Herm Chambers beloved Carmen passed from this earthly life
this morning (5-15-09) at 0430. We know that she is already planning the greatest "reunion". Condolences
may be sent to: 220 Meister Way Sacremento,
CA 96819 Notes from Herm on Carmen's services
I am attempting
to reach as many people as I can, as rapidly as I can, to provide you with information concerning Carmen's last
rites. It is addressed to many whom I know cannot attend any of the services simply for information; to the
leaders and members of the many groups and organizations to which we belonged or participated with in their activities;
and, lastly--probably should be firstly, to attempt to get a head count of those who will be able to attend the
reception after the church services. For those who are unaware, C. passed
away at home on May 15, after battling ovarian cancer for 8 years. She had run through the repertoire of chemo agents
available for treatment of her disease. There was nothing left. Carmen
Apodaca-Chambers was truly a "people person" and made many friends over the years. Popularly
known as Appy during her 36 years at Sutter Community Hospitals of Sacramento (the last 25 as the Unit
Secretary of the first Renal Dialysis Unit established in central California in 1970). After our coming together, we became
involved in many Scottish organizations through my lineage and actively participated in their associated activities,
Scottish Highland games (Clan Cameron Association), St. Andrew's Society of Sacramento, Loyal Scots of Sacramento,
guests of the Caledonian Club of Sacramento annual Tartan Ball). Also, a much looked forward to event, the the annual
reunion of crew members and their families of the guided missile destroyer, USS BENJAMIN STODDERT (DDG-22),
my last duty station prior to my retirement from the U. S. Navy, (C. was not my wife during my Navy days;
that came much later but she enjoyed the reunion events and meeting the people, many of whom I had served with.). Until
her illness prevented it, we also belonged to and regularly attended the monthly dinner meetings as members of Placer County
Council, Navy League of the United States (NLUS), in Auburn, CA. That we traveled a lot would be an understatement.
At her request, her remains were cremated and will be interred at a private service
in the new Veteran's Aministration Sacramento Valley National Cemetery where
we shall be together again at some future date. Arrangements
for local rembrances have been made by her daughters, Flo and Liz Apodaca and their respective families.
(Carmen and her daughters retained the surname Apodaca, though after our marriage, C. was known
as Carmen Chambers to our mutual friends and acquaintences and as Carmen Apodaca-Chambers
to the U. S. and California State governments). Saturday,
June 6: 9 AM - 10 AM (approximately) -
Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church - 1116 26th St., Easy to find. Faces the western side of Sutter's
Fort--two blocks from the Business 80 Freeway. 11 AM - 2
PM - Celebration of C's life. with catered refreshments at Nepenthe Clubhouse, 1131 Commons Drive -
In the Campus Commons condo complex where Flo and her husband live. IMPORTANT
- C.'s daughters have planned this to be a catered affair. You are invited to attend and I sincerely
hope you will in Carmen's remembrance. My daughters from Oregon and Utah plan to be there, together with many of their family
members PLEASE RSVP to me as soon as possible IF YOU WILL ATTEND THE RECEPTION, either by phone, 916-736-3140,
or email ddg22etcm@hotmail.com, and give me the number of attendees who will be in your party so we may plan sufficient refreshments
AND I can get maps and directions to you in a timely manner. No response required if you will not attend reception. One last pitch. Breast cancer, through the Susan Komen Foundation, gets a terrific play for research
funds. Not so the more insidious ovarian cancer. Oft-times the symptoms are mis-diagnosed, especially in older
women, which it attacks more frequently. Vague symptoms, such as persistent indigestion, bloating, etc., occur, years
in advance of detection, as in Carmen's case. By the time it is diagnosed, it's usually too late to effect a cure, again,
with Carmen, this was true. So, in lieu of flowers, if you see fit to do so, the family would appreciate a donation
in memory of Carmen Apodaca-Chambers, indicated in the memo section of your check; and made payable to and mailed
to NOCC - RESEARCH, P. O. BOX 2125, Fair Oaks, CA 95628-2125. NOCC is the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition. If any questions, plese call or email. Aye Herm
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