Santa Clara Magazine

Ulrike Katharina Johnson '87 on June 8, 2009 in Hawaii. Mrs. Ulrike "Bieni" Johnsonwas born October 16, 1965. She peacefully passed away June 8, at St. Francis Hospice after a valiant battle against cancer. She was the beloved wife to Robert M. Johnson and mother to 13-year-old Alicia and 10-year-old Ryan. The daughter of Mr. Adi Kohler and Mrs. Kathrin "Chacha" Kohler of Waimea, Hawaii and sister to Christian Kohler of Lincoln, Nebraska. Fittingly, her parents chose the nickname of Bieni, because even as a child, she was always "busy as a bee." Her parents, Adi and Chacha Kohler, hail from Germany and moved to America for Mr. Kohler's illustrious career in the hotel industry working for the Rockefellers on the Mainland, the Caribbean, and Hawaii. Bieni was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico and raised in Waimea on the Big Island, where she graduated from the Hawaii Preparatory Academy. She followed her father's footsteps in the hotel industry and worked for Ritz Carlton and Starwood Hotels after graduating from Santa Clara University. Since 2005, Bieni worked for technology leader Trex Enterprises Corporation. While attending Santa Clara University, Bieni met and married Robert Johnson and they have spent 25 wonderful years together. She instantly became a member of the large Johnson Ohana to include Bob's parents, seven brothers, two sisters and dozens of nieces and nephews. Bob's career with Johnson Bros. of Hawaii, Inc. brought them back to the Islands in 1988 spending 8 years on the Big Island and the past 13 years in Honolulu. Together they have raised two outstanding children--Alicia and Ryan. Bieni previously served as President of the Star of the Sea School Parent Teacher Guild where she was continuously honored for her hard work in raising funds for the school. She was passionately involved with her children's numerous sporting activities. She heightened everyone's awareness about cancer through her multiple fundraising efforts amongst friends and family. Bieni enjoyed many activities to include horseback riding, hula, soccer, family hikes and time with friends and family. Her personality was uplifting to all around her. She truly exuded a gracious, selfless and bubbly personality that many have come to love. She leaves a lasting impression on all of those who knew her. She will always be remembered.

Todd Alan Rodericks '87, passed away Dec. 7, 2011. A resident of Campbell, he was born and raised in San Jose where he spent much of his childhood on his grandparent's ranch in the Berryessa area. He attended Piedmont Hills High School and graduated from Santa Clara University.

He spent his career as a mechanical design engineer at such valley companies as Ford Aerospace, Polycom, Xerox PARC, Wyse, Digeo, Health-e-Tech, Tesla, Sun Power, Velodyne, and most recently NovaTorque.

Todd had an exuberant zest for life, a keen wit, was "the life of the party," had a passion for vintage Airstream trailers and all things automotive, and deeply loved his family, friends and dogs. Todd lived well and loved well! Todd was diagnosed with stomach cancer in September and recently lost his battle while surrounded by family and friends. He was the loving son of Beverly Rodericks and the late Roy Rodericks, brother to Garth (Leslie) Rodericks, and "favorite Uncle" of Tyler (20), Alyssa (19) & Kirslyn (15).

Fr. Ronald Pusak, a 1987 alumnus of the New Directions program, passed away on Jan. 12, 2012. He was born June 14, 1935.

Marilyn S. Benedict M.A. '87  died on May 29, 2008.

Donna Marie Lecrivain M.A. '87 died Dec. 24, 2009. She was 69 years old. Born in the city of Orange, California on April 4th, 1940, she was the first daughter of Julian and Donna Lecrivain. Donna made her life in the Bay Area after attending Stanford University. She started her teaching career at Strawberry Park Elementary School in San Jose. Her involvement in church ministry began at Sacred Heart Church in Saratoga as a catechist and later as an early childhood coordinator. Her dedication to the church and children continued as a Director of Religious Education at St. Nicholas Church in Los Altos and then at St. Joseph of Cupertino Church. She was a Master Catechist of the Diocese of San Jose and was actively involved in a variety of diocesan committees. During her years of ministry, she formed many catechists and mentored many catechetical leaders. She received her Master's Degree in Catechetical Ministry from Santa Clara University and was an active member of the alumni association of the Graduate Program in Pastoral Ministries. She dedicated the later part her life to the students of St. Joseph Church as an advanced math teacher. Always an educator, Donna will leave a large part of herself with many in the community. She will be deeply missed by her sons Kevin Brock of Fort Collins, Colorado and Steven Brock of Lancaster, California. She will also be missed by her daughter-in-law Rhonda Edington and loving granddaughter Stephanie. She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Julian and Donna, and brother Julian. She is survived by two sisters, Mary Langston of Huntington Beach, California and Roseanne LaBrie of Seattle, Washington and several nieces and nephews. Her service was  held at St. Joseph of Cupertino Church in December and she was laid to rest next to her parents at Good Shepherd Cemetery in Huntington Beach, California.