Elizabeth Semmes Breen

Elizabeth Breen passed away peacefully in her sleep in the early hours of December 17, 2011. She had been a resident of the Pacific Place [Oceanside, Ca.] care facility for the past eight years, in both the assisted living and memory unit sections. She was known for her vivacity and participation in social activities, especially bingo, where her luck was comparable to that experienced at the casino slots- she beat the odds. Staff gave her the title of "the Queen" due to her social graces, manners, and style.

Indeed, the ability to connect with others was a lifelong attribute. She offered care and consideration for others; and in return expected you to meet her needs- "what have you got for me today?" was often heard. Each rewarded the other.

Elizabeth spent much of her adult life supporting the career of her husband Richard, a thirty-year veteran of the Marine Corps, and raising five children. She offered a nurturing balance to the demanding standards of "the Colonel" and had an inner strength to sustain her family through the numerous moves and isolation of military life. Both she and Dick were devout Catholics, and upon his retirement became a member of the Altar Guild and other organizations at Saint Mary Star of the Sea parish in Oceanside.

She enjoyed travelling, especially cruise trips and weekend jaunts to the casinos of Laughlin [Nev.]. She was always fond of children and delighted in her numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She and Dick were great dancers, and Elizabeth loved the music of the big band era- no one could sing around the house without her adding a forties-style harmony. She had a great fund of general knowledge based on her extensive reading and keeping up with current affairs [and perhaps loyal viewing of "Jeopardy"].

Born on September 16,1923 in Louisiana she was adopted as an infant by her maternal aunt and her husband, May and John Semmes of Dallas, Texas, upon the death of her mother. They had previously adopted the twins John and Joseph, who became her new brothers. The family was relatively well-off during the Depression, which enabled her to attend some college and model until her marriage to Richard Breen of New Orleans in 1945. Her upbringing gave her many characteristics of the "Southern Belle" and a great devotion to faith and family.

She abhorred seeing people dragging through life in a ho-hum manner; "show a little personality, kid" was a frequent mantra.

She followed her own advice.

She is survived by her five children [ Mary and spouse Jan of Colorado; Timothy of Maine; Gerald and spouse Mary of Oregon; Janet and spouse Sandy of California; Paul of California], many but not all of her nieces [Ann, Helen, Jane, Melinda, and Cathy] and nephew John, seven grandchildren [Soyala, Yellow, Heron, Owen, Orion, Miranda, and Jessalynn], seven great-grandchildren and counting, numerous friends but, sadly, fewer contemporaries.

Funeral services will consist of a Mass at one o'clock on Tuesday February 7 at Saint Mary Star of the Sea in Oceanside, followed by a reception at the nearby parish hall. Friends are invited to attend either or both.

The family would like to thank the Altar Guild, the staff [past and present] of Pacific Place [especially Lito, Karen Enciso, and Janet Jones], medical providers [especially Dr. Sendar], Elizabeth's nieces and extended family, the parishes of St. Mary and Thomas Moore, and numerous friends for their caring and concern over the years.