Obituaries

John “Steve” Copland (75)

John “Steve” Copland (75), a much-loved father and adored friend, passed away after a brief illness on January 7, 2024. Steve was born the eldest of five children on March 10, 1948, to John and Juliette Copland of Madera. A graduate of Madera High (‘66) and Fresno State University, Steve spent over 40 years helping his community as a partner at Seabury, Copland & Anderson, an independent insurance agency his father (and mentor) co-founded in 1939. Following his recent retirement, Steve was very proud that his son John would continue their legacy as the 3rd generation to lead the family business.

Steve took great pride in being a Maderan and showed it daily, even collecting roadside litter, returning shopping carts, or hand-painting over graffiti. He lived his life with a deep sense of civic responsibility. He participated in numerous municipal activities, from acting as a founding member of the Madera Downtown Association to sitting on the board of the Madera Arts Council.

Mark Garcia (80)

Mark Garcia (80) of Madera passed away on December 11, 2023, after a brief illness in a Fresno hospital. Mark was born on July 2, 1943, in Yakima, Washington. His parents were Mary Rodriguez and his stepfather, Martin Rodriguez.

Mark was raised in the Yakima area of Washington State, where he attended schools, played baseball, and wrestled in high school. He graduated from Wapato High School in 1961. In high school, he met his first wife, Ruth Salazar, before he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1962.

Sally Caglia (76)

FRESNO - It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Sally Caglia, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Born on April 20, 1947, in Fresno, California, Sally peacefully departed this life on December 10, 2023, in her home, surrounded by the warmth and love of her children.

Sally attended Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, San Joaquin Memorial High School, and Fresno City College. She worked in her family’s businesses all her life. Starting at a young age as a cashier at Orange Avenue Disposal and ending as the Executive Assistant at the Electric Motor Shop, Sally worked tirelessly to ensure the viability and success of the Caglia family’s commercial legacy and its philanthropic contributions to the Fresno community.

Norma Jean Vaughn (81)

Norma Jean Vaughn (81) was born to John and Ruby Edwards on January 19, 1942, in Watonga, Oklahoma. The church was integral to the Edwards family, and like her other nine siblings, Norma was baptized at a young age at Ebenezer Apostolic Church in Madera.

As a young lady, Norma enjoyed shadowing her mother in the kitchen. She learned how to cook and bake, which became her signature pastime. Norma attended Pershing Elementary School and Thomas Jefferson Junior High School before graduating from Madera Union High School in 1960. Following graduation, she attended Fresno City College.

Hank “The Hawk” Hernandes (85)

MADERA - Local sports icon Hank “The Hawk” Hernandes (85) passed away at the age of 85 peacefully at home on December 3, 2023, in the presence of his loving family.

On the Madera High School sports field, Hank was awarded MVP, team captain, and all-league honors. After high school, he went to Fresno City College, where he played in the Sequoia Bowl as quarterback.