In Passing – April 2026

Jan Deer

Jan Susan Bachrach Deer passed away peacefully on Feb. 25, 2026, in SaddleBrooke, Ariz., surrounded by family. She was a devoted educator, a passionate advocate for science education, and a loving wife and mother. Jan’s dedication to teaching and her years of service as a science educator inspired countless students over a career spanning 40 years.

She was born Dec. 11, 1947, in Faribault, Minn., to Thomas Robinson Bachrach and Jeanne Marion Foss. She was raised in Omaha, Neb., and later earned her Bachelor of Science Education from the University of Kansas in 1970. She spent much of her life in Wichita, Kan. Her love for teaching extended beyond the classroom, as she volunteered in numerous community organizations, including the League of Women Voters, Project Graduation, and National History Day, among others. Jan and Montie have resided in SaddleBrooke, Arizona, since 2014.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Timothy Murray Bachrach and Charles Thomas Bachrach.

Jan is survived by her husband of 55 years, Montie Deer; daughter, Sarah (Neal Axton) of Lawrence, Kan.; and son, William of Nashville, Tenn., along with many friends and family. In accordance with her wishes, no services will be held. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Kansas Humane Society (kshumane.org) or Senior Village of SaddleBrooke (seniorvillage.org/donate).

To view additional details about Jan’s life, go to https://my.gather.app/remember/jan-deer.

Patricia (Patti) Prati

Patricia (Patti) Prati of Chandler, Ariz., passed away with her family by her side on Feb. 17, 2026. She was born on May 18, 1940, to Pete and Anne Fedeli in California, Pa., where she was raised with her brother and sister. After graduating from the California State Teacher’s College, she moved to Lorain, Ohio, to teach English at Admiral King High School. Pat loved being a teacher and often reflected on the positive impact her students had on her.

It was at a chance meeting at the Lemon Drop bar in Lorain, Ohio, that she would meet her future husband, Bill Prati. They raised their three daughters in the suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio. They were a very social couple and cherished the many lifelong friendships they formed along the way. After Bill retired from NASA and Pat retired from teaching, they relocated to SaddleBrooke in Tucson, Ariz., where they began a new chapter in their lives.

At SaddleBrooke, they lived a retired life that they cherished. They spent their days golfing, socializing with their many friends, and dining at the clubhouse. Their house on the golf course allowed Pat to often bake cookies and greet the golfers as they passed by on their way to the next hole. They lived in SaddleBrooke for over 20 years enjoying the resort lifestyle. Pat and Bill shared 58 years together before Bill passed away in August 2021.

In her final years, she lived in Chandler, Ariz., and made some wonderful friends, one of whom was with her when she passed away.

Pat is survived by her daughters Beth (Frank) Boucek of Tempe, Ariz., Shelley (Mark) Varouh of Vermillion, Ohio, and Lauren (Corky) Kane of Glenview, Ill., as well as grandchildren Lexy (Lou) Konstan, Emily Varouh, Max Varouh, Madison Kane, Claudia Kane, Anna (Jake) Riedell, Alyssa Smith, Alena Boucek, great-grandsons Louis and Charles Konstan, and her brother Peter (Dee-dee) Fedeli.

We would like to express a very special note of gratitude and appreciation to the staff of Brookdale Assisted Living in Chandler who took such loving care of our mom for the last 18 months. She loved the staff and they loved her. And while they took amazing care of her during the entirety of her 18 months—the love and compassion they gave her during her last few weeks was incredibly special.

A memorial service will be held for both Patti and Bill Prati at a later date, with interment at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix, Ariz.

Enid Fowler

Enid Fowler, 91, passed away on Feb. 18, 2026. She grew up in Yorkshire, England. Enid and her sister Margaret had lots of adventures there during the war and later in San Diego, where her family moved when she was 16.

Enid married Gene Fowler, 18, the following year as Gene was enlisting in the Navy during the Korean War. They met at a folk dance class in San Diego and continued to dance the world for the next 68 years.

In the 1980s, Enid traveled with family to St. Andrews, Scotland. There she took the rigorous test to become a fully accredited Scottish Country Dancing Teacher, passing with flying colors.

Back in San Diego, her husband worked as a special education teacher and Enid eventually worked as a high school librarian for 20 years. In her spare time she was a “soccer mom.” She drove all sorts of kids back and forth in her VW stick–shift bus, never missing a practice or game.

When her husband Gene was elected the Chief of Clan Cameron in San Diego, Enid also took up the snare drum and participated in the Rose Bowl.

Following her long tenure as a librarian, Enid took up a position at Mission Valley Escrow with her best friend Audree Rapp. Together they took unbelievable vacations. On one such vacation was a river cruise to Austria and Germany. Enid and Gene visited behind the scenes of The Sound Of Music. There they danced their way to oblivion. All the tourists visiting the set took many photographs and kept in touch with Enid over the years.

Enid retired in 2005 and the couple came to SaddleBrooke, Ariz. Enid continued to enjoy ballroom dancing as well as Latin dancing, round dancing, folk dancing, and Scottish and English country dancing. In 2013 she started English Country Dancing at SaddleBrooke.

Enid is survived by her son Eugene Fowler of SaddleBrooke, sister Margaret McIntyre, niece Valerie Hayward, and nephew Mike McIntyre of California. She is also survived by her nephew Jim Cole of Florida, niece Joan and husband Diep Guha, and nephew Brian Blaidell of London, England. Her son Derek Fowler predeceased her, but Enid is in heaven dancing the Highland Fling with her husband Gene and son Derek.

Enid’s full obituary can be read at saddlebrookeprogress.com.

Rebecca A. Lima

Rebecca A. Lima (“Becky”), of Tucson, Ariz., passed away on March 3, 2026, and is now in the hands of the Lord.

Becky was born in Stroudsburg, Pa., to Alfred and Anita Salwin. She later moved to Michigan, where she worked for the City of Kentwood as Deputy Treasurer. Becky was a devoted member of the Cathedral of St. Andrew and was active in many church functions, embracing the opportunities to serve others and give back to her community.

Becky enjoyed golf and music. She was a marvelous hostess who truly loved the company of friends and family. One of her greatest joys was creating her handmade purses, lovingly known as “Becky’s Bags.” Affectionately known by many as “The Princess,” Becky brought joy and creativity to those around her, whether through her warm hospitality, her handmade purses, or the bright smile that could lift the spirits of anyone she met.

Becky is survived by her loving husband, Peter Lima; her daughter, Jean Houston and son-in-law Tony Houston; her grandchildren, Pierce Houston and his wife Maddie and their children, Roland and Adelaide, and Devon Houston and his wife Karen and their daughter Halle; her sister, Jeanne Hansel and her husband David; her brothers-in-law, Steve Lima and his wife Tammy, and Gary Larson; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Anita Salwin, and her special sister-in-law, Barbara Larson.

Becky will be remembered for her kindness, her generous spirit, and the joy she brought to those around her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.