Archived Obituaries

Julia Mary garcia passed away at 104 years old. She was preceded in death by husband Porfirio and son Leo. She is survived by sons Edward, Norman and their families; beloved mother, grandmother, great- grandmother, great-great-grandmother and aunt. Visitation begins 9 am Monday at Habing Family Funeral Home, and the Funeral Mass at 11:30 am Monday at St. Mary Catholic Church.

Joe Ruiz passed away at Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital on Sunday, October 22nd, at the age of 72 years. Joe was a native of Hollister, attended local schools, and lived here all his life. Joe could be recognized pedaling his bicycle through out San Benito County and especially downtown Hollister, stopping at his favorite coffee shops to visit with his many friends. He enjoyed visiting with people and offering a helping hand to anyone who needed assistance. Illness forced him to stop bicycling a year ago. Joseph had been an employee of Yamanishi Farms, as well as the Hollister Cannery; and is a member of Sacred Heart Parish.

Surrounded by a loving family, Toshio passed away peacefully at St. Louise Hospital in Gilroy, CA.

Hollister native and life long resident Isabel M. Lemos passed away Oct. 21st at Mabie Skilled Nursing Center Southside at the age of 74 years. Isabel attended Sacred Heart School and was a graduate of Hollister High School.

Esteban Garcia entered into rest at his Hollister home.

Hector Aguero, age 70, a long-time resident of Gilroy, passed away peacefully at his home, after a heroic battle with a lengthy illness. He was born in Del Rio, Texas, to Conrado and Narcissa Aguero, who preceded him in death. He was a friend to many and loved by all. He served his country in the Air Force as a Military Policeman, as well as serving in two wars. He was an Electrician by trade, a Master Story-Teller, was extremely humorous, witty, adventurous and a great athlete, who mastered everything he did, whether it be boxing, speedboating or motorcycle racing. He was a man who knew how to enjoy life. One of his favorite sayings was " I'm going to the Office " (Oakwood

Hermelinda Moreno, a longtime Gilroy resident, passed away at the age of 88 on Wednesday, October 18, 2006 after a lengthy illness.

Visitation will begin at Friday, 3:00 pm at the funeral home followed by a funeral Mass at 4:00 pm at St. Mary's Church. Burial will be Saturday, 12:30 pm at St. Mary's Cemetery.

Norman Watenpaugh pased away Oct. 15, 2006. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Michiko; their children; Norma and her husband Wynn, Don and his wife Robin, Susan and her husband Gary, and Sandra and her husband Mark; grandfather of Brett, Alex and Megan.

Daniel Valdez passed from this life on October 16, 2006. He was the adored son of Victor and Anna Valdez, beloved brother of Victor Valdez, Jr. (JoAnn), Joyce Ybarra (Raymond), Eugene Valdez (Lisa), and Anthony Valdez (Gayle). He was the caring uncle of Jesse, Briana, and Eli Sanchez; Amy and Jessica Sharp; Melanie and Grace Valdez; Jeremy Dirks, Josh Zimmerman, and Anthony Valdez. He was friend and confidante to an untold number of Gilroyans from the downtown area he frequented, to Gavilan College, where he was a student, and also on the editorial staff of the Gavilan Press.