Carol Critchfield, 93, Artist
Former Riverside resident Carol Critchfield, 93, whose paintings can be seen in buildings throughout Arizona’s Paradise Valley, died Jan. 19, 2009.
Born in Chicago in 1915, Ms. Critchfield studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and the American Academy of Art and received private instruction from Rudolph Pen, Martyl and George Buehr before beginning her artistic career as a fashion illustrator.
While sketching the latest fashion trends for newspaper advertisements, she also fell in love with the illustration of children’s books, which would later fuel her support of organizations devoted to young people.
Her paintings were exhibited at various national locations, including the Chicago Art Institute, the Chicago Public Library, Northern Illinois University and Rosary College (now Dominican University) in River Forest.
In 1971, Ms. Critchfield moved to Paradise Valley, where she supported herself and her son, Paul, through her artwork at her home, which she dubbed “The Desert Studio.”
Originally known for floral paintings, she also painted landscapes, sporting events, vintage family photographs and the symphony.
Her paintings can be seen at the Scottsdale Healthcare Shea campus, the Virginia G. Piper Cancer center, the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, the Franciscan Renewal center and the Scottsdale Boys and Girls Club.
She loved the arts and music and was a devoted and enthusiastic supporter of the orchestra. One of her greatest compositions was a symphony series featuring images of Doc Severinsen and Yo Yo Ma.
Ms. Critchfield was preceded in death by her sister, Virginia G. Piper. She is survived by her son, Paul (Claudia) Critchfield; her grandchildren, Tina (Jeff) Critchfield Huber and Kendall Critchfield; and her great grandchildren, Holden and Hayden Huber.
A funeral Mass was celebrated on Jan. 24 at the Conventual Church of Our Lady of the Angels at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Paradise Valley.
Memorial contributions were appreciated to the Boys and Girls Club of Scottsdale, the Scottsdale Center for the Arts, the Desert Botanical Garden and Mission of Mercy.
Roberto J. Fernandez, 66, Insurance agent
Riverside resident Roberto J. Fernandez, 66, a former resident of Chicago, died Jan. 17, 2009. Mr. Fernandez worked as an agent at an insurance company.
He is survived by his wife, Rosalina (nee Aguirre); his children, Karin (Jose Luis) Del Angel, Rafael Fernandez, Aquiles Roberto (Maricela) Fernandez and Lucia (Carlos) Soto; his grandchildren, Darlene, Valerye, Dominic, Robert, Chris, Katherine, Gisille, Diego, Annabella and Dianna; and his sister, Miriam Gonzalez.
A funeral service was held Jan. 23 at Epiphany Church in Chicago.
Kuratko-Nosek Funeral Home, North Riverside, handled arrangements.