Foothills Sentry - July 2022

Page 9 Foothills Sentry July 2022 Tustin Man and Woman of the Year awarded Longtime Tustin community members Mark Eliot and Kim DeBenedetto have been selected as Tustin Area Man and Woman of the Year for 2021. The an- nouncement was made at the an- nual awards dinner, June 3. The program has been held for more than 60 years. Tustin individuals are recognized for their dedicated work and outstanding volun- teerism in the community. Longtime Tustin community members Kim DeBenedetto and Mark El- iot were selected as Tustin Man and Woman of the Year for 2021. Lynda Estelle Klinger 1948-2022 Lynda Estelle Klinger, age 73, passed away too soon, due to a heart attack and lung complica- tions, on May 31. She was born on June 28, 1948, in Bronx, New York, where she was raised by her parents Jack and Dorothy Barsky. Her family moved to Florida when she was in high school. In Miami, she met her husband of 54 years, Richard Klinger. She and “Richie,” as she endearingly called him, moved to Orange, California after they were mar- ried. They lived in Modjeska Canyon for over 50 years. The light of Lynda’s life was her son, Jordan Jason Klinger, and she was delighted, in 2020, to welcome his bride, Emma Rose Klinger, into the family. She con- vinced them to move next door, so they could enjoy living in the canyon together. Lynda had a way of truly observing and honoring everything about the individuals she met, and they would feel fully received as she tuned in to who they were. She was such a loving person, and cared deeply about her extended family and friends. Lynda did everything with gusto, and she had a joy for life. Lynda developed a career as an alcohol and drug treatment coun- selor. She approached life with a passion, and excelled at provid- ing understanding and support for the lives she touched. Her steadfastness and ability to be fully present was recognized by her employer, mentor, and friend, who was the founder and presi- dent of Cornerstone Drug Treat- ment of Southern California, Dr. Michael Stone. Her diligent work ethic and deep care for those in her purview led to her promotion to the position of lead administra- tor and assistant to the president at Cornerstone. In true Lynda fashion, she was “on” 24/7 with her thoughtful, empathetic, and observant gaze, which was felt by all staff and residents. She was fascinated by animals, and she liked plants of all kinds. She was happiest in her backyard. Lynda was an avid reader, and her keen powers of observation were focused on a variety of subjects, including horticulture, biology, music, art, literature, computer science, history, and much more. She was truly a “Renaissance” woman. Some of the words that offer a glimpse into her character are creative, intelligent, intuitive, generous, witty, inquisitive, af- fectionate, resourceful, and truly fun to talk to and be with. To say that she was taken from those who loved and honored her too soon would not begin to ex- press the depth of our loss. Information about Lynda’s Cel- ebration of Life can be found at everloved.com/ l ife-of/ lynda- klinger/. Memorial Day observed The Community Foundation of Orange hosted a flag tribute in front of city hall over Memorial Day weekend. A brief ceremony was held on May 30. From left, Foundation members Doug Willets and Susie Cun- ningham, First District Councilwoman Arianna Barrios, and founda- tion members Brian Lochrie, Kassie (holding Reagan) and Jonathan Trapesonian. A bugler plays taps at the Me- morial Day Remembrance Cer- emony held at Fairhaven Memo- rial Park, May 30. About 3,000 people attended the event that included patriotic band music, recognition of the branches of the armed forces and talks by military personnel and public officials . The Fairhaven Memorial Day Service featured a flyover of vin- tage World War II T-6 Texans. Photos by Tony Richards