June Helen Schuerch

Our mother and friend, June Helen Schuerch, died peacefully surrounded by her beloved family on Friday morning, July 31, 2009.

A memorial and celebration of her life will be held on Sunday, August 16th at 3 p.m. at the Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara followed by a reception.

June was born on April 6, 1930, and raised on a farm in Kawkawlin, Michigan, the youngest of nine surviving children. In 1956, she and her husband, Hans Ulrich Schuerch, moved to Santa Barbara to found Astro Research Incorporated and raise their rapidly expanding brood. In 1972, the family relocated to Switzerland, and after her husband’s sudden death by glider crash, June returned to Santa Barbara to create a rich and full life.

She is survived by her children and their partners: Christy and Caroline of Santa Barbara; Paul and Jai of Santa Barbara; Jaya and Madeleine of Zurich, Switzerland, & Pietrasanta, Italy; Kate and Karen of Hilo, Hawaii; her step-son and partner, Peter and Jean of Sebastopol; her grandchildren, Silvio, Emil, and Petra of Santa Barbara and the extended Fergusson family.

In the spirit of June, contributions can be made to the Music Academy of the West, the Idyllwild Arts Academy or a charity of your choice.