Etheleen (Brown) FISKE

BROWN, FISKE, JOHNSON, NASMAN, PHILLIPS, FISKE-PHILLIPS, HARDIN, HARDIN-BEGLARYAN, BEGLARYAN, RAYBOURN

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 3/12/2008 at 12:11:47

1919 - 2008

Etheleen "Helen" (Brown) Fiske passed away peacefully at home in Lodi, California on Tuesday, March 4, 2008. She was born December 8, 1919 in Clarion, Iowa to the Rev. Richard Ewing Brown and Greta Marie Johnson Brown. At the tender age of 6 months, she moved to Southern California with her parents. She graduated from Dinuba High School at the age of 16 and went on to graduate from Chapman College. In 1950, Etheleen met and married George D. Fiske. Known for her fabulous keyboard skills on both organ and piano, Etheleen played for over 70 years, accompanying many singers and instrumentalists, including Broadway's John Raitt. Through her mother and their connection with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) she met composer Hoagy Carmichael and actor Ronald Reagan.

Known for her very positive outlook on life, she always saw the glass half-full, or most often, full to the brim! Etheleen had a ready smile, a cheerful laugh and always enjoyed a good joke. She and her family enjoyed singing, talking, family meals, and playing games. Scrabble was a popular choice at the Fiske household, and though seldom won by Etheleen against George (aka the Scrabble Master), she didn't have to win the game of life to get a lot of pleasure and enjoyment from it. One of her favorite quotes was "We've got to get organized," but while her house was never the best organized, she knew that playing and singing at the piano, surrounded by family, was more important than getting the dishes done. Etheleen and George visited England several times and enjoyed traveling. Etheleen never met a stranger, always sitting next to a new best friend on the bus, train, or airplane. When she arrived at her destination, she would even introduce her bosom buddy to whoever was picking her up. Etheleen played the piano and organ at the United Congregational Christian Church in Lodi for over 20 years. She taught school for several years at both Oak View and Turner Schools in Lodi, and also gave piano lessons. Etheleen and George were involved with International Christian Youth Exchange (ICYE ) for a number of years and had three exchange students themselves, one of whom recently paid her a visit in Lodi.

Etheleen is survived by her three children: Elizabeth (Betsy) Fiske of Lodi, Sally Fiske Nasman and husband, Paul of Berkeley, and Loring Fiske-Phillips and wife, Barbie of Redlands. She took immense pride in her six grandchildren and followed their activities and accomplishments with never-ending interest: Caryn Hardin of Nashville, TN, Colleen Hardin-Beglaryan and husband, Samuel of Sacramento, Carl Nasman of New York City, Linnea Nasman of Berkeley, Sarah Fiske-Phillips and Jacob Fiske-Phillips of Redlands. She is also survived by three younger brothers: Rev. Richard (Dick) E. Brown Jr. and wife, Peggy of Ojai, Rev. Harsh Brown and wife Frances of Columbia, MO, and Rev. George Brown and wife, Janet of Julian; one cousin, Robert (Bob) Raybourn and wife, Mary of Lake Forest; along with numerous nieces and nephew. Etheleen is predeceased by her husband, the Rev. George D. Fiske (1997).

A memorial service will be held at United Congregational Christian Church, 701 S. Hutchins St., Lodi, CA on April 12 at 2 p.m. Contributions in her memory may be made to the church or to Heifer International. Inurnment will be at the Fiske Family plot in the Woodland City Cemetery.

LodiNews, California
3/11/2008