MARTHA JEAN HOWARD
1948 - 2012

Martha Jean Howard, 63, formerly of Santa Maria, passed away Saturday, January 28, 2012 in Hemet, CA.

Martha was born in Hope, Arkansas on February 29, 1948 to Leroy Stewart and Julia Cheatham.

Martha moved to Santa Maria, California from Ozan, Arkansas. In the year of 1977, Martha was joined in Holy Matrimony to her late husband of 26 years, Robert Howard.  She later became a member of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church under the Pastor Rev. W.M. Brown. She was a dedicated member for many years at her church, she loved ushering. Martha also served several years as treasurer for the Coast Counties Missionary Baptist District Association, on the Central Coast of California.

Her occupations consisted of various job titles from housekeeping to supervisor in the frozen food industry. Later, she returned to school to complete the necessary requirements to receive her High School diploma.

She leaves to cherish her memories, her four children, Gloria J. Bell of Hemet, California, Kenneth R. Floyd of Los Angeles, California, Harold E. Floyd of Phoenix, Arizona and Jackie D. Walker and husband David of Hemet, California; two handsome grandsons, Andre’ J. Harvey of Phoenix, Arizona and David J. Walker of Hemet, California; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends near and far.

Visitation will be from 4:00p.m. until 7:00p.m. on Thursday, February 9, 2012 in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00a.m. on Friday, February 10, 2012, also in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the Santa Maria Cemetery.

CELESTE MARIE FLY
1920 - 2012

Celeste Marie Fly, 92, of Santa Maria, passed away after a brief illness on Friday, January 27, 2012.

Celeste was born on January 9, 1920 in Baldwin, Louisiana. She was a graduate of St. John’s High School in Franklin, Louisiana on May 13, 1937. After high school, she went on to nursing at the University of Houston and became a Registered Nurse on August 23, 1946. After her graduation, she worked as a Private Registered Nurse.

Celeste made Santa Maria her home thirty-three years ago after moving from Houston, Texas.

Celeste is survived by her nieces Marion Sacco and her husband, Eugene, of Galveston, Texas; Audrey Hicks of Franklin, Louisiana; Janice LaJaune of Baldwin, Louisiana; and Lorraine Boudreaux of Baldwin, Louisiana. Celeste was preceded in death by her husband, Ben M. Fly on July 25, 1994.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 2:00 P.M. on Monday, February 6, 2012 at St. Louis deMontfort Church, with Rev. John Mayhew officiating. There will be a viewing at the church just prior to Mass. Celeste will be privately interred alongside her husband in the Mausoleum at San Luis Cemetery.

EDWARD J. FASH
1922 - 2012

Edward J. Fash, 89, passed away on Monday, January 23, 2012.Edward was born in Chicago on February 11, 1922. He was a graduate of St. Mel Catholic High School, attended Northwestern University, and trained as a Radar Bombardier in the Air Force during World War II.

Edward married his wife, Lynn, in 1947. They moved to California in 1957, residing in Encino and Glendale before becoming full-time residents of Pine Mountain Club and later moving to Santa Maria. Sharing a wonderful marriage for 57 years, Ed and Lynn raised three children. The family grew to include five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Lynn preceded Ed in death in January of 2005. In addition to love and strength, Ed imparted to his family a deep sense of integrity and a life philosophy of positive attitude.

Recognized as a successful and well-respected man, Ed often rose to leadership in any organization in which he participated; including Boy Scouts of America, Holy Name Society, and various business associations. Ed’s lifetime occupation was the dried bean business. He worked his way from office assistant to president of his corporation, and held many prestigious titles in the field, including President of the California Dry Bean Dealers Association, President of the National Dry Bean Council, and the first Chairman of the American Dry Bean Board. He was sponsored in trips to Asia, promoting California beans in Taiwan, Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, and India. After retirement in 1983, he continued his active participation in the business through several organizations, and enjoyed many years as a part-time real estate agent.

Ed is survived by his children Gary (Olga) Fash, Nancy (Richard) Jensen, Kevin Fash; his grandchildren Michael, Andrew, James, Kristina, Mark and their spouses; his seven great grandchildren; and many friends, including old buddies from his childhood Boy Scout troop and new friends at Merrill Gardens.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2012 at St. Mary of the Assumption Church.

 MARIA "VALENTINA" MARTINS
1938 - 2012

Maria “Valentina” Martins, 73, of Santa Maria, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2012, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.  She made friends easily and left an indelible impact on the many lives she touched. Her ability to entertain her family with her sharp wit will be greatly missed. Valentina was born on December 28, 1938 in Faial, Azores, Portugal to Jose Augusto and Maria da Conceicao (Murtes) Oliveira.  She was raised and educated in the Azores, where she met and later married Manuel Alberto Martins on February 22, 1960. 

Valentina and her husband immigrated to the United States with their two daughters in 1968, where they made a home in Santa Maria, California.  Two years later, they had a third child, a boy, their last.

Valentina was most recently employed at Marian Extended Care Center where she worked as Dietary Aide until her retirement in 1998.She was an active member of various Portuguese organizations.  She loved to garden, read, crochet, sing Fado, and participate in Portuguese Folkloric dance.  She also loved to cook and entertain for her family and friends, which was her greatest joy.

Valentina is survived by her daughter, Ana Paula Sousa and her husband, Tony, of Alexandria, Virginia; daughter Cristina Martins Sinco and her husband, Philip, of Santa Maria, California; and son Mark Anthony Martins and his wife, Emily, of Santa Maria, California; grandchildren Adriana Marie Sousa and Aniesa Monique Cabrera. Valentina was preceded in death by her husband of 26 years, on April 15, 1986.

Public viewing will take place on Thursday, January 26, 2012, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. followed immediately thereafter by a Recital of the Rosary at the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home.  A Catholic Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, January 27, 2012.  Internment will follow at the Santa Maria Cemetery.The family extends its utmost gratitude to Drs. Michael Schrager and Richard Zachrich and the staff at Central Coast Family Care; Dr. Brian DiCarlo and the staff at Central Coast Medical Oncology; as well as Marian Hospice. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (www.ovarian.org), Marian Cancer Center, and/or Marian Hospice.

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LAURA ALICE SOUZA
1923 - 2012

“And with the morn those angel faces smile, which I have loved long since and lost awhile.”

A resident of Tulare, CA for 38 years, Laura A. Souza, 88, succumbed on Sunday, January 22, 2012 and is now at peace with her beloved husband, Edward R. Souza.  Born to a farming family in the Oso Flaco Valley February 27, 1923, she graduated from Santa Maria Union High School and married her adoring life partner Ed, February 15, 1947; they remained inseparable for 62 years until his death in 2009.  Truly salt-of-the-earth, the playful sparkle in Laura’s eyes and her sense of humor were second only to Laura’s kindness and devotion to family. A devoted homemaker and dairymen’s wife, Laura enjoyed many simple pleasures including her faithful dogs, aviary, plush garden and traveling with her husband, family, and friends.  Laura had a green thumb and was known to take “slips” of plants she spied during her travels for her garden. 

Laura was preceded in death by her treasured husband, Ed Souza; her parents Domingo A. Souza and Marian T. (Machado) Souza and her sisters: Edith Gomes and Eva Pereira. She is survived by her children: Edwina Souza of Visalia, Marilyn King and her husband, Bill, of Concord, CA, Randy Souza and his wife, Robin, Loretta Souza and Sharon Sutton all of Tulare; her siblings: Arthur Souza and his wife, Virginia, and Mary R. Souza of Santa Maria; her brother-in-law Eugene Souza of Tulare; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Rosary and funeral liturgy will be held on Tuesday, January 31st at St. Mary’s of Assumption Church at 1:30 P.M.  Interment will follow in the Santa Maria Cemetery. 

BARBARA FORD WESTBROOK
1927 - 2011

Barbara Ford Westbrook, 84, of Santa Maria passed away Tuesday, January 10, 2012. Barbara was born November 19, 1927 in Fort Worth, Texas. She was raised and educated in Trona, CA. She married the love of her life, Ronald J. “Al” Westbrook on November 18, 1944.  They moved to Whittier, CA and began raising her family. Barbara was active in PTA at George Washington School and served as President of the PTA. She was a Den Mother with Cub Scouts and worked at the Whittier School District as a teacher’s aid. Barbara was a former member of the Order of Eastern Star.

Barbara and Al moved to Santa Maria in 1980 and she assisted her husband with activities in the Santa Maria Arts Council. She was formerly employed as a Human Resources Director at Valley Community Hospital and later was with Senior Services at Marian Medical Center. She later owned and operated ARK (Accountable Record Keeping, a senior billing service). Barbara was a 1986 graduate of Allan Hancock College. She was a member of the Sweet Adeline’s for many years and served the Arthritis Foundation and conducted the Pace Classes for 23 years. Barbara volunteered for the American Cancer Society and participated in the Cancer Walk. 

Barbara’s spirit of giving was further expressed this past Christmas by forgoing gifts and instead supporting a veteran’s family in need.Barbara is survived by her husband, Ronald J. “Al” Westbrook; son, Michael Lee Westbrook of Ojai, CA; and
grandchildren, Anna, Kate, Brant, Laurel and Morgan. Barbara was preceded in death by her son, Alan D. Westbrook on October 27, 2000. Memorial Services will be 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 14, 2012 in the Chapel of the Magner-Maloney Funeral Home, with Pastor Clete Doyal of First Christian Church officiating. Private inurnment will be at a later date. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.  

BERNARD BASSE
1927 - 2011

Bernard Basse was born on February 12, 1927 in Providence, Rhode Island to Max Basse and Rae Blooth. Bernie passed away on December 10, 2011 in Santa Maria, California. He grew up in both Providence and Brooklyn, New York. When he was honorably discharged from the Navy in Monterey, California, himself and a friend jumped a train and rode it all the way to New York. He later attended and graduated from the University of New York and the New York Polytechnic Institute with degrees in Chemical and Mechanical Engineering. He worked for companies such as VTN, Mark Quart, Lockheed, and McDonald Douglas. After retirement Bernard worked as a cross-guard at Pine Grove Elementary School. He loved the fact that wherever he went there were kids from school that recognized him and would say, “Hi Mr. Basse”. He loved to attend senior exercise at the “Y” (YMCA) and his favorite past time was playing racket ball with his friends! He was an avid reader, lover of classical music, and a great admirer of Mother Nature. He loved the outdoors, such as hiking to his favorite places; Oso Flaco and the National Parks. He especially loved the Rocky Mountains behind his daughter’s home in Colorado. Bernie lived in several places before settling in Santa Maria where he met his wonderful wife of 25 years, Trinidad. Bernie leaves behind a kind and loving legacy for his children, stepchildren, grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews! A special thanks to his dear friends at the “Y”, the staff at Marian Medical Center and all that were part of his long life!

A Celebration of his life will take place at 1:00 P.M on January 14, 2012 at the family’s home in Santa Maria.

SHIRLEY QUAID
1938 - 2011

Shirley Ann Quaid, 73, of Santa Maria, passed away Thursday, December 15, 2011 of natural causes.Shirley was born on December 11, 1938 to Bert and Pearl Quaid. For the past 11 years, she has been living at Helens’ Residence in Santa Maria and attending the Vocational Training Center (VTC). She was an active member of the Aktion Club.

Shirley is survived by her sisters, Juanita Hinds and Louis Pott; and brothers, Ray Quaid and Albert Quaid.

Cremation was requested and there will be no services at this time. 

JOSEPH "JOE" L. BRASS
1921 - 2011

Joseph “Joe” L. Brass, 90, a lifetime resident of Santa Maria, passed away Tuesday, December 13, 2011.Joe was born on September 22, 1921 in Santa Maria to Joseph and Amelia Brass. He was the youngest of eight children of this pioneer family. Joe graduated from Santa Maria High School in 1939 ½. He served in the United States Army from 1942 until 1946; and upon returning from duty he married Bettie in 1947 in Nevada. In 1982, Joe retired after 25 years as the store manager of Souza’s Television and Music.

Joe was one of the first members of the Santa Maria Country Club; and a longtime member of the DES Club and Santa Maria Elks Lodge #1538.

Joe’s loves in life were music, golf and his family.

Joe is survived by his children, Joseph Pearson and his wife, Marlene, of Carson City, Nevada, Linda Higgins and her husband, Gary, of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Donna White and her husband, Bob, of Santa Maria; grandchildren, Robert Gasper, David White, Brian White and Scott White; step grandchildren, Shaun Higgins, Michael Higgins, Lori Seggerman, Karen Copp, Tracey Bailey, Mark Copp and Dawn Stinson; as well as twenty-six great grandchildren, twelve great great grandchildren, and fourteen nieces and nephews. Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Bettie, on February 9, 1999; and his siblings, Joseph V. Brass, Anthony Brass, Manual Brass, Mary Simas, Mabel Romo, Annie Pinheiro, and Robert Brass.

Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, December 19, 2011, followed by a Scripture Service at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the Santa Maria Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Joe’s name to your favorite charity.

MARYLEA LAFLIN
1933 - 2011

Marylea Laflin, 78, of Santa Maria, passed away peacefully at home on December 12th, 2011.Marylea was born on February 8th, 1933 in Wichita, KS to Andrew – A.J. and Frieda Asher, the second of five children. Her family moved to Planeview, KS just south of Wichita where she attended high school and met her future husband, Jim. She worked for New York Life Insurance for several years after graduation and was married in 1955. A few years later, she left the workforce as the couple started their family. In 1962, she and Jim moved to Fontana, CA where they lived for eight years. Marylea and Jim relocated to Santa Maria when Jim was hired at Santa Maria High School in 1970.

After her years of being a successful “stay at home” mom, Marylea began a nearly 20 year career of touching young lives when she started volunteering at a local elementary school. Her love for children was noticed by school administrators and she was offered a teacher’s aide position within the Orcutt School District. She was eventually assigned to Alice Shaw School where she spent many happy and successful years assisting Kindergarten and 1st grade teachers mold and nurture countless children.

Marylea is survived by her beloved husband of nearly 58 years, James; sister, Jane (Jack) Quigley of Alamogordo, NM; sister Patricia (Dean) Osborn of Wichita, KS; her son Michael (Debra) Laflin of Santa Maria; her son Doug Laflin of Avalon, CA; her daughter Cynthia (Gene) Blackwell of Santa Maria; and seven grandchildren, Andrew, Aaron, Matthew and Rachel Laflin, J.D. Laflin, and Ellen and Leyton Blackwell.A memorial service will be held on at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 16th, 2011 at Orcutt Presbyterian Church.

The Laflin family wishes to thank the Marian Hospice care team that ministered to and helped care for Marylea over the last few months. Memorial donations may be given in her name to Marian Hospice, 504 Plaza Dr # 1, Santa Maria, CA 93454.

Arrangements are in the care of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home and Crematory. Sympathy notes and words of support may be expressed at www.magnermaloney.com.