In her honor, we share the news. Myra E. Schleich, devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and dear friend, passed away peacefully in the late evening of March 12, 2021.

Myra was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in August 1934 to Arthur and Myra (Betty) Faul. She was the oldest of three siblings; sister Suzanne Garretson and brother David Faul.

Her father’s job brought the family to Menlo Park, California, in the late 1940s, where Myra attended Notre Dame High School in Belmont, California. Myra attended San Jose State University, where she joined the Sigma Kappa sorority. She graduated with a BA degree in 1956.

Myra taught elementary school in Menlo Park for a year before marrying Otto Schleich, a lifelong Palo Alto resident and Santa Clara University graduate. They were married in Palo Alto on Aug. 24, 1957. The young couple shortly returned to Syracuse, New York, for Otto’s job with the General Electric Company.

Their son Mark was born in Syracuse in 1959.  Otto was transferred to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1960, where they remained until July 1967, when Otto was transferred to General Electric TEMPO in Santa Barbara.

They bought a home in Goleta and have remained there ever since. The family had now grown to three children — daughters, Lisa born in 1961, and Karen in 1963.

During the 50 plus years in Goleta, Myra played many roles. Perhaps the most important were those as wife, mother and grandmother. She could be identified as one of the most enthusiastic fans at her children’s and grandchildren’s various events.

Perhaps more importantly, Myra showed love, support and guidance through significant milestones in their lives. The holidays were always special for Myra. She was well known among friends and family for her variety of Christmas cookies. There were always small gifts hung on the Christmas tree rather than being placed under it.

Although Myra no longer painted after high school, she enjoyed creating things with her hands and started knitting and needlepoint. Her many talents were greatly admired. Her afghans kept them warm during late nights. Otto is very proud of her needlepoint quality. Some of her best work is framed and hangs in the home.

As the years passed, Myra began to read more, exchanging books with friends, then downloading them when she got a tablet. She became quite adept with her tech stuff — cell phone, tablet and laptop.

Myra looked forward to meeting new people, first joining the Newcomers Club when she settled in Goleta. Friends made then led to her volunteering with the Children’s’ Home Society and various social activities.

Some friends continued to be part of her social, bridge, golf and tennis circle of friends. Although tennis activity was dropped a few years ago, golf continued twice a week into last fall.

Myra enjoyed traveling. Whether by land or by sea, she and Otto visited all the countries in Western Europe; some Eastern European and some Middle Eastern countries; Mexico, some Central American countries and Caribbean Islands; most South American countries, Australia and New Zealand. She also visited China and Africa.

Most recent trips have been motor coach land trips and small ship river and island cruises in the U.S. and Canada.

Myra is survived by her husband Otto; son Mark Schleich and wife Terry; daughter Lisa and husband Steve Sanchez; daughter Karen Schleich; grandchildren Tyler and Kira Schleich, Dillon, Emily and Connor Sanchez; great grandson Bentley Sanchez; sister Suzanne Garretson; brother David Faul and wife Jane; sister-in-law Ann Schleich; and eight nieces and nephews Eric, Greg, Jennifer, Jim, Tim, Pat, Kurt and Erika.

Myra’s positive influence will be carried on by family and friends. She will be missed by all, but we are grateful that God shared her with us for as long as He did. We will feel forever blessed.

As you wish, you may make a donation in Myra’s honor to your favorite charity.