Letitia Falk

NAPA - After a long illness, Letitia passed away June 26, 2009. Letitia Jane Falk and her twin sister, Ann DuBets, were born in Tacoma, Wash., on Jan. 15, 1921. Life was very difficult after her parents, Ethal and Guy Hall, divorced when the girls were very young. Letitia spent most of her early life in San Francisco and had to enter the world of work at a very young age. Overcoming difficulties early in life instilled in Letitia an inner strength that would be a trait she carried throughout her life.

She married Calvin Stigney, the founder and owner of Time Reality in San Francisco. Letitia worked with Cal at Time Reality and many of her lifelong friends got their start in real estate working at Time Reality. Letitia then gave birth to her only child, Calvin. Tragically, her husband died just 18 months later. She later married Dave Falk, founder and owner of Acme Iron Works in San Bruno. Letitia and her family lived happily for many years in Burlingame. Divorce would test Letitia’s inner strength and soon she decided to start her own business.

Letitia was ahead of her time in many ways as she was a single mother and a successful businesswoman. Letitia first opened ABC Fireplace Shop on Burlingame Avenue and later opened Lettie’s Antiques in San Mateo. Both businesses were successful and Letitia was respected for her professionalism and knowledge. During these years she lived in Ray Park in Burlingame. She loved her home and spent many hours entertaining friends and working in her garden.

After retiring from the business world Letitia lived on and off with her twin sister Ann DuBets in Carmel. She worked part-time at Carmel Fitness Center. Letitia was often mistaken for her twin sister and was affectionately known as Aunt Lettie in Carmel. Ann and Letitia were more than sisters — they were lifelong friends and soul mates. Letitia was like a second mom to Ann’s children.

Letitia moved to the wine country in the late 1980s to be closer to her son, Calvin. Letitia loved animals and appreciated the rural flavor of the Napa Valley. Those who knew Letitia loved her wise-cracking sense of humor and her free-spirit approach to life. She was a very giving individual and donated money to many different causes. She will be missed dearly by all those who knew her but her spirit will live on in the hearts of all that she touched.

Letitia is survived by her son, Calvin Falk, and his wife, Jane Falk, of Napa; her twin sister, Ann DuBets of Carmel; her niece, Susan Briggs of Carmel; her nephews, Victor and George DuBets, of Carmel; her nephew, Guy DuBets of Sacramento; her half-sister, Janet (Hall) Northrup of Spokane, Wash., and numerous great-nieces and nephews.

At the request of Letitia, no services will be held. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Letitia to your favorite charity.

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