Verna Wicks-DeMartino
May 12, 1945 – Oct. 12, 2015

Heaven gained another musical angel. Verna was a loving daughter, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend to all who met her. She passed away peacefully at her home in Lakeport.

Preceded in life by her parents, Vernon and Margaret Knowles, and her sister, Rheva, she is survived by her sister, Patsy Manwill; former husbands, Ken Wicks and Guy DeMartino; children, Ken Wicks Jr., Ann Neumann (Paul), Melissa Starwalt, Gaetano DeMartino, Annette Smith (Kevin) and Mary Smith (Uel); nieces and nephews, Rose Zavala (Joaquin), Vernon (Dee) Moreno, Felipe Moreno and Gloria Arias. Blessed with grandchildren Jeremy W., Christina N., Greg N., Jeremy S., Amanda S., Alena W., Kayla S., Jacob S., Alex D., Catherine D., Oliver D., Arthur D. and Uel S. Jr.; and two great-grandchildren.

From the time she was born, Verna loved music. A woman of great perseverance, she endured the many hardships and challenges this world has to offer. She became an accomplished musician, proficient in piano, organ and clarinet.

A lifelong teacher and professional musician, she played first clarinet with the San Francisco Symphony, was the featured pianist at concerts, toured on the gospel circuit, was a featured performer for Wurlitzer Music Co., and was a studio musician for several best-selling artists.

A lifelong learner, Verna earned advanced degrees in music and psychology. Locally, Verna was a fixture at area churches, performing at services, weddings, funerals and events. A musical genius, there wasn't a style of music or instrument she couldn't play.

Verna's love of music was most evident during her 50-plus years as a teacher. In addition to the thousands of students she taught privately, she instructed at Sonoma State University, Mendocino Junior College (20-plus years!), and at various schools in Lake County, including Upper Lake and Lakeport.

A tireless volunteer, “Mrs. D” was quick to help local students with stage productions, auditions and mentoring. Verna shared herself with many. She used her love of music to enrich the lives of those she taught, pouring more than just the music into people's lives.

Among the many accolades and awards she accumulated, she was most proud of her 2012 “Star of Lake County Lifetime Achievement Award.”

She loved Lake County and the legacy of music she helped create here. She loved and was loved by many. We will always remember her joy, her love of life and her love of music.

A memorial celebrating Verna's life will be held on Thursday, Oct. 22, at 1 p.m. at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 1625 N. High St., Lakeport.

For further information please call 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com .