July 27, 1928 ~ October 17, 2004
Laxton, Cecilia Elizabeth Johnsen
Born Cecilia Elizabeth Johnsen on July 27, 1928 to Daniel Johnsen and Hester Kilgour of San Francisco, CA. She passed away on Sunday, October 17, 2004 at age 76 due to complications from diabetes in Torrance, CA. A fifth generation Californian, Ceclilia lived her youth in San Francisco, Marin County, and Wawona Near Yosemite. She married Eugene F. Laxton on December 15, 1947 in San Diego, CA. They were married for fifty-seven years. Cecilia was the beloved mother of Richard Laxton and daughter-in-las Susan Laxton of Fresno, CA; Dr. Robert Laxton of Newport Beach, CA; Julie Laxton of Dominguez Hills, CA; and grandson Scott Laxton of Fresno, CA. Sister Kathleen Hartske and brothers Danny Johnsen and William Stephan also survive her. Cecilia graduated from Tamalpais High School, Mill Valley, CA; she earned her Associate Arts Degree at El Camino Community College, Torrance, CA. A Licensed Real Estate Broker and Certified Real Estate Appraiser; Cecilia was an active member of local realtors boards for many years.
Throughout her life, Cecilia devoted her energies to community volunteer work, public relations, and genealogy. She was affiliated with the Girl Scouts of America, local and state PTA's, Torrance Area Youth Bands, South High School Band, City of Torrance Bicentennial Committee, Torrance Rose Float Association, City of Torrance Fine Arts Commission, City of Torrance 75th Anniversary Committee, Torrance Historical Society, and the South Bay Genealogy Society.
Cecilia received numerous awards for her work with local organizations. She received the Torrance Areal Youth Bands Community Recognition Award for Service in 1975 and 1979; The Women of the Year Community Recognition Award from the South Torrance Lions Club in 1986; and the National Recognition and Parks Association Award for Individual Service in 1988. Cecilia also received the Torrance Lomita Carson Board of Realtor's Citizen of the Year Award in 1990 and the Most Valuable Person Award from the South Bay Genealogical Society in 1990. All will truly Miss her devotion to family and people in the community.
Mass will be held at St. James Catholic Church, Redondo Beach, on Saturday, October 23, 2004 at 10:00 A.M. Graveside services will be held at Valley Memorial Park in Novato, CA on Thursday, October 28, 2004 at 1:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, the Laxton family asks that donations be made to the American Daibetes Association.
Please accept our prayers and condolences for the passing of Cecilia. Sincerely, Tom Aughenbaugh – Euphonium South High Band 1968-1972 TAYB 1966-1972
Dear Julie and Family, May God illuminate Cecilia\’s new path, and flood each of you with His Loving support during this difficult time. A donation will be made to the ADA in honor of your Mother. Our prayers are with you. Sincerely, Andrea and Glenn Adams
I was going to the service, but wound up at the wrong church (St. Lawrence, not St. James) and wrong funeral. But my thoughts were with you. Cecelia and I were old comrades of the Torrance historical searches and spent much time pondering and tracing the history of Walteria and its citizens. She was a good source for my book on the history of the Torrance schools. I will miss her and her ready store of knowledge. TOM RISCHE
Dear Julie and Family, Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Aunt Cecilia was a wealth of information and truly a blessing to the family. I will miss all of our fun conversations. She was so kind and generous to our daughter Leslie. We thank you for sharing your wonderful mom with us. We send you our deepest and sincere sympathy.. Lots of Love, Jim, Dacia and Leslie
Gene and family: 57 years married. Regret that I do not recall Cecilia from Tam Hi days. Reading the obit, I realize that our world has lost a treasured individual who gave much to society. With much sympathy for your loss, Jerry Adams
Dear Eugene and Family: At the close of its regular meeting on October 26, 2004, the City Council of the City of Torrance will adjourn in memory of Cecilia Elizabeth Laxton. On behalf of the City Council and the citizens of Torrance, may I express our deepest sympathy. Sincerely, Dan Walker Mayor of Torrance
Gene, I was sorry to hear about the passing of CIcilia. Please accept my condolences. Ted
Dear Gene – We pray for peace for you and your family at this time of loss. Bob and Barbara Hoots