Archived Obituaries

Joseph Manuel Machado, 62, a native of Faial, Azore Islands, Portugal, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at his home on April 12, 2010, in Gilroy, CA. He is survived by his beloved wife, Maria Gisela, of 37 years; loving children, Susana Machado and her companion Carlos Cruz, Bruno Machado and his wife Joelle and Marco Machado; cherished grandchildren, Emily and Brianna Machado and his 3rd grandchild who will arrive in June. Joseph was the dear brother-in-law of Ted and Maria Simas, Ismeria Rosa all of Gilroy and Diodete Simas and her late husband Jaime, Gualberto and Conceicao Simas all of Oakville, Canada. He will be missed by nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.

Longtime Morgan Hill resident Bonnie Simonsen, passed away April 12, 2010, after a short illness.

Private cremation with private family inurnment.

Services Fri. 4/16/2010 - 3:00 P.M. at Gavilan Hills Memorial Park.

Ricardo Jacob Medellin came into this world on April 2, 1984, and peacefully entered into rest on April 7, 2010. He is survived by his father Richard Medellin, brothers Richard Jr. and Paul Medellin and Samuel Powell. To his family he was Ricky and Rick to his friends, but loved to us all. Born in Gilroy and raised in both Morgan Hill and San Martin,

Mercedes Palacios was born on April 15, 1924, in El Paso, TX. She passed away on April 10, 2010, in Riverbank, CA where she had lived for the last 5 years with her daughter and family. Mercedes was married to Robert Palacios in December of 1949. Their life together started out in El Paso, TX, eventually moving to Chino, CA. In 1969 the family moved to San Juan Bautista and then onto Gilroy in the early 1970's. Mercedes is survived by her daughters, Mary Sparr, Margarita Armendariz, Rosie Lopez, Sally Barnes and Deleia Paderez and son's Robert Palacio, Ray Palacios and Richard Palacios. In addition she has fifty-five grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. Mercedes' greatest passion was loving all her children and grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Palacios, son Louis Palacios, daughter, Gloria Garcia and George Palacios. A service to celebrate Mercedes' life will begin with a Vigil at St. Mary's Church, 11 First St., Gilroy, CA 95020 on Wednesday, April 14, 2010, at 7:00 P.M. Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, April 15, 2010 at 10:00 A.M. followed by burial at St. Mary's Cemetery, 900 First St., Gilroy. Condolences and information at habingfamilyfuneralhome.com

Dorothy Koch passed away April 10, 2010, at the age of 83. She was preceded in death by her husband and son, Stanley and Billy Koch. She was born in Gonzalez but was raised in Hollister. Dorothy had a passion for succulents and belonged to a Succulent Club in Northern California. She loved the outdoors, card parties, gardening and animals, above all her Chichewa Lucy. She spent her life devoted to her family: daughter and son in law Kathy and Frank Ostoja, four grandchildren, Michael and wife Jessica, Stephen and wife Jeannine, Kristie and Leslie Ostoja. She was also very lucky to have spent time with her three great- grandsons, Adam, Riley and Jacob Ostoja. She is remembered for her generosity, kindness, laughter and shopping (especially shoes!). The last few years of her life she felt at peace and blessed for all she had! Private family graveside services to be held.

Pastor Esther Ortiz Villanueva of Full Gospel Prayer Tabernacle Church passed away unexpectedly on April 9th, 2010.

Joe J. Conconi passed away at the age of 84 on Thursday afternoon. He was a native of Hollister and a lifelong resident of San Benito County. He and his brother, Benny Costa, owned and operated the John Costa Dairy on Lovers' Lane in Hollister. Joe was a veteran serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was a member of the Hollister Elk's Lodge, SIRS, V.F.W. Post 9242 and the Eagles lodge.

Rose Falcone passed away Saturday morning at the age of 100. She was born in San Francisco coming to Hollister in 1974. Formerly she was Chief Deputy Superintendent of Schools for Lake County, CA. Member of Sacred Heart Church, I.C.F. and Druids of San Francisco.