Stephanie Tucker

August 16, 1945 ~ Dcember 7, 2025

Dr. Stephanie Tucker, 80, passed away on December 7, 2025, in Sacramento, California, after an injury and brief illness. A brilliant and compassionate woman, Stephanie was deeply loved and respected by her family, friends, colleagues, and students. Her legacy as an educator, theater enthusiast, and advocate for human rights and social causes will be remembered with admiration and gratitude.

Born on August 16, 1945, in New York City to Carll Tucker and Emily Fowler, Stephanie spent most of her childhood in Westchester County just outside New York City where her grandparents lived. Her early life was shaped by a love of the arts and intellectual curiosity. Her father, a newspaperman, introduced her to the world of theater at a young age—taking her to plays both on and off Broadway. These formative experiences sparked a lifelong passion for the stage. Though she preferred the audience to the spotlight, theater remained a central joy throughout her life.

When Stephanie was 17, she and a friend traveled by train from the east coast to California—where she immediately realized she'd found a home. After a brief stint in college, Stephanie dropped out of school and drove to California in 1967, where she lived for the remainder of her life.

Stephanie pursued higher education with determination and distinction. She earned both her B.A. and M.A. from California State University, Sacramento (CSUS), followed by a Ph.D. from the University of California, Davis. Her academic journey led to a fulfilling career in education where she found immense joy in teaching. She cherished her time in the classroom at CSUS, surrounded by bright and talented students who inspired her daily. Stephanie often said she learned as much from them as they did from her—and she remained forever grateful for those shared experiences.

After retiring from CSUS, Stephanie returned to one of her earliest loves: the theater. She accepted a position as Literary Manager and Dramaturg for Capital Stage in Sacramento—a role that allowed her to engage deeply with dramatic literature while working behind the scenes in an environment she adored.

Above all else, Stephanie drew her greatest joy from her family. She is lovingly remembered by her son Tony Cale and his wife Becky Cale; her daughter Cate Cale-Thompson and husband John-Reed Thompson; and her cherished grandchildren Gwendolyn Thompson and Lucas Thompson. Her devotion to them was unwavering, and their lives were enriched by her wisdom, humor, and boundless love.

Stephanie's wit was sharp; her generosity profound; her commitment to others unwavering. Whether mentoring students or supporting local causes close to her heart, she lived with purpose and compassion. She will be forever missed by those who knew and loved her.

In honor of Stephanie's memory, donations may be made to Capital Stage or Front Street Animal Shelter in Sacramento, CA.

Elroy Littlefield

August 27, 1943 ~ Dcember 28, 2025

Elroy Littlefield, Jr. was born August 27, 1943 to Elroy and Ophelia Marie (Williams) Littlefield in Fort Worth, Texas. He was the second of their four sons. An early photograph of him with his older brother on their father’s lap shows him as pugnacious, direct, and forward-looking. These were qualities he possessed all his life.

The family migrated from Texas to California around 1946 or 1947, traveling by train in what must have been segregated accommodations though he was too young to know about such things. An abiding memory is of the two older boys sleeping in the overhead luggage rack where their parents made a bed using blankets and perhaps a pillow.

They first landed in San Pedro, California where he attended elementary school, and eventually settled in Sacramento where he attended high school at Highlands High, graduating on June 9, 1961. He then went on to what was then known as Sacramento State College, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in June 1965. He received a congratulatory letter from Jesse Unruh, Speaker of the California State Assembly, indicating that he had already attracted attention. He was initiated into the Kappa Sigma National Service Fraternity in 1964.

He started work as an undergraduate in the college bookstore and soon made himself indispensable. The store manager called to get his advice when he was away with the Air Force Reserve which he joined after graduation. Some considered the incident a mark of distinction. He considered it an annoying distraction, not least because he had to walk some distance across the parade ground to receive the call. He eventually became textbook manager (1965), and subsequently the Director of Bookstore Services. From 1997 until his retirement in 2004 he was appointed as the Executive Director of the California State University Sacramento Foundation. These were positions no African American had held before him. His highest and most prestigious accomplishments were president of the California Association of College Stores (CACS), which he served on this Board from 1980 to 1985, and president of the National Association of College Stores (NACS), described as “the primary trade association for the $10 billion campus retail industry, representing nearly 4,000 college and university stores and over 1,000 suppliers in the U.S.”

This is also believed to be a first for an African American. The California State University, Sacramento Black Faculty Association acknowledged his achievements with a certificate upon his retirement.

Elroy had a productive retirement of many years until stricken with an unexpected illness and passed away peacefully on December 28, 2025. He leaves behind a legacy defined by kindness, and unwavering love. To know Elroy was to feel welcomed, valued, and embraced as family. His generosity was not a trait he practiced occasionally – it was the foundation of who he was.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Elroy Littlefield, Sr., and Ophelia Marie Broadway; and five brothers and two sisters-in-law, Paul (Gertrude) Littlefield, Leo (Linda) Broadway, John Broadway, Curtis Broadway, Jesse Broadway; one nephew, Nicholas M. Broadway; and one niece, Janice L. Ellis.

Elroy leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved son, Robert; five brothers, Daniel (Valinda) Littlefield of Durham, NC, Raymond (Sabrina) Littlefield of Sacramento, CA, Dennis Broadway of Sacramento, CA, Willie Broadway of Everette, WA, Jimmy Broadway of Sacramento, CA; six sisters, Lela Broadway of Sacramento, CA, Debra Broadway of Sacramento, CA, Denise (Dwight) Evans of Sacramento, CA, Leola Ellis of Sacramento, CA, Lottie Torres of Sacramento, CA, and Mary Earthly of Bonaire, GA; one godson, Jaylen C. Johnson of Sacramento, CA; a host of nieces and nephews, extended family members and friends.

Elroy will be forever missed and remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Sandra Ofsenek Helland

June 27, 1942 ~ January 9, 2026

Sandy Ofsenek Helland peacefully passed on January 9, 2026 after an extended illness. She is survived by her loving husband, Jerry Helland.

At her request, no services will be held. Sandy was a dynamic woman who loved the arts, especially supporting music in the local Sacramento area. Donations in Sandy’s memory may be directed to

The Sacramento Community Concert Association, PO Box 25425, Sacramento, CA 95865.

Cecilia D. Gray

July 17, 1942 ~ February 4, 2026

Dr. Cecilia Dolores Gray passed away peacefully on February 4, 2026 under the caring support of staff at Huger Mercy Living Center in Phoenix, Ariz. She was visited and surrounded by many family members in her final days. Born in Urbana, Ill. July 17, 1942, the eldest of 10 children, Cecilia supported her mother as asecondary caregiver to her siblings until she left for college in 1960. This role shaped many things about her adult life, especially her academic and professional pursuits in child and family studies.

Cecilia moved with her family to Weimar, Tex., when she was 14. She attended Bishop Forest High School in nearby Schulenberg, then went on to study Home Economics at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Tex. (1960 - 1964). Mid-way through Cecilia’s tenure there, her family moved to Arizona; she stayed to complete her studies, traveling to visit family during her school breaks.

After college, Cecilia participated in a student loan forgiveness program that took her to Cullman, Ala. to teach Home Economics at Sacred Heart Jr. College. Following that experience, Cecilia pursued graduate studies at Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kas., obtaining a Master’s of Science in Family and Child Studies. In 1968 Cecilia secured a teaching job in her desired field at California State University, Sacramento (then Sacramento State College) where she quickly became recognized for her avant-garde style, from wearing minidresses with green tights to sitting with her students in a circle and creating space for long divergent discussions. Cecilia took a break from teaching between 1971-73 to pursue her PhD in Family Life from Oregon State University in Corvallis, Ore. She had fond memories of going to the beach and made lifelong friends. She returned to Sacramento and resumed teaching while completing her dissertation on Achievement as a Family Theme in Drama, which combined two of her biggest passions: theater and family. She was awarded her doctorate in 1978, allowing her to advance her professional career in academia.

For over 50 years, Cecilia called Sacramento her home, proudly advancing through her higher education career as Professor, Department Chair, Associate Dean, Dean, and Associate Vice President and then fully retiring in 2004. She was admired by her students and took pride in supporting their aspirations. She also shared her affinity for academia with her loved ones, assisting many of her younger family members with the cost of their education and fully supporting higher education as a means of personal growth and economic freedom. She maintained lifelong friendships with her peers, supervisors, and students from Kansas, Oregon and California.

In retirement, Cecilia cherished the time she spent with her young adoptive grandchildren, and filled her spare time with volunteering, travelling, reading, and being with loved ones. Cecilia was known by many to be both empathetic and exacting, serious and playful, quick to take charge and also happy to be attended to, but most of all, she was sophisticated. She loved culture, from food and wine to theater and music. She made frequent trips to Ashland’s Shakespeare Festival and California’s Wine Country, regularly attended music and theater performances in Sacramento and San Francisco, and often sought out museums and fine restaurants both at home and during travels. She also admired influential and accomplished women – including poets, authors, musicians, and political figures.

But one of her truest loves was antiques. Cecilia relished and avidly collected vintage American homewares made from the 1920s-1960s, notably dishes, kitchen appliances, linens, glassware and cocktail sundries. This hobby reflected a passion that she shared with her closest friend, Lee. Cecilia and Lee, a professor of interior design, played off each others’ shared interests, often trading parts of their collection with one another, and eventually, opening “Dish: the Shop on Riverside” in 2008 as a way to showcase and sell some of their vast collections. Cecilia was very proud of this moment in her life - it gave her a renewed sense of self post-retirement and allowed her to share this passion with others.

Cecilia was also well-known for her love of cooking for others and entertaining, a legacy she enabled in some of her loved ones. A long-time resident of Sacramento’s Land Park neighborhood, she frequently hosted friends and colleagues at her home for dinner and cocktail parties, wine and champagne tastings, and themed events such as her “Oscars” parties. She also enjoyed Bridge parties, birthdays and holidays, and an annual Christmas cookie making party with friends.

Suffering from strokes and their impacts during the last 20 years of her life, Cecilia found doing the things she enjoyed became more and more difficult. As she lost her joy for reading, cooking, and antique shopping, her loved ones in Sacramento took strides to give her additional support, joining her for walks or trips to the salon or making meals to share with her. This helped her stay independent and connected for many years. In 2021, she moved to Phoenix, Ariz. where she could be closer to family. Her battle with dementia challenged her peace of mind, but her loved ones worked diligently to find solutions that would accommodate her changing preferences and needs.

Despite her disease causing her to feel unsettled in many ways, she continued to find peace in being around friends and family, enjoying a drink and dinner out, and being doted upon. Cecilia never married, but she is her family’s matriarch. She took on roles of adoptive mother and grandmother, and she is survived by this assumed family, including Lee Anderson, Courbet Anderson, Alana Bain, Anya VandenBerge, Amelia VandenBerge, and Aramis VandenBerge. She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Cecilia Gray, and brothers Philip and Robert Gray Jr., and also survived by her siblings and their spouses – Vince Gray and wife Gloria, Sara Dedmore and husband Pat, Tim Gray, Tom Gray and wife Erin, Brian Gray and wife Vicki, Christine Clouse and husband Greg, and Terry Gray and wife Cathy – as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and their children. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to recognize the staff and service of Huger Mercy Living Center

(https://www.supportstjosephs.org/donate).

Roger Vail

Septpember 25, 1945 ~ January 12, 2026

Roger W. Vail, age 80, died on January 12, 2026, in Sacramento, California. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, and spent much of his childhood growing up in nearby Skokie.

Those early years were marked by strong family ties and an early appreciation for learning and creativity. From a young age, Roger loved reading, music, and art, and he read everything he could get his hands on. During his junior high and high school years, he was a painter and especially enjoyed creating portraits, an early expression of the keen eye and sensitivity that would later define his photographic work. His musical tastes leaned toward classical, jazz, and blues, along with the timeless songs of Frank Sinatra, music he enthusiastically shared with his sister, introducing her to a wide and lasting appreciation of sound and style.

Roger's formal education began at St. Margaret Mary School in Chicago and continued at St. Lambert School in Skokie. He graduated from Notre Dame High School in Niles, IL, with the Class of 1963, and went on to attend the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where he earned both a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Master of Fine Arts, with an emphasis in Photography. His graduate studies helped shape both his artistic vision and his future as an educator.

In 1970, Roger joined California State University, Sacramento, as an Assistant Professor of Art. He was promoted to Associate Professor in 1976 and Full Professor in 1982. Over the decades, he taught Photography, Drawing, and Filmmaking to both undergraduate and graduate students, earning a reputation as a thoughtful mentor and inspiring teacher. In 2006, he retired and was conferred the status of Professor Emeritus, continuing to teach part time for five more years before fully retiring in 2011.

In 1977, Roger married his childhood sweetheart, Carol Margaret Vail (née Smart). Roger, Carol, and her son Claude made their home in Sacramento that year, and in 1980 their son Christopher was born. They shared forty-eight years together, building a loving family life alongside Roger's career and creative pursuits.

Alongside teaching, Roger maintained an active and highly respected artistic practice. His photographic work was exhibited in more than 40 solo and group exhibitions and featured in at least 30 publications. In 2006, his work appeared on the cover of LIFE magazine, accompanying the article "At the Carnival" by Garrison Keillor.

Some of the recurring subjects of his work were carnivals, piers, water, and moonlit nightscapes which he captured with his vintage 8 x 10 Deardorff view camera . He followed the small fairs moving around California to get different angles of the attractions. One critic described these resulting images as "wonderfully poetic and transformational as they focus on the process of transition, the process of transition in the flow of time and space." Another likens his work to a "circus mirror-a shadow world in which reflections and refractions transform solids into liquids and gaseous apparitions." But his lifelong passion was not limited to long exposures of spinning carnival rides; he traveled the streets of his native Chicago, the waterways of Sacramento, throughout the American West, and also in Europe, documenting and creating beauty in what he referred to as inconspicuous places.

Roger's photographs are included in numerous permanent public and private collections in the United States and internationally, including the Museum of Modern Art, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Princeton University Art Museum, the Crocker Art Museum, the Oakland Museum of California, the Museum of Contemporary Photography, the Kiyosato Museum of Photographic Art, the UCLA Wight Art Gallery, the Smart Museum of Art, Purdue University, and the University of New Mexico.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William C. Vail, Jr. and Juanita F. Vail (née Wright), and by his wife, Carol Margaret Vail (née Smart). He is survived by his son, Christopher W. Vail of Sacramento, his stepson, Claude Potts IV (Eunice Park) of Berkeley, CA, and their children, Sabina and Leo; his sister, Allison A. Vail (David Triska) of Centennial, CO; and his niece, Danielle M. Ault (Justin), and their children, Trinity, William, Callie, and Abby.

Roger will be deeply missed by his surviving family, former students, colleagues, and all who knew him. His legacy lives on through the many artists he inspired and through a remarkable body of work that continues to be seen, studied, and admired around the world.

If you wish, donations can be made in his memory to Pajaro Valley Loaves & Fishes or the Elkorn Slough Foundation.

Charlotte Harding Cook

February 16, 1939 ~ February 16, 2026

Charlotte Cook, cherished wife of Craig Rakela, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, deep empathy for the less fortunate, and joy in living with family and friends.

Charlotte and Craig made their home in Sacramento, California. They were also long-time summer residents of Aquinnah, Massachusetts, where Charlotte’s welcoming spirit and warm hospitality were known to many. She formed enduring friendships in both locations and was known for her community engagement and sincere interest in the lives and well-being of others.

Born on February 16th, 1939, in New York City, Charlotte moved with her family to Princeton, NJ, after 4th grade. Charlotte inherited her enthusiasm for and commitment to community service from her father, Thomas P. Cook, who was a respected lawyer, public servant, and devoted alumnus of Princeton University. Charlotte attended Miss Fine’s school before enrolling in Wellesley College. She graduated from Wellesley in the class of 1960 with a major in art history.

After college, Charlotte worked for Time, Inc., in New York, and obtained two Masters’ degrees, one from Teachers College of Columbia and one from Peabody College of Vanderbilt. Subsequently, she earned her doctorate in Special Education at the University of Oregon, specializing in the education and treatment of individuals with severe developmental disabilities. Charlotte then became a professor of Special Education at the California State University of Sacramento, where she taught until retirement. She was elected by her peers to be President of the Academic Senate for two years. As a much respected and beloved teacher, Charlotte was skilled in communicating not only her subject matter knowledge but also the importance and human impact of education. In her later years at the University, she co-founded the Office of Community Collaboration and subsequently administered it herself. She developed and directed the university’s community service program, linking students with the needs of businesses, schools, and community organizations in the greater Sacramento area.

Charlotte had the good fortune to marry Craig in 1981. She cherished him with her whole heart, even during her last year in which she was afflicted by progressive loss of memory and speech. Her partnership with Craig and their mutual devotion was an inspiration to all who knew them.

Charlotte’s personal life was marked by a passionate commitment to her loved ones and to fostering opportunity for others. Her generosity and compassion were extended to animals, especially many adopted dogs who were a source of companionship and joy. Charlotte supported initiatives that helped students in Africa to access schooling, sponsoring several students through to higher education. She also sponsored foreign students who attended her university, launching several on successful careers in the United States.

Charlotte brought joy and comfort to all who knew her. Verbally adept and clear thinking, she loved a lively conversation and genuine, thoughtful exchanges of ideas about things cosmic or mundane. She had a rare gift for making people feel seen and valued, and she would go to great lengths to help anyone in need—whether a close friend, family member, neighbor, or stranger. Her intelligence, kindness, wisdom, and generous spirit will be dearly missed. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of her students, extended family, friends, and all those whose lives were enriched by her warmth and generosity.

In addition to Craig, Charlotte is survived by her brother, Thomas Cook Jr. of Eugene, OR, and her sister, Louisa Cook Moats of Sun Valley, ID, her grand-niece Charlotte Cook Moats, and two great-grand nieces.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to causes supporting environmental stewardship, educational access for students in Africa or causes supporting our community — three passions that reflected Charlotte’s heart and values.

Alan Wade

August 31, 1927 ~ February 22, 2026

Alan Dunwiddie Wade, 98, died on February 22, 2026. Born in Milwaukee on August 31, 1927, Alan spent his early years in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Though he spent more than half of his life in Sacramento, he was a descendant of a designated "Wisconsin Pioneer Family," and part of the third generation in his family to graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Growing up, he spent formative years summering on a relative's southern Wisconsin dairy farm. While his father was a graduate student at UW-Madison, Alan lived with his family on the shores of Lake Mendota at Camp Gallistella, a unique summer housing community for graduate students and their families..

Alan earned an AB from the UW-Madison in 1950, and in 1952 an AM in Social Work. In 1960, he earned a PhD in Social Welfare from the University of Chicago. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II and was a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army Reserve during the Korean War.

Alan worked in child welfare in a rural Wisconsin county and later became Chief Social Worker at a state mental health institution. He taught in the School of Social Service Administration at the University of Chicago for 8 years. He left Chicago in 1967 to take the position of Dean of the School of Social Work at Sacramento State College (now CSUS). After five years developing this new program and guiding its accreditation, he took a leave of absence for a similar challenge at the University of Minnesota, where he directed the re-accreditation of the School of Social Work.

He returned to CSUS in 1974 as a Professor of Social Work, teaching public social policy. He served as Chair of the Faculty Senate, President of the California Faculty Association, and as a member of the CSU (statewide) Academic Senate before his retirement in 1992. He was newsletter editor and later president of the Sacramento State Emeritus Faculty Association.

Alan served two years as president of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). Later, he was statewide legislative chair for the California Chapter of NASW. He was the past Director of Legislative Affairs for CSU-ERFA (Emeritus and Retired Faculty Association), a statewide organization representing retirees. He was a member of the Retired Public Employee's Association's legislative committee, and a member of SCORE (Statewide Coalition of Retired Employees), representing ERFA. He co-authored a textbook and had several articles published in professional journals. He was active in the civil rights and welfare rights movements in the '60's and '70's, once sharing a speaker's platform with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., during the "Chicago Summer" of 1966.

After retiring from CSUS in 1992, Alan turned his activism to environmental conservation, serving as president of the Save the American River Association. He served on the Board of Directors of Jaybird Hill on the Cosumnes, a mutual benefit corporation dedicated to the conservancy and preservation of a former ranch property in the Sierra foothills near Placerville.

A lover of sports and spending time outdoors, especially in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Alan played handball and skied into his early 90's. He was especially passionate about following all UW-Madison Badgers' teams. He drew joy from the domestic animals in his life, dogs and cats, alike.

Alan was preceded in death by his first wife, Donna Sanchez, his second wife, Sarah (White) Jennings, his daughter, Paula G. Wade, and his son, Douglas A. Wade.

Alan is survived by his loving life partner of 34 years, Lynda White, his daughter, Lucia Wade, and her spouse, Monica Nascimento. He leaves behind numerous, kind, extended family members, admiring friends, warm neighbors, and beloved cats.

A celebration of Alan's life is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, at 11 am at Sierra 2 Center for the Arts and Community, Curtis Hall, 2791 24th Street, Sacramento. Donations in his memory can be made to the Save the American River Association or to the Wisconsin Alumni Association.

Remembrance of Alan from Sylvia Navari:

I would like our University people to know that Alan Wade was, for me, over the course of the last 53 years, my mentor, colleague, and friend. He came to Sac. State as the Dean of the School of Social Work—he was a Social Worker at heart and until his dying days remained a Social Worker who organized and fought for the poor and marginalized groups. Social Work is the profession of Hope and everything Alan did on and off campus was in an effort to make the world he inhabited a better place. He was ever Hopeful.