Irene Lois Shabel 
June 6, 1927 - May 7, 2026

Irene Shabel of Moraga passed away peacefully at her home on May 7, 2026.

    Irene grew up in Riverside, Calif., and attended Pomona College where she met her first husband, John McEldowney. Together they had four daughters.
    After their divorce Irene moved to Moraga and married Ray Shabel in 1970. 

    Irene's passion was gardening and playing bridge, which she did for over 50 years. She truly enjoyed her many hours spent in her beautiful garden.     She was a very good cook, which her family appreciated.

    Irene and Ray traveled to all 49 states in their RV and loved seeing the history here and around the world.

    Irene is survived by her daughters Susan, Carol, Ellen and Joan (Clemens), and three stepdaughters, Susan (Randy), Anne, and Kathy.
 
    Irene was a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother, thoughtful friend, and neighbor. She will be deeply missed.

Sandra Sue Thompson 
50 yr. Lafayette resident
Dec. 30 1939 - April 12, 2026

On Sunday April 12, Sandy Thompson passed away from a fall and a subsequent surgery. She was born in Tucson, Ariz. and moved to California with her husband in 1964, landing in San Francisco, then Alameda, and finally, Lafayette. Graduating from the University of Arizona in 1962 with a degree in Education, she taught fourth grade for a while, then spent time raising her boys. Later, she worked as a bookkeeper, travel agent and then administrative assistant for the nonprofit, Contact Care, retiring 1993. She and her husband, George, enjoyed travel and visited may parts of the world with many of their long-term friends, the couple played bridge, Mexican Train, and attended monthly dinner/movie outings. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, George “Lee” Thompson, sons Michael and David (Mona), granddaughters Rebeca (Alex), Rachel Anseimi (Kris) and Grace, great grandchildren Benny, Piper, and Ivy; and brother, John Lewis (Jeannine). A Celebration of Life is planned for a future date. Sandy’s sense of humor, smile, and love will be greatly missed. She is gone but will never be forgotten.