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Edythe Grace Rickenbacher (Wissel)

1922-2011

 

Edythe Grace Rickenbacher (Wissel), 88, was born Aug. 20, 1922, in San Francisco and passed away peacefully with her two children by her side on June 13, 2011, in Sonoma.

Edythe lived following God's ideals, was always positive, met people with a smile because it cost nothing and always showed gratitude for any favor, big or small. She was very generous to her church, charities and with people who provided service to her.

Edythe was the second of four children born to August (Gus) Wissel and Evelyn Wissel (deBarbieri).

Edythe is survived by her sister, Evelyn Knowlton and brother, Robert (Bob) Wissel. She was predeceased by her brother, August (Buddy) Wissel. She also is survived by her son, Charles (Rick) Rickenbacher, and his wife, Lynne; and her daughter, Caroline Matz and her husband, Doug; grandchildren, Pamela McCoy and husband, Brian, Charles (Ricky) Rickenbacher, and wife, Camille and Marissa Matz; great-grandchildren, Austin, Trent and Brooke.

Edythe was raised in San Francisco attending Everett Junior High and Mission High School. She received a full scholarship to a business college and became a bookkeeper/accountant in accounts payable and receivable.

Edythe worked for Southern Pacific, Pacific Fruit Express and California Equipment Company supervising the accounting department. During World War II, she managed the shipments of military goods to the troops.

After the war, Edythe continued working in downtown San Francisco and Oakland. Edythe was relieved when her loving husband, Charles (Charlie), returned safely from military duty.

Edythe, Charlie and their two children moved into a new house in Daly City (Westlake) in 1952, where she resided for 59 years. Edythe was a founding member of Our Lady of Mercy Church (OLM) and Westlake Catholic Woman's Club. She was active in OLM school activities, festivals, rummage sales and a leader in Cub Scouts, Bluebirds and Girl Scouts. She served as six-year president of the Young at Hearts Club and was a member of the Doelger Senior Center.

Edythe loved and was devoted to her husband and family. For many years, they traveled all of the western United States, Canada and Mexico. They took family vacations to Clear Lake, Brooktrails (Willits), Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch (Quincy); she and Charlie enjoyed traveling across the entire United States and Canada by car.

Both Edythe and Charlie enjoyed memberships and good times at Green Hills Country Club in Millbrae and the Olympic Club at Lakeside.

Edythe will be greatly missed by anyone who had the pleasure of knowing her, but her loving spirit will remain forever in our hearts. She now rests peacefully side-by-side in heaven with her loving husband, Charlie.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Edythe's name can be made to OLM Parish or to your favorite charity.

A vigil will be held on Monday, June 20, beginning at 4 p.m. with rosary at 7 p.m. Mass service will be held at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 1 Elmwood Drive, Daly City, on Tuesday, June 21, at 11 a.m. followed by burial at Olivet Cemetery in Colma.

Arrangements under the direction of the Bud Duggan Family, 650-756-4500 or 415-587-4500.