class of ’66), in Manila and came to the United States in 1967. She first came to stay with her Uncle and Aunt in Long Beach, California and continued to reside in Southern California throughout the remainder of her life.
Blanche was involved in the travel industry her entire career and loved to travel which allowed her to see many different parts of the World. Her favorite activities were dancing, gardening, and throwing parties for friends and family. She was very sociable and a loyal and true friend, which resulted in an exceptionally supportive network of family and friends. She was an extremely positive spirit who, following her diagnosis in 2010, remained positive throughout, despite the many complications resulting from this terrible disease.
Blanche is survived by her partner of 30 years, George Hatley and two children: Michael Gamboa (and wife Audrey Alvarez) and Kristine Bonsall (and husband Andrew) and four grandchildren: Elijah and Mekhi Gamboa and Jaxson and Sofia Bonsall. She is also survived by four siblings: Lina Himes and Hans, Ralph, and Richard Spruengli.
Johanna Hendrika van Egmond
Johanna was born in The Hague, Netherlands to Roelof and Jannetje van Egmond. She and her sisters, Corrie and Diek, all survived World War II.
Johanna left home at the age of 17 to begin a lifetime of travel visiting every continent but one. She worked and lived in Lourdes and Paris, France, then on to Lucerne, Switzerland. In 1957, her next adventure took her to Australia, where daughters Ruby and Gigi were born. The family immigrated to the USA in 1967.
ohanna loved children and enjoyed a teaching career for over 50 years, including 25 years as the owner of Carousel Pre-School in Long Beach, California.
She loved her family, reading, the beach, the gym and her garden. Her great sense of humor kept everyone laughing.
She leaves behind her daughters Ruby (Ken) and Gigi (Dave); grandchildren Spencer, Haley (Joe), Alyse and great grand-child Sienna; best friend and sister Diek and brother-in-law Wim Schippers; brother -in-law Ruut van Zanten; nephews and nieces in Holland, England and Australia; friends in Long Beach and thousands of children who attended Carousel Pre-School.
Her family and friends are all so happy to have enjoyed so many wonderful hears and such great memories. To a live well lived!
Jim Daniele
Jim was born and raised in Burbank, California. He worked in the aircraft industry until retirement.
Jim was an avid bicycle rider, camper and fisherman.
Jim was diagnosed with ALS in January, 2013 after experiencing weakness in his legs and arms for two years prior. Despite his disease, Jim still enjoyed life. He appreciated all the time spent with family, including his granddaughters. Jim was blessed with many great memories.
JEFF BROWN
After graduating from law school and successfully passing the bar, Jeff started a law career in April of 2014. After noticing weakness in his leg playing basketball, he was diagnosed in July of 2014 with ALS. Unfortunately, this disease has run rampant in his family with Jeff being the twelfth member to have gotten the disease. At only six months from first recognized symptoms, Jeff was almost completely paralyzed but still had use of his voice. He was completely dependent on his mother’s care and being a big guy, it is a lot for anyone to undertake. Trish’s Angels helped fund some additional care to give his mother a break.