The City Council paid tribute to Deanna Despain, the Berkeley City Clerk who died in an accident at home on January 7, at its meeting last night. Despain was 37 years old. Many of the speakers and numerous city staff present were clearly moved by the tributes.
“Deanna was admired throughout the community,” said Councilmember Linda Maio. “She was a major part of the engine that kept the city business running seamlessly. She was dedicated to excellence in everything she did.”
“Deanna was totally devoted to good government and open government,” said Councilmember Susan Wengraf. “She was unflappable. She had this higher standard that she always operated on.”
“She had a great sense of humor in a job that could be humorless,” recalled Councilmember Darryl Moore.
A fund has been established in Despain’s memory for her 10-month old daughter, Addie. Donations can be sent to:
Deanna Despain Memorial Fund for Adele Hyland Dickson
2342 Shattuck Avenue, #886
Berkeley, CA 94704-1517
Cards can be sent to:
Family of Deanna Despain
c/o Office of the City Manager
2180 Milvia St., 5th floor
Berkeley, CA 94704
The family recently published an obituary in the Salt Lake Tribune, where Despain grew up.
Related:
City pays tribute to late clerk Deanna Despain [01.10.12]
Berkeley City Clerk Deanna Despain found dead in Oakland [01.09.12]
