Obituaries

VIRGINIA MATTIE MASONI passed away due to complications from Parkinson's disease on Friday, March 30, 2007 in Morgan Hill. She was the wife of the late Louis P. Masoni of Gilroy, daughter of the late William and Lorna Butler, mother of Frank Masoni and his wife, Rosemary, of Hollister, Louis Masoni Jr. of Gilroy, and Mark Masoni and his wife, Lisa, of Morgan Hill, step-grandmother of Adrian and Vanessa Villegas of Hollister, sister of the late Mildred Staub, Alice Edwards, Forrest Butler, Clarence Butler, Frances McCambridge, Richard Butler, and William Butler Jr., sister-in-law of Bernice Butler of San Jose and Salvatore Masoni and Richard Masoni, both of Gilroy. Also survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Virginia lived in Gilroy for most of her life. Age 82 years.

Simona Gamez passed away in Santa Clara on March 28, 2007. She was 69 years of age. She is survived by her son Daniel Gonzalez of Gilroy, grandmother of Savana Skye Gonzalez and considered mother to many. She is the sister of Victoria Lopez of Dinuba, Josephina Salinas of San Jose, Pauline Hinojosa of Texas, Jose Angel Gamez of Dublin, David Gamez of Porterville and Norberto Gamez of San Jose. She was also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Mrs. Gamez was preceded in death by her sisters Eladia Moreno, Annie Aguirre and brother Reynaldo Gamez. Simona was an active volunteer at the Gilroy Garlic Festival, a member of the Red Hat Society, St. Mary's Church and volunteered for many other Church and local organizations.

Eugene Larence Kelley, born Aug. 3, 1924 to Patrick and Elva Kelley in Mulberry, AR, entered into eternal life on March 28, 2007.

Lillian "Lee" Berta passed away March 27, 2007 in Gilroy. Lee was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Carl Berta; she is survived by her two sons, James Berta and his wife Norma of Gilroy, and John Berta and his wife Michelle of Prunedale; her grandchildren James G. Berta and Nicole Sorenson.

Walter P. Brawley, of Florence, OR, formerly of Morgan Hill, went home to be with his Lord and Saviour the evening of March 23rd. Walter, who was in good health at 94, died unexpectedly of a recently diagnosed and fast-growing cancer. He passed away peacefully at home with loving family at his bedside.

Lulu came to her final rest on Tuesday, March 20, 2007, after 80 years of a joyous life. Lulu, born January 23, 1927 in San Bernardino, CA, was raised in Mexico and the Coachella Valley. She came to Gilroy in 1962. Her involvement in the community lead to her growth in friendships. She was the first and only female President of the Sociedad Funeraria Mexicana, was active in Sociedad Progresista Mexicana, and she volunteered in many different community events. She enjoyed passing her time knitting, watching TV, singing, dancing and playing Bingo. Lulu was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, Reynaldo, her sister Clara, her brothers Manuel and Eluterio, her son Theodore, and grandson Gabriel. Lulu is survived by her sisters Marina, Irma, and Rosario, her brothers Roberto, Rogelio, and Armando. She was the mother of Mercy (Patrick), Leticia (Robert), Veronica (Joe), Albert, Frank, Jesus, and the step-mother of Raynaldo (Yolanda). Grandmother to Mary Lou (David), Patrick Jaime, Angela (Kevin), Ashley, Mercedes, Emily, Rosanne, Eric (Ignacia), and Jennifer (Franz). Great-grandmother to David Matthew, Jonathan, Isaiah, Janessa, Michael, Esteban and many acquired grandchildren and many, many nephews and nieces.

John Alnas passed away, with his family at his side, on Sunday, at the age of 74.