ForeverMissed
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Her Life

Santa Barbara Memories

September 5, 2015

The Bennett family moved to Santa Barbara and in 1954 Elrine took a job at Ott's Hardware Store on State Street.  She became General Charles Ott's executive secretary and "right hand gal".  Elrine took great pride in seeing that the store provided the best in service and goods to their patrons.  Al worked at Gilchrist's Jewelers on upper State.  It was their dream to open their own jewelry store and this goal became a reality in 1977 when they opened Al Bennett, Jeweler, on E Valley Rd in Montecito.  A "Mom and Pop" business they worked tirelessly providing the community with the finest in jewelry and watches.  Elrine was in charge of the retail side of the business while Al could fix just about anything when it came to fine time pieces and jewelry.  They made lasting friendships with many Montecito residents during their years here and were sorely missed when  in 1991 they retired and moved to Grass Valley, CA to be near Elrine's relatives. 

The Children

September 2, 2015
Vicki was born in Oakland, CA in 1944 and Dan was born in San Luis Obispo in 1953.  Both graduated from high school in Santa Barbara, CA.  Dan lives in Oakland with his wife, Denise.  Their 2 grown children, Gracie lives in Oakland and Nolan in Green Bay Wisconsin.  Vicki has been a resident of Maui, Hawaii since 1977. Her daughter Lisa, also lives on Maui with her husband, Robert  Her youngest daughter Rae Anne lives in Sacramento with her husband, Herb.  Nicole, great granddaughter lives in Louisville, KY. 

Santa Monica

September 2, 2015


You may be wondering what prompted Elrine to make the move to Santa Monica.  Elrine and Al Bennett had dated in their high school days in Minnesota and had little contact with each other when Al first moved out to California.  Elrine went out on a limb and found out where Al lived in Southern California and they became more than just "pen pals" as the months passed.  Al often drove up to Woodland in his 39 Ford, after working the night shift at Douglas Aircraft Company arriving dog tired at Elrine's doorstep. During this time their love for each other blossomed. Elrine moved to Santa Monica and also worked for Douglas Aircraft.  She lived with friends across the street from Al who also had roommates of his own.  To make a long story short they ended up in Richmond, CA and worked in the shipyards as did many folks in wartime.  They were married in 1943 and moved to Southern California.  Al attended watchmaking school in Santa Monica.  He took his first job after graduating in San Luis Obispo and they lived in Santa Barbara until 1953. 

Minnesota Memories

August 25, 2015

Born and raised on the family farm in Graceville, MN, Elrine was one of 12 children.  She excelled in all her studies and graduated from Graceville High in 1940 with honors.  An avid seamstress she sewed all of her own clothes including her confirmation dress which was quite the fashion in those days.  In the early 40's the more adventurous Andrew sisters migrated to California, the land of opportunity.  Elrine joined her sister, Iona (Onie) in Woodland, at their Aunt Oleta Norenberg's home. It was wartime and early 1942 Elrine moved to Santa Monica and took a job at Douglas Aircraft company.  Stay tuned for chapter 2