Obituaries

Jean Claire Kato: Long Time Madera Educator Dies at 60

Jean Claire Kato, born May 31, 1951 in Lodi, CA, died suddenly on Saturday March 24, 2012 in Madera. She loved to spend time with her family and friends, especially at her cabin in Shaver Lake, annual family vacations to Lake Tahoe, road trips around the United States, and traveling internationally with her friends in recent years, including trips to Greece, France, Italy, and China. In the last year she spent many days in San Francisco with her new grandson Robby.

Jean was a long time educator in Madera, working over 35 years as a counselor and social studies teacher at Madera High School. Jean received her bachelor's degree in history and teaching credential from California State University Chico. She later received her Masters in Counseling from California State University Fresno.

Christine Marie Silva-LeTourneau (44)

Christine Marie Silva-LeTourneau entered rest on March 19th, 2012 surrounded by her family and best friends, after battling complications from a pulmonary illness and severe stroke. Chris was born in Madera at Dearborn Hospital on August 30, 1967 and resided her entire life here in her hometown.

Chris attended Washington Elementary School for pre-school and Kindergarten, then attended and graduated from Eastin Arcola School when her family moved to Parkwood in1973. She enjoyed riding with her Dad in his big hay trucks and growing up around the shop with all the diesel repair and maintenance involved in the trucking business.

Van Christian Neely (58)

SHAVER LAKE - After a courageous two-year battle against cancer, Van Christian Neely, age 58, departed this earth March 16, 2012 to sail with a gentle breeze on crystal, blue heavenly seas. He died at his home in Shaver Lake surrounded by his loving and caring family.

Van was born June 4, 1953 at Dearborn Hospital in Madera, California to Bryan Thomas Neely and Elizabeth “Betty” (Pistoresi) Neely. He attended John Adams elementary, Thomas Jefferson Junior High, graduated from Madera High School in 1971, and received his AA at Fresno City College.

Jerry Dennis Adams (65)

Jerry Dennis Adams, age 65, passed away Sunday, March 4, 2012 in Madera, Ca. He was born August 7, 1946 to Esther and William Adams in Madera where he lived his entire life. Jerry was the retired owner/operator of Adams Auto Electric Shop in Madera.

When he wasn't running his business, he loved to travel on weekends to the beach, mountains and the desert, especially to Reno and Santa Cruz. His other passion in life besides traveling was drag racing his Impala and purchasing new vehicles often, always black on black luxury cars.

Sally Ann Ferdinandi (78)

Sally Ann Ferdinandi of Fresno, California passed away on Friday, January 27, 2012 to be reunited with her loving husband John Ferdinandi. She was born on January 15, 1934 in Berkeley, to Charles and Agatha Wilson. After moving to Fresno, Sally became an active volunteer at St. Anthony's Parish and San Joaquin Memorial High School.

For many years, Sally worked alongside John as a manager of retirement facilities in in various communities including Santa Rosa and San Diego. Sally was an avid fan of baseball and lover her "Giants."