Ethel Sophia Schenk Jan. 12, 1938 - May 27, 2006

Born Ethel Sophia Benson in Oakland to proud parents Holgar Olaf Benson and Beda Pettersson Benson. She was the loving wife of W. Max Schenk for 41 years and is survived by daughter, Julie Ouellette and her children, Hannah and Harlan; son, Max O. and his wife, Marti and their children, Max and Megan; and son, Barry and his children, Amanda and Emily. A resident of Oakland all of her life, Ethel attended Redwood Heights Elementary, Bret Harte Junior High and graduated from Oakland High School in 1955.

Ethel received a BA English from the University of California, Berkeley, as well as two certificates from Merritt College. She was awarded many academics honors throughout her education, including Magna Cum Laude from the Phi Beta Kappa Society. She shared her love of learning through volunteer work at Redwood Heights Elementary and Bret Harte Junior High, and was a PTA president at both. Ethel also worked for 32 years as an instructional assistant first at Redwood Heights and most recently at Montclair Elementary, where she especially enjoyed working with children who had learning challenges. One of her greatest joys was teaching children to read.

Ethel enjoyed painting with oils on canvas, chalk pastels, needle point and embroidery. She performed with the Mother Singers choral group, and with the St. Lawrence O'Toole choir. By far, her favorite pastime was reading and collecting books. She was a 25-year member of a local reading group, which she attended monthly. In addition, she loved animals and cared for a vast array of creatures (wild and tame) that found their way to her home. Ethel was an optimistic person with a delightful sense of humor throughout the many health challenges she faced. Her courage and strength have been, and continue to be, an inspiration to many. She will be greatly missed by her family, many friends, and students whose lives she touched.

A memorial gathering celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2006 at 2 p.m. at Redwood Heights Elementary School, located at 4401 39th Avenue, Oakland, CA. Memorial donations may be made to the Redwood Heights PTA/Library, 4401 39th Ave., Oakland, CA 94619.