Erma Unruh

ERMA UNRUH Sept. 17, 1914 - Jan. 31, 2007 A resident of Calabasas, died at her home on Wednesday, January 31, 2007, surrounded by her family. Born in Compton, she lived in the Los Angeles area all of her life. Erma spent her early years in Canoga Park. After moving to the San Fernando Valley with her parents, John and Rosie Giacopuzzi, sisters, Marie, Alenta, Palma, Daisy, Nellie and later, brother, Lindo, she attended Reseda Grammer School and Canoga Park High School. Erma led an active life and had a wide variety of interests. In her early years, Erma was an accomplished accordion player. In high school, she held every student body office except for president, which was reserved for males at the time. Erma received the Ephabian award when she graduated. She was an avid dancer, entering many dance contest throughout the Los Angeles area. While participating in a dance competition at the Rainbow Grand Dance Hall, she met her future husband, Charles, also of the Los Angeles area. They were married July 25, 1937. Although she didn't have children of her own, she loved babies and doted on her nieces and nephews. For many hears, Erma was a successful Shakley distributor. She also spent several years as a volunteer at the Daniel Freeman Hospital. In her spare time she played golf, as a memb er at Annandale Country club in Pasadena. Erma was also a member of women's clubs, where she made many friends. Being competitive, she enjoyed playing cards with them as well as with family,. Erma had a unique hobby of making hats. She won several prizes for her work, even garnering the attention of actress Gale Storm. Erma met the actress by chance and Storm was so impressed with Erma's hat that she insisted they exchange hats with one another. Erma and her stylish hats were featured in a Los Angeles Times article. Her husband, Charles preceded Erma in death. She is survived by her dearly loved sister, Nellie Pomo of Burbank; brother, Lindo Giacopuzzi of Tarzana; and several nieces and nephews. A Viewing will take place on Wednesday, February 7, 2007, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Gates, Kingsley and Gates Praiswater Mortuary, 6909 Canoga Ave., Canoga Park. Services will be held on Thursday, February 8, 2007, at St. Mels Catholic Church, 20870 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills, CA (818) 340-6020. Services entrusted to Gates Kingsley & Gates Praiswater Mortuary Canoga Park 818-348-3354