News

Vincent James Chiaramonte (95), a native of San Jose, California and a resident of Madera California since 1980 passed away suddenly at his home on Saturday, October 12, 2019. Vincent had retired as a foreman from FMC Corporation following a career that spanned 45 years with the company.

Vincent was youngest of 13 children born to Sicilian Immigrants Salvatore Chiaramonte and Alfonza Piazza Chiaramonte. A former resident in the Santa Clara Valley before relocating to Madera with FMC, Vincent enjoyed his leisure time in the San Joaquin Valley and Sierras fishing, hunting and gardening at home. His most memorable trip was an a Alaska safari where he bagged a moose and a caribou and of course salmon. His greatest joys in life was being “G-PA” to his 5 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren and spoiling them with his legendary French Toast.

Mary Louise Biscay Bidegain (98), the middle child of Jean and Julie Biscay, was born on July 25, 1921 in Madera. She graduated from Madera High School and went on to become a hairdresser, owning her own beauty shop in Madera. Louise later met and married Jim Bidegain, and through their 52 years together, they enjoyed visiting relatives in France and traveling to many countries around the world. She was fluent in French, and a wonderful aunt to her many nieces and nephews.

After her husband passed away, Louise managed the ranch and later moved to Cedar Creek in Madera. She lived an exemplary life and was a model for the next generation… and was an excellent cook! The family appreciates the service of her caregiver, Lucille Gamble and the entire staff and friends at Cedar Creek, they were wonderful.

Violet Beckett Bounds (91) passed away on Sunday, September 1, 2019 in Madera, CA. She came to Madera in 1954 after the loss of her husband Jesse Carless Beckett. Violet was an employee at Westgate Convalescent Hospital for 10 years. She enjoyed cooking for children at the First Baptist Church Daycare Center.

Violet is survived by her four children a son, Carles Beckett and his wife Georgia, three daughters, Ginger Blackburn and her husband Larry, Kay McCullough and her husband Ken and Alice Westerling. She also leaves behind nine grandchildren, Wade Beckett, Wesley Beckett, Wendy Beckett Manzo, Lonnie Blackburn, Gina Leneé, Jason McCullough, Kellie McCullough, Laura Westerling Williams and Tyler Westerling, fifteen great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

Chief Warrant Officer Mark Anthony Bristol, 54, of Fresno died tragically and suddenly on Tuesday, August 13, 2019 in rural Fresno County from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. Mark was the respected head of the NJROTC Program at Parlier High School for the last 8 years. His career in the United States Navy spanning 28 years made him a natural for the leadership of the Program at Parlier High School.

An Officer and a Gentleman he helped mold and shape the character of numerous student cadets. His passing has left a tremendous void in every life he touched. Mark joined the United States Navy in 1984 as an Aviation Ordnanceman, in which he served 28 year of zealous and faithful service. Retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer, affectionally everyone called him “Gunner”.  There he gained much of his education to include a Master’s Degree from Brandman University. Upon his Honorable Discharge from the United States Navy, he began working for Parlier High School and did so until time of his death. 

Shirley Alexander Holdcroft (93) passed away on Monday, August 12, 2019 at the age of 93. She was born in Selma, California to Earl and Rhonda Alexander on October 18, 1925. In Shirley’s younger life she had been employed “Kinema Theater”, P.G.E. billing department and Nobles Meat Company, office in Madera.

Shirley attended Fresno schools, and graduated from Fresno High School class of 1943. She was an active member of First Christian Church since 1956. Shirley had held offices such Treasurer and Secretary in C.W.F. over the years, and also was a Bereavement chair for dinners for over 30 years for those who had lost their loved ones. She also chaired for several silver teas the church held yearly.

Martin Medellin (93) passed away on Wednesday, July 24th from complications of congestive heart failure. He was a long time resident of Madera having moved here with his parents and seven brothers and sisters from Texas. He attended Howard Elementary School in his youth and only recently in 2014 did he receive an Honorary Diploma from Madera High School (his enlistment in the U.S. Army was an interruption in his schooling).

Along with four brothers whom all proudly served in the military during World War II, he distinguishing himself and was awarded a Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his contributions. He considered the U. S Army as a career path until he met his soul-mate, Madeline, with whom he shared his life with for over 69 years until her passing in 2017. Together they raised their daughters Toni and Judie and son Reg.