In Loving Memory of Josephine Antionette Pflueger

September 19, 1933 - March 16, 2024

Josephine Antionette Pflueger, affectionately known as "Dolly" by her siblings, was born on September 19, 1933, in Los Angeles, CA. She peacefully passed away on March 16, 2024, in Glendale, CA. She was the beloved daughter of Rosie Logreco Norcia and Nicolo Norcia, both immigrants from Palermo, Italy.

Josephine was the youngest of four siblings, including Cecelia (Cindy), Matthew, Carmen, and her late brother Eduardo Pietro (Peter), who passed away at the tender age of 3. She cherished her role as the true youngest member of the family and brought joy and laughter to all who knew her.

Josephine’s journey through life was marked by love and partnership. She was married three times: to William Poggione in 1953, James Hopper in 1959, and Wilbur Pflueger in 1972. From her first two marriages, she had three children: Mary Cathrine Poggione, Michael Jay Hopper, and Rose Antionette Hopper. Wilbur had four children from his previous marriage: Renee, Steven, Randy, and William. Together, Josephine and Wilbur formed a beautiful blended family, blessed with seven children, sixteen grandchildren, and twenty-two great-grandchildren.

Josephine had a passion for cooking and delighted in preparing meals for her family. She was known for hosting family events, where her warm hospitality and delicious food brought loved ones together. She also enjoyed traveling across the country to visit family, nurturing her green thumb through gardening, and had a deep affection for animals.

A service to celebrate Josephine's life will be held on April 5th, 2024, at 11 AM at Holy Redeemer Church. Following the service, a procession will lead to San Fernando Mission, where she will be laid to rest. A viewing will be held on the evening of April 4th, from 4 PM to 7 PM, at Crippen Mortuary allowing friends and family to pay their respects and share fond memories of Josephine.

Josephine Antionette Pflueger will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her love, kindness, and joyful spirit will forever live on in the hearts of her family and friends. May she find eternal peace in the embrace of her loved ones who have gone before her.

Daniel Miller was born on May 22, 1945 in Moline, IL to Elsie and Vernon Miller. He passed away at home surrounded by his family on February 17, 2024 after a nearly 25-year battle with cancer. 

Growing up in the then vibrant Quad Cities, Dan loved spending time with his older brother Larry and his two older sisters Julie and Marilyn. He had a profound respect for his stepfather Bob Cheney and always thought of him as his father. Dan was a proud graduate of Alleman High School in Rock Island, IL and enjoyed spending time with his friends and working on his TR3. He spent many hours working in the local foundry and there committed himself to furthering his education.

After high school, Dan moved to Orange County, California to live with his older sister Julie and attend college. He was actively involved with campus life at Long Beach State University, and there met the love of his life, Francee Ottem. He graduated with a degree in Industrial Arts education in 1969 and began his career as a woodshop teacher that fall at La Canada High School. He and Francee were married that winter.

Dan worked at La Canada High for over 20 years and loved mentoring young people as a teacher, coach and advisor. He was especially proud of the enduring relationships he forged with many students that lasted the rest of his life. The second half of his career was spent working for the Los Angeles County Office of Education, first as an administrator for the ROP program and later as the first executive director of the GAIN Welfare to Work program. Dan truly believed in the transformative power of honest work and was a passionate advocate for those in need. He retired in 2006 and was blessed to maintain many friendships from his time at LCHS and LACOE.

Free of work obligations, Dan filled his retirement with a variety of new hobbies. He was an eager member of the Pasadena Pacers Running Club, even completing a few marathons. Dan enjoyed restoring a sailboat and building arts and crafts around the house. He also developed a love for quilting and spent many hours making quilts for family and friends.

The most important thing in Dan’s life was his family. He and Francee were married for 54 years and blessed with two sons, Michael and Robert. Dan loved nothing more than being Papa to his seven grandchildren and three great-grandsons. They will always remember the way he made each of them feel special whenever they interacted. Papa had a love for life and for them that was unparalleled. 

Survived by his loving wife Francee and their sons Michael (Katherine) and Robert (Jenna)

Grandchildren: Aubrey (Elan), Kayla, Lindsay (Jeremy), Emily, Christopher, Bobby and Brenna

Great Grandsons: Ikaika, Kekoa and Makai

Siblings: Marilyn (Keith) Rodgers

Preceded in death by his parents Bob and Elsie and siblings Larry and Julie. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Redeemer Church, 2400 Montrose Avenue, Montrose, CA 91020 on Saturday March 16th, 2024 at 11 a.m. followed by a reception at the Knights of Columbus Hall at  2657 Honolulu, Montrose.