Lasting Memories
Miriam Korleen Angus
Oct. 16, 1917-July 30, 2011
Palo Alto, California
Submitted by Alice Anne Chandler
Miriam K. Angus always had a smile and a positive word for everyone she met. She could remember names, facts, places and dates up until the day she died. Miriam died peacefully at the age of 93 on July 30, 2011.
Even though blind for the last 9 years of her life, she had a visual memory that enabled her to see things from her travels, memories, and friendships. She remained independent until the day she died, mastering voice email, text to voice translation, and books downloaded to a stream reader. She listened to two to three books each week. She walked on the treadmill until she was in her 90s.
She was born at home in Crete, Ill., on Oct. 16, 1917. She married her high school sweetheart, Stewart M. Angus in 1940. They lived and farmed near Miriam's childhood home, raising corn and Angus Cattle until 1948, when they sold the farm, purchased a long trailer and a solid body Ford station wagon.
They took eight weeks to travel to California with their three children, Korleen (Angus) Brodie, Matthew S. Angus, and Alice Anne (Angus) Chandler. This was quite a courageous adventure: the kids were six, four and two. They settled in Ventura, Calif., completing their search for a moderate climate for Stew's health.
They enjoyed life there with a growing family, wonderful friendships, their beloved ocean, church, school board, Lions Club and Port Board Commissioner duties. Miriam was the first woman president of the Ventura School Board and the first woman to serve as an Elder for the Ventura Presbyterian Church. She was a true pioneer.
While in Ventura, Stewart had his own Real Estate office and Miriam was his Office Manager. They moved to Palo Alto, Calif., in 1983, where they joined The First Congregational Church and Miriam was a member of Chapter RS PEO, as well as NSDAR. Miriam enjoyed helping out at the Palo Alto Museum of American Heritage when it was in its beginning stages. She donated the family antique pump organ to the museum where it is on display periodically.
After Stewart's death, Miriam became an active resident of Channing House. She loved the many friends she made while living there. Miriam loved her six grandchildren, four great grandchildren and several step great grandchildren. They were the joy of her life.
Miriam will be greatly missed. She asked that all remember her when they gaze upon the Pacific Ocean.
Aug. 12, 2011
