News

Peter Oliver (82)

Peter Gurney Oliver (82) passed away on Thursday, April 9, 2015. He was born on July 3, 1932 to Louis and Lilian Oliver in Wimbledon, England, and as he would say, "just in time to enjoy the Battle of Britain".

Peter served proudly in the Royal Air Force as a Radio Operator where he was stationed in Malta. Following his military service, Peter emigrated to the United States in 1954 aboard the Queen Mary at the age of 22. After arriving in New York City, within six months he landed a position assisting renown fashion photographer Bill Helburn, which would spark a long and successful career in the industry.

Former MHS Counselor Passes: Matilda Torres (69)

MADERA - Matilda “Tini” Torres passed away on Good Friday, April 3, 2015. She was born on May 17, 1945 in Madera, CA where she resided for all her life. She attended California State University, Fresno, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree. She then proceeded to earn her teaching and counseling credentials. She began her career as a teacher and then transitioned into her counseling role at Madera High School where she worked for over 37 years.

She was a faithful parishioner of St. Joachim’s Catholic Church. Matilda was a longtime leading member of the Latinas Unidas, a charter member of AMAE, and a member and supporter of other organizations dedicated to the support and education of Latinos and other minorities. She spent most of her time caring for others in need, celebrating life with her family, and tending to her beautiful gardens.

Mary Peters (82)

Mary Peters (82), a native of Belfield, ND and a resident of Madera, CA for 43 years passed away Easter Sunday, April 5, 2015 at her son's home in Madera. Mary worked for 40 years at Peters Brothers Nursery & Landscaping wearing many hats while working there. Mary was a great housewife going above & beyond the call of duty.

Accused Child Molester and Former County Supervisor Dead: Harry Baker (87)

FRESNO - Accused child molester and former Madera County Supervisor Harry Baker, died early Friday morning at the age of 87. Last month he suffered an ischemic stroke while in custody at the Fresno County Jail where he has been housed since September 24, 2014 awaiting trial.

Last week Baker's attorney, Roger Nuttall, said the trial was unlikely to occur since Baker was in grave condition. Baker's death proves to be the final delay in bringing the 2009 case to trial where the founder of Sierra Tel Internet was accused of committing a lewd act with a 13 year old girl in a Fresno motel in 2007. The trial has been delayed multiple times due to health problems, such as open-heart surgery and a tracheotomy.

Lorraine Price (89)

Lorraine Price (89) passed away on Friday, March 20, 2015. Lorraine was born in Livingston, CA and a resident of Madera for 52 years. She was the Co-owner of Prices Gift & Gourmet in Madera. Lorraine and her husband Sam enjoyed traveling in their Motor home.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, former Madera mayor Samuel Price, her daughter Madeline Litrell and her daughter-in-law, Lynda Price. Lorraine is survived by her son, Tom Price of Madera, her sister-in-law Marilyn Price of Visalia, four grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Bruce Townsend (74)

Bruce Allen Townsend (74) a long time Madera Educator passed from this life on Monday, March 9, 2015 at St. Agnes Medical Center following a 12 year heroic battle with leukemia. Bruce, 74, was born in Buffalo, New York and later moved to Southern California with his family where he graduated from Glendale High School.

Bruce attended the University of California at Berkeley where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in History and teaching credential. Moving to Madera Bruce began his career with the Madera Unified School District, teaching at Thomas Jefferson Middle School and Furman High School also Home Schooling for children with medical conditions who were unable to attend regular school. Retiring in 2003, following 30 years with the District.

Owner of Adams Auto Electric Dies at 99: William Adams

William LaVern Adams (99), a native of Fresno, CA and a resident of Madera, CA for 65 years passed away, Wednesday, March 4, 2015 at Country Villa, Madera. He was an owner and operator of Adams Auto Electric from 1954 to 2001. William was a veteran of the U.S. Army, Pacific Island in a tank destroyer battalion during WWII.

He was a faithful follower of the Warbirds and other airplanes. William also made his living as a musician playing guitar with various orchestras' in his early days. He was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather and cherished his time he spent with his family.