Emeline Lambert

LAMBERT,Emeline Emeline Lambert, a former owner of Alexander Bakery (now Costeaux Bakery) in Healdsburg, passed away on February 7, 2011 in San Jose after a long Illness. She was 98 years of age. In the Summer of 1948 she and her late husband, Delmar Lambert, were searching for a bakery to buy in the Bay Area. They learned that the Alexander Bakery in Healdsburg was for sale, and they drove up from their home in Fremont. After viewing the bakery they drove through town. Emeline liked the small community and the beautiful construction of the former Catholic Church Building. Del liked Memorial Beach for his late afternoon swims; and they purchased the bakery making many improvements in their first year. They opened the doors in October of 1948, and this began a ten year joint love affair between them, the town, and its residents. As the town became acquainted with their items, the bakery flourished and it became a central meeting place. She often reminisced about the long lines outside the bakery and down Healdsburg Avenue; especially after Sunday Catholic Mass and holidays. One former city council member later joked that probably more city business was discussed inside the bakery than at regular city council meetings. Emeline often related to friends that the town was comprised of many Italian families and "they sure loved their breads". Upon the end of their initial ten year lease during the fall of 1958, they decided that they wanted to be closer to her aging parents in Fremont. They elected not to renew their option for the building lease for another 10 years (the required period). Upon their departure the bakery became Fred's Bakery, and eventually the present Costeaux Bakery. However The Lambert's continued to frequently visit their Healdsburg "Adopted Family", Norman and Eleanore Wilson and their sons. They both would spend a few days visiting with their wide circle of friends they had made during their time here. Emeline continued her regular visits even after the death of her husband in 1971. They both were very appreciative of the support and love expressed by the community, and especially by all of their beloved employees. Emeline called her time in Healdsburg... "The Best Ten Years of My Life". Emeline was well known for her cookies and handmade cakes. For the next 50 years after close of the bakery she continued her lifelong love of baking; making cookies and cakes for friends and family for special events. At the holidays everyone in her life received a hand wrapped box of Christmas cookies. Emeline was a parishioner at St. John's Catholic Church, and she assisted with the fundraising efforts in construction of the current church; even after relocating to San Jose. They continued to attend the church's annual summer celebrations for several years meeting, and conversing, with many of their devoted customers. Emeline is survived by her twin sister, Pauline Medeiros of San Jose; niece and her husband, Loretta and Jim Heckendorn of San Jose; two grand-nieces; a great-niece; and her 'adopted grandson's, Gary N. Wilson of Healdsburg, and Scott S. Wilson, of Cloverdale; and her devoted neighbors, Kevin and Marjo Klein and family of San Jose. Private services were held in San Jose, and Emeline requested that any Memorial Donations be made to The Healdsburg Boys and Girls Club; an organization they both took pride in supporting, and assisting development of in its infancy.