Archived Obituaries

Helen C. Mogk passed away in Redwood City at the age of 75. She was born in San Francisco and moved to Hollister from Millbrae 5 years ago to be near her daughter. She married her husband, Jerome, in 1960 in Carmel.

Lucy Kovacich died May 25, 2008, at Dominican Hospital. She was 79. A native of Mihanici, Croatia, she immigrated to the United States in 1960, settling in Hollister. She and her husband, Vince, purchased the Del Monte Cafe in 1968. Together, they worked in the restaurant for 38 years. They moved their family to Watsonville in 1971. Mrs. Kovacich attended both Our Lady Help of Christians and St. Patrick's Catholic churches.

Passed away in Livermore at the age of 63. Visitation: Sunday, June 1st 12:00 noon until 9:00 PM at the funeral home. Rosary: 7:00 P.M. Sunday at funeral home. Mass: Monday, June 2nd at 10:00 A.M. at Sacred Heart Church. Interment: IOOF Cemetery. Obituary and condolences: www.blackcoopersander.com

Benny Carlton Swindle of Gilroy, California died on May 24, 2008 following a brief battle with cancer.

Joan M. Lacasa passed away at her residence May 22nd after a courageous battle against cancer. Joan was a life long resident of Hollister, attended San Benito High School, where she was a cheerleader, and graduated from Beauty Colleges both in Salinas and San Jose. Upon her graduation, Joan purchased Yolanda's Hair Salon from Yolanda Gulli which was located on San Benito Street, renamed her salon to Joan's Lacasa Bella and moved her business to the Paine Building on Fifth Street. Her clientle grew to the point that besides herself her shop had 10 beauty operators. In addition to her talents as a beautician, Joan was a recognized model in the Bay Area, especially at the Holiday time, as she modeled for many of the major department stores. She was knowledgeable about the very best fashions as well as clothing styles at the time. As a hobby Joan enjoyed decorating her home and helping others to do the same. During this time she also obtained her real estate license and was associated with several Realtors in San Benito County.

Clara passed away Thursday, May 22, 2008 at Pacific Hills Manor, Morgan Hill. She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years Robert "Bob" Joseph Perino and her son, Robert James Perino, her brother George Ciabattari and sister, Evelyn Paganucci. Survived by her son, Don Perino and his wife, Zilda of Gilroy, Daughter-in-law Wanda Perino of San Leandro, Sister Linda Giretti of Gilroy. Grandchildren Natasha and Steve Subia of Hollister, Vince Perino of San Leandro and Larry & Adriana Perino of Castro Valley. Great-grandchildren Kyle & Skyler Subia of Hollister and Andrew & Laura Perino of Castro Valley and her dear friend and caregiver Maria Jammal. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Clara was born and raised in Gilroy and was a member of St. Mary's Church & Choir for over 70 years. She sang at many many funerals and weddings in Gilroy. Clara was a member of the Catholic Ladies Aid Society, Italian Catholic Federation, The Others Club, Women in Touch and the Side by Sider's Choir and the Gilroy Community Seniors. Family would appreciate donations to your favorite charity.

Entered into rest in Hollister at the age of 63. Visitation: Tues. May 27, 2008 12:00 noon until 5:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Rosary: Tuesday at 7:00 P.M. at Sacred Heart Church. Mass: Wednesday at 10:00 A.M. at the church. Interment: Calvary Cemetery. Obituary and condolences: www.blackcoopersander.com

Carmen Garcia passed peacefully early Wednesday, May 21, 2008. She was preceded in death by her husband Gregorio Garcia and grandsons Mike "Big Mike" Lopez and Jeremiah Tanguma. Carmen was also preceded in death by her stepchildren Trini Garcia, Annie Garcia, Juana Lopez, Petra Galtmen and Oralia Garcia. She is survived by her children Thomas Ledesma, Linda Bridges, Tom and Yolanda Corsick and Sonia Ruiz , her stepchildren Johnny Garcia, Tony Garcia, Joe Garcia, Phillip Garcia, Richard Garcia, Dolores Castro and Chona Garcia all of Gilroy. She was loved and very well respected by her many Grandchildren. May she always rest in peace.

Ruth Franco passed away at Fresno Community Regional Medical Center on May 18th at the age of 87 years after a two year period of failing health. A native of Oklahoma, Ruth come to California in 1940 and had been a San Benito County resident for 40 plus years before she and her husband Tony moved to Fresno four years ago to be with her grandson. Their lives were spent together working on their ranch in the Cienega Area. Ruth attended the San Benito County Horse Show & Rodeo every year with her family. An accomplished leather worker, she made chaps and many other items that her family wore in the Parade.

Marilyn D. Silhanek passed away May 20, 2008 in Gilroy. She is survived by her husband of 46 years Allen Silhanek Sr. of Gilroy. She was the mother of Allen Silhanek Jr. of Gilroy and Sue Silhanek of Roseville and grandmother of Zachary and Allen Silhanek III. A native of Chicago, Ilinois age 67. Visitation will be Saturday, May 24, 2008 from 2:00 to 6:00 P.M. at Habing Family Funeral Home, Gilroy.