Vlasta Nosek Gufrey

Vlasta Nosek Gufrey was born in Los Angeles on November 29, 1921 to parents, James and Marie Nosek. She grew up in the community of Eagle Rock, where she resided for nearly her entire life. After graduating from Eagle Rock High School in 1941, she attended the University of California where she majored in history, international relations and Slavic languages. After graduating from Cal in 1945, Vlasta moved to Hawaii where she worked as a civilian for the Navy and at the Honolulu Social Security Office until 1951, living in Waikiki.

Vlasta then returned to California, living in San Francisco until 1953 and continuing her work for Social Security. She then returned to her family home in Eagle Rock, working for Social Security in Los Angeles and also taking classes at USC and UCLA to become a teacher. Vlasta began teaching at Mark Keppel High School in the Alhambra Unified School District in 1963 where she taught English, World History, European History, U.S. Government, Anthropology, and Archeology until retiring in 1982.

She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, Alpha Delta Chapter, an honorary society for women educators, from 1969 until her death, serving as President from 1982-1984, and in other leadership positions in the Chapter. She was also a member of the College Women's Club of Pasadena, Council of Women's Clubs of Pasadena, and the Occidental College Women's Club.

Vlasta was a true Renaissance woman, with a wide variety of talents, interests and worldly knowledge. She thoroughly enjoyed the cultural offerings of Los Angeles, and was a long-time patron of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. She lived her life with ceaseless energy and enthusiasm, and loved a good laugh. Among her most notable traits was the ardent love and pride she had for her Czech heritage and her family. She is predeceased by her husband, Theodore (Ted) Gufrey, and sister, Sylvia Pehoushek. She is survived by nephew, James Pehoushek, his wife Theresa and great-nephew Scott of Phoenix, AZ; niece Anna Pehoushek, her husband Al Zelinka and great-nephew John of Orange, CA; and stepsons Tom Gufrey of Glendora, CA and Dan Gufrey of Battle Ground, WA and their families.