Obituaries
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Irene E. Michaud, 97, passed away peacefully in her home on May 17, 2023.
Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Michaud, parents Nell and Henry Bourgeois, brother Henry Bourgeois Jr., and sister Mary Lyons. She is survived by children Tomas (Pui) Michaud, Jerrold (Zhen) Michaud, and daughter Susan Michaud-Lee; sister Nell Gallagher; grandchildren Melanie Michaud, Angela (Zack) Beatty, Ryan(Nia) Lee, and Lauren (Chris) Lee-Smith; and six great grandchildren.
Irene was born on Sept. 29, 1925, in Worcester, Mass. She graduated from the Worcester City Hospital School of Nursing in 1946, after which she joined the Army Nurse Corps, achieving the rank of 2nd Lieutenant.
In 1954, Irene married Joseph Michaud. Together they moved to Alameda where Irene worked at Alameda Hospital as a registered nurse for many years.
Irene was a dedicated Oakland A’s fan, avid baseball card collector, and a talented artist. Other interests included reading, the challenge of a good crossword puzzle, and spending time with her grandchildren. She will be dearly missed.
A special heartfelt thank you to the wonderful caregivers who took great care of her during her final years.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the giver’s choice of charity.
Charles passed away peacefully in his sleep surrounded by loving family. Born in Oakland, Calif., he attended the University of California-Berkeley and earned a bachelor’s degree in 1969 and a Master of Business Administration in 1970.
He began a career in finance management, loved sailing San Francisco Bay and bicycling in the city. He married and began a family when he was afflicted with a degenerative neuro-motor disease. He met this challenge with resilience and courage, always smiling, never whining and became an inspiration to all who knew him.
Charles was a longtime resident of Alameda, Calif. He served for 35 years as a volunteer for the American Red Cross and was a two-time recipient of the Presidential Volunteer Service Award. He also served 11 years on the Alameda Commission for Disability Issues.
Charles loved a good game and was a formidable bridge player as well as a loyal San Francisco Giants and 49ers fan. He was also an avid reader, never without a book. Charles was incredibly determined and always kept his positive outlook on life, which made him such a pleasure to be with.
Charles will be remembered by his daughter, Sara (Greg) Wickham; grandchildren Elsie, Sophie, and Henry Wickham; brother, David (Barbara) Bunker; sister, Nancy (Bryan) Holley, and sister-in-law Bonnie. Charles was preceded in death by his parents, John and Florence Bunker, and brother John.
In keeping with his wishes, Charles’ ashes will be spread in the San Francisco Bay and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Donations in his memory can be made to the American Red Cross or public television station KQED.
James Douglas Sprecher III passed away at his home in Alameda after a courageous battle with cancer on March 24, 2023.
Predeceased by his parents, James and Harriet Sprecher, he was born on October 25, 1942, in Bisbee Arizona. After moving to Casper, Wyoming as a child he graduated high school from St. Thomas Military Academy in St. Paul, Minnesota. He went on to attend the University of Wyoming, where he earned a BS in Electrical Engineering and an MS of Engineering Management from Santa Clara University.
Fondly known by friends and family as “J.D., Jim, and Jimmy,” he is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Carmen Aguirre Sprecher; siblings Marianne Lasch, Vance Sprecher, Steve Sprecher, Joe Sprecher, and Chris Sprecher (deceased); children James Sprecher IV (Heather), Mike Sprecher (Carol), Andrew Sprecher, Tassi Wedge Espos (Arnold); and grandchildren Trent Sprecher, Madigan Sprecher, Alexandra Espos and Christian Espos.
Jim worked for the Pacific Gas & Electric company for 47 years throughout the Bay Area where he was recognized for his outstanding leadership, contributions, industry publications and expertise as an electrical engineer in the utilities industry.
A longtime resident of Alameda and The Sea Ranch, Jim enjoyed golf, travel — especially to his favorite Hawaiian island of Kauai — and trips to Carmel where he and Carmen celebrated their anniversary annually. His favorite place by far was his beloved home he built in Sea Ranch overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
A man of few words but full of deep character and love for his family, he will be truly missed. A memorial will be held at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Lafayette, CA on May 31, 2023.
