Archived Obituaries

A memorial service was held at the Happ Family Gravesite at St. Mary's Cemetary on March 19, 2008 at 2:00 P.M. A gathering for friends and family immediately followed at the Lutheran Hall on Hecker Pass Highway in Gilroy.

A viewing will take place at 4:30 P.M. on Monday with a Vigil following at 5:30 P.M. at Habing Family Funeral Home, in Gilroy. A funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday at St. Mary Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Gavilan Hills Memorial Park.

Richard passed away Sunday, March 2, 2008 in Medford, OR. Husband of Susan Fortino of Medford. Father of Brandon & Bella Fortino both of Medford. Son of Ruby & Frank Fortino of Gilroy. Brother of Steve Fortino (Kendra) of Gilroy, Irene Gulermovich (Peter) of Grass Valley, CA, Connie Fortino (Sherina) of Pescadero, CA and Diana Moon (Todd) of Minnesota. Godson of Edith & Gennaro Filice of Gilroy. Also survived by several nieces, nephews, an aunt, an uncle and cousins. A native of Gilroy.

Klazina (Ineke) Richter passed away March 16, 2008 in Morgan Hill she was 68. She is the loving mother of Selma Keller of Morgan Hill, Ilse Richter of San Jose and Erik Richter of Elk Grove, beloved sister of Maria Vanderham of Florida, beloved grandmother of Shawn, Kaili, Mark, Logan, Larissa, Maegan, Christian, Erik Jr. and Analise. Memorial Services will be Thursday, March 20, 2008 2:00 P.M. at West Hills Community Church, 16695 DeWitt Avenue, Morgan Hill. In lieu of flowers donations to the Alzheimer's Association in her memory are preferred and appreciated.

Gordon E. Farotte, Sr., a third generation Gilroy native, passed away at his home in Gilroy, March 15, 2008. He is survived by his wife of sixty years, Maybelle, his four children and their spouses, and eight grand children.

John M. Apgar, 75, died on Saturday, March 8, 2008 at The Woodlands Genesis Eldercare Network in Plainfield, New Jersey.

Survived by her husband, Carl Swanberg of Morgan Hill, CA and 3 children, Steven, Chuck, and Janice Horne of Colorado Springs, CO.

Entered into rest in Salinas at the age of 85. She was born in Pittston, PA and came to Hollister in 1980 from San Jose to be closer to her family. She had moved to San Jose from New York and was a member of Sacred Heart Church. She is preceded in death by her husband, Anthony, who died in 1996 and is survived by her children, Emily Easthouse of Hollister, Mary Bragga of O'Fallon, MO, Vito LoGuidice of Hollister and Thomas LoGuidice of San Jose, her brothers William Gelatka of Pittston, PA, Edward Gelatka of Allentown, PA and Frank Gelatka of Bud Lake, NJ. She is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren and her niece, Rita Mecadon of Pittston, PA.

Huldah Stainback Champion, beloved mother and grandmother passed away Wednesday, March 5, 2008 in Phelan, California.

Age 51, and was born in Mannassas VA. She passed peacefully in her home in San Jose, CA. surrounded by her loved ones. She had endured a nine year battle with breast cancer. Yvonne's beautiful eyes, smile and friendship will be deeply missed by all. Morgan Hill family, please know she treasured your time and loved you all. Beloved mother, aunt, friend and wife. Survived by husband Jerry, children; Jackie, Theresa, Michelle and little Jer, two sisters, two brothers, mom, and dad. A vigil will be held on Sunday March 16, 2008 at 6:00 P.M. at Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary, 466 N. Winchester Blvd. A funeral service will be held on Monday March 17, 2008 at 9:30 A.M., at Oak Grove Baptist Church, 479 Blossom Hill Rd., SJ. Interment will follow at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery.