Sister Elizabeth Du Pre, OSF, (Eve Ann) 89, passed away July 15, 2010 in Santa Maria, CA. Sister was born on January 11, 1921 in New Orleans, LA to Adam Du Pre and Bertha Augustine. Eve Ann was the second oldest of four children, with an older brother and two younger sisters. When she was six, the family moved to California where Eve Ann completed her schooling, graduating from Catholic Girls’ High School in Los Angeles in 1938. It was while she was studying there that she decided she wanted to join the Sisters of St. Francis who were one of the groups of Catholic Sisters teaching at this school.In September 1942, Eve Ann followed this dream, and joined the Franciscan Sisters who had their motherhouse in Sierra Madre, CA. She made her profession of vows in 1943, and now known as Sister Elizabeth, began her lengthy ministry in education. She taught and/or was principal in the community’s schools in various areas of California and in Portland, OR for many years. From 1952 until 1954 Sister Elizabeth taught 7th grade at St. Mary’s School here in Santa Maria.

After and even during her many years in education, from 1944 to 1981, Sister Elizabeth also served the community in the formation of those entering the community, as a financial administrator in two locations, and in one of her favorite ministries, that of program director for senior citizens at Stella Maris in Los Angeles. Sister was known for her warmth and humor in her care of the residents at that facility. Sister Elizabeth also served in a variety of capacities at the Sisters’ Motherhouse in Redwood City California for over ten years, as she said, “serving wherever needed”. She retired to Marian Residence in Santa Maria in 2004, and as her health declined, moved to the care center there for the Sisters.

Sister Elizabeth is survived by her loving relatives, her brother Adam (Bud) Du Pre, her two sisters Marjorie Scott and Crystal Wallace, and many loving nieces and nephews. She is also survived by the members of her religious community, the Sisters of St. Francis.Vigil services will be held on Tuesday, July 20th at 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel at Marian Residence, 124 S. College Drive, Santa Maria. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 21st in the Marian Residence Chapel. Rev. Charles Hofschulte, C.J., will be the celebrant. Interment will follow in the Santa Maria Cemetery.

Donations may be made in Sister Elizabeth’s memory to the Sisters of St. Francis at Marian Residence, 124 S. College Drive, Santa Maria, CA 93454. 

VIOLETA C. OWEL
1943 - 2010

Violeta C. Owel, 66, of Santa Maria, passed away Monday, June 28, 2010.

Violeta was born on July 19, 1943 in Bolinao, Pangasinan in the Philippines. She has resided in Santa Maria for the last several years.

Violeta is survived by her husband of nearly 50 years, Helarion Owel; daughter, Warlyn Camba and her husband, Cezar; grandchildren, Czarlyn and Czarina, all of Santa Maria; as well as five children and several grandchildren in the Philippines.

Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 7, 2010 followed by the Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home. Interment will be in the Philippines.

ANGELA FERRARI
1955 - 2010

Angela Ferrari passed away Sunday, June 27, 2010 in Santa Maria, California.

Angela Ferrari was born November 11, 1955 to Marjorie and Joseph Ferrari in Santa Maria, California. She attended Saint Mary’s Elementary School, Fesler Junior High School and graduated from Santa Maria High School in 1974. After high school she worked for the Santa Maria Elks Club running the kitchen. Angela attended Allen Hancock College and graduated with an AA degree from the Nursing Program with her LVN. On August 26, 1979 Angela started her 30 year career of wonderful service to Marian Hospital. As a Nursery Nurse, one of her first patients was her God Son and name sake Nickolas Ferrari. She was well liked by all the doctors and known for being able to start I.V.s even on the tiniest of babies.

Angela never married or had children of her own, but she loved her dogs as if they were her children.

She is survived by her father Joseph Ferrari, brother; Joseph Ferrari, Jr. and his wife Fran, sister; Annette Cray and her husband Lamont, brother; Donald Ferrari and his wife Nancy, twelve nieces and nephews and twelve great nieces and nephews.

Angela was preceded in death by her mother Marjorie Ferrari.

A Scripture Service will be held 4:00 P.M. Friday, July 2, 2010 in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home with Rev. Ed Jalbert, C.J. officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations could be sent to Santa Barbara County Animal Services in Angela’s name.

JOHN FRANK PERRY
1928 - 2010

John Frank Perry passed away on Saturday, June 26, 2010 surrounded by his loving family. Born in 1928, in Santa Maria, California, John was the oldest of three sons born to Fred and Rosa Perry. He attended local schools and graduated from Santa Maria High School. After working in the farming industry for a short period of time, he was drafted by the United States Army and served in the Korean War. A member of the 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, John was cited for Meritorious Service in connection with military operations against an armed enemy in Korea. His peers recognized him as a strong leader, loyal friend, and a man of high integrity.

In 1952, John married beautiful Theresa Borba, the love of his life. They spent 58 years in a long, loving and joyful marriage. They had four children.

After serving in the United States Army, John worked for various agricultural businesses throughout the central coast area. He had a keen eye for recognizing talented individuals and often was responsible for getting them jobs and helping them advance their careers. In 1982, he launched his own business in partnership with the Teixeira Brothers and named it Santa Maria Valley Crop Service. He was known in the industry as being innovative and industrious. Many of his employees called him the “Best Boss” they ever had. After retiring, John’s love of agriculture continued through his bountiful backyard garden. He took great care in sharing his passion for gardening with his grandchildren. Many friends and neighbors benefited from the harvests of his garden. John also loved supporting and participating in the many activities and interests of his grandchildren. He eagerly attended many Cub Scout, Boy Scout, 4H and sporting events over the years. They will miss him immensely and the love he showered on them.

John was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Elks Lodge of Santa Maria, and Third Order of St. Francis (a secular Franciscan Order). He was also a member of St. Louis de Montfort Catholic Church and the church’s 50 Plus Club. He gave freely of his time and talent; devoting many hours to church service projects. He will be lovingly remembered for his kindness, hospitality, and willingness to help others.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Rosa Perry, his sister Helen, and brother Joseph. He is survived by his wife, Theresa Perry; son and daughter-in-law; John and Marcie Perry; grandchildren; Collin, Shawna and Blaine Perry; brother and sister-in-law; Richard and Christina Perry; and nephew Philip Perry.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Mark Ziemba who guided John through many difficulties; Cissy Zimmer, Dr. Thomas Dawes, Diane Dawes, Dr. Mark Scholz, Dr. Richard Lam, Father John Mayhew, C.J. and Sister Catherine Sullivan, DMJ.

Visitation will begin at 6:00 P.M. on Thursday, July 1, 2010 followed by Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 2, 2010 at St. Louis de Montfort Church with interment following in the Santa Maria Cemetery,

In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome Masses offered in John’s name.

ROSEMARY VRANA HILL
1921 - 2010

Rosemary Hill left her earthly tent on Tuesday, June 22, 2010 to be with her Lord. She was born on March 5, 1921 in Caledonia, Wisconsin, to Albert W. and Cecilia Meyer Vrana. She attended local schools in Racine, Wisconsin, and graduated from the William Horlick High School in 1939.

She continued her studies in Advanced Chemistry and worked in the Diet Lab of St. Mary’s Hospital until 1942 when she went to work for the Hamilton Beach Co. assembling food mixers and drink mixers. Later as the Co. turned to war work, Rosemary was a final inspector for B29 Superfortress airplane panel instruments. She received the Army-Navy production Award for skill, industry, and devotion.

She was a Charter Member of the Young People’s Club at St. Mary’s Church in Racine where she met her future husband, Eugene Hill. They were married in 1946 in St. Mary’s Church, Racine, WI. They had seven children.

In 1949 Eugene Re-enlisted in the Air Force and she began her life following him in his career. They moved and traveled for 24 years retiring from Vandenberg AFB, CA in 1972. They moved to Santa Maria in 1972.

Rosemary enjoyed sports of all kinds, especially golf and bowling. She enjoyed gardening, baking and cooking, especially fancy things. She was close to her family and enjoyed her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She loved children. She was active in the Catholic Church activities on all the Bases where her husband was stationed and in the surrounding communities. She was a Religious Educator for 30 years (CCD). While with the Air Force she received the Cardinal Spellman Award, 3 Chief of Chaplains Awards from Washington DC., and a Chapel Award from Vandenberg AFB. While at Beale AFB, CA. she was Vice-Pres and Pres. Of the Sacramento Deanery of the Diocesean Council of Catholic Women. She started numerous programs while living in American Housing in Trier, Germany. She was a Master Catechist (LA) and taught teachers as well as students. She was DRE at Vandenberg AFB, CA for 8 years and at St. Louis de Montfort Church for 13 years. In 1987, when Pope John Paul II was in Los Angeles, she received the highest award given a lay person, the Pope’s Medal, the Pro Ecclesia Pontifice. She retired in 1989 to be more active in her disabled husbands care. She has served on Parish Councils, Liturgy Committee’s and as Lector and Eucharistic Minister; also taking Holy Communion to the sick. She was chairperson at the St. Louis de Montfort Parish Pantry for the Needy for 25 years of food collection. Charter Member of the 50+ Club and life member of the DAV Auxiliary Club.

She is survived by her sons Patrick Hill and Terence Hill and daughters Carol Bintz, Mary Lowther, and Barbara Edwards, 17 Grandchildren, 7 Great Grandchildren as well as many friends and relatives.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene C. Hill (2002), sons Timothy J. (1987), and Gregory A. (2000). Parents, Albert W. and Cecilia Meyer Vrana, brothers. J. Erwin and Albert G. Vrana, granddaughter Rheannon Hill.

Visitation will begin 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 27, 2010, followed by the Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 5:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 28, 2010 at St. Louis deMontfort Church with interment following in the Santa Maria Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Louis de Montfort Church, Josephite Fathers, Catholic Extension Society, any Missions, or any Seminary for the training of Priests.

FREDERICK H. WITTMAN
1925 - 2010

Frederick H. Wittman, 84, of Santa Maria, California passed away on June 17, 2010.  Frederick was born on November 9, 1925 in Sherrill, New York.  He is the son of Kate and Frederick Wittman Sr.  He became a resident of La Crescenta, California in 1951 and then moved to Santa Maria, California in 1982.  He served in the Navy in WWII.

He is survived by his beloved wife Amelia of over 63 years, his six children Dennis, Gary, Adrian, William, Mary, and Bradley and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

Fred was a plumber by trade.   He enjoyed many sports which included bowling, golfing, swimming, softball, and was accomplished in horseshoes, having won trophies in numerous tournaments.  He thoroughly enjoyed coaching Connie Mack baseball at Stengel Field in Glendale, California.

He was preceded in death by two sisters and six brothers. 

Graveside Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, June 25, 2010 in the Santa Maria Cemetery.

LORENA RISHER REEVES
1937 - 2010

Lorena Fisher Reeves, 72, of Santa Maria, CA passed away at home with her family on Friday, June 18, 2010. She was born August 29, 1937 in Grand View, Idaho to Loyd and Thelma Hunt.

Lorena is survived by her husband Kenneth Reeves, daughter Theresa Harrell and son Rickson Fisher. She is also survived by her sister Mary Arndt, Stepsons Chris Casteel, Eric Reeves and Stepdaughter Karen Peterson and eight grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 29, 2010 at First Christian Church located at 1550 S. College Drive, Santa Maria with Pastor Clete Doyal officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Easter Seals in honor of Lorena Fisher Reeves.

MARY ANN SLOCUM
1929 - 2010

Mary Ann Slocum, 81, of Nipomo passed away at home on May 31, 2010 after a courageous battle with cancer, with her children by her side. 

Mary Ann was born on March 31, 1929 in Highland Park, IL.   She attended Lake Forrest College where she met her future husband, Eugene Ferguson.  After graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in English, Mary Ann and Gene wed.  In 1963 the Ferguson family moved to California to start a new life.  After Gene passed away Mary Ann met the love of her life Kenneth Slocum.  Together they moved to Nipomo where Mary Ann lived for the past 25 years surrounded by her beloved animals and good friends.  She enjoyed working outside in her yard and tending to her fruit trees and flowers.  She lovingly volunteered her time at Marian Medical Center for almost 20 years. 

Mary Ann is survived by her sons Edward Ferguson of Boulder Creek, CA;  David Ferguson and his wife Stela of Mountain View, CA ; and daughter Mary Beth Ferguson of Carlsbad, CA;  grandchildren Brian, Jennifer and Matthew.   Mary Ann was preceded in death by her first husband Eugene Ferguson on February 1, 1974; her loving husband Kenneth Slocum on September 16, 1988 and oldest son Dennis Ferguson on April 12, 2002. 

A Memorial Service will be held Monday, June 14 at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph’s Church in Nipomo.  Interment will be private. 

In honor of Mary Ann’s love of animals, memorial donations may be made to Santa Maria Valley Humane Society, 751 Black Road, Santa Maria, CA  93458.