Foothills Sentry September 2021

Foothills Sentry Page 15 September 2021 Marilyn Kay Maldonado 1939–2021 God wrapped his arms around our beautiful Mom and carried her to heaven the morning of June 18. She was 82 years old. She was born on May 5, 1939 in a humble barn in Missouri. Her father, James Rupert Snider, was a farmer. She moved to Orange, California in 1945 and had lived in Orange ever since (76 years). She joined the First Christian Church of Orange in 1947. Mom met Dad, Aaron Joe Mal- donado, in 1954 at Orange High School. They married on Sept. 14, 1957. He was the love of her life. Dad was a carpenter; Mom was a homemaker and had a suc- cessful craft business. They were a team. They had three children, all girls. They moved to Orange Park Acres in 1965. It was their dream to give their children a home where they could play safe- ly outdoors and have horses, dogs and other animals. They were both active in church and in the community. Family was the prior- ity, and Mom tirelessly and self- lessly took care of us, alongside Dad. They never missed a horse show or any event when her kids were involved. Our family en- joyed many camping vacations/ adventures across the United States. They also loved to square dance. Mom loved to garden and was a crafter, antique collector and loved anything turquoise, es- pecially turquoise milk glass. When Dad was unexpectedly called to heaven in 1986, our family was devastated. Mom had to continue without her loving husband and partner of almost 30 years. It was the love for her chil- dren and unwavering faith in God that gave her the strength. She took on the role of both parents for 35 years, and did it with faith, grace and love. She was the glue that kept our family together, and was always there for her family in so many ways. She was hap- piest when family was together -- and we all loved her Trifle des- sert. She had a beautiful group of friends she loved dearly. She was part of the Ladies Group Travel Club at the Crystal Cathedral and traveled worldwide. She was a kind, compassionate, strong, intelligent, caring and humble Christian woman. She was the best mom, my hero/mentor and a loyal friend. She was also a true American and proud that her fam- ily (Dutch) came to America in 1729. Mom embraced life, had a beautiful smile, a kind and gener- ous heart and gave so much love. She is survived by her daugh- ters, Cynthia Kay Maldonado- Rivera, Laurel Diane Maldonado- Wykes, Melissa Erin Maldonado, nine grandchildren and two great- grandchildren, and many others she loved dearly. She is now in heaven with God and reunited with Dad for eternity, who had been patiently waiting for 35 years. We miss her every day, but hold her love and memories in our hearts until we are together again. We love you, Mom. Donna Lee (Sims) Smith 1940–2021 A longtime resident of Orange, Donna Lee Smith (nee Sims) age 80, passed away July 20, in Puy- allup, Washington. She was born September 26, 1940 to Alida (nee Hamel) and Donald Sims. She was raised in the Seattle area with her three brothers (Jim, John and Mark). Later she would relocate to Southern California where she would spend the majority of her life. Donna Lee was an elementary school teacher in the Bellflower Unified School District for more than 30 years. After retirement, she spent time joyfully babysit- ting for her grandchildren and volunteering at Covenant Pres- byterian Church in Orange. She loved music, both playing the piano and singing. She was also an animal lover, sharing many years with her much-loved cats and dogs. Her dear husband of 25 years, Jerry Smith, predeceased Donna Lee in 2014. She leaves behind her three children, Don (Patty) Baughman, Dave (Diane) Baugh- man and Debra Petersen, plus seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Her beloved family members also include husband Jerry’s children and even more grandchildren that she adored. All those she held close in life will remember Donna Lee Smith with love. Joyce Moore 1924–2021 Joyce Ilean (Stafford) Moore passed away at home on July 28 at the age of 97. Born on May 15, 1924 in Den- ver to Harvey and Margret (Bies) Stafford, she was the third oldest of seven children. She graduated from Costa Mesa High School in 1942. She married Henry R. Moore, U.S. Marine Corps, in 1944 upon his return from the Pacific Theatre. They raised their family of four kids. Robert, Wil- liam, Debra and Sandra, in Or- ange Park Acres where Joyce re- sided for 68 Years. Joyce worked as a bookkeep- er, and later as a realty agent in Orange. She volunteered at the Orange Senior Center and was an avid reader and gardener. Her routines included weekly gather- ings with friends to dine and play board games. She and Hank trav- eled many times with family and friends, including an extended trip to Alaska. In her later years, her daily companions were her dog Pixie and pony Golden Boy. Joyce was a hardworking, de- termined person. She was a de- voted wife and mother who al- ways supported her family. Her associations with friends date back as far as high school. Hav- ing lived through the Depression and WWII, she became a master at stretching a household budget. She took pride in her family and personal accomplishments. She was a savvy businesswomen with endless energy who cared for her- self until the day of her passing. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, husband Hank, siblings June, May, Jack and John Roy. She is survived by her children Robert Moore, Wil- liam Moore, Debra Mehl (Steve), Sandra Seevers (Robert); brother Philip Stafford (Trude); Sister Shirley Peavy; grandsons Clinton Seevers (Sarah), Robert Seevers, Douglas Moore, Brenton Moore; great-grandchildren Peyton and Carson Seevers, as well as nu- merous nephews and nieces. Services and interment took place at Fairhaven Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Orange Senior Center, 170 S. Olive Street. VP Women’s League to feature celebrity chef Chef Cloyce Martin will be featured at the first Villa Park Women’s League general meet- ing, Thursday, Sept. 16 at 6:30 p.m. at a private residence. The highly regarded celebrity chef, only 19, is a former Villa Park resident and Orange County High School of the Arts graduate. He gained fame as a contestant on the show “Man vs. Child: Chef Showdown” and, most recently, on the Food Network show “Bat- tle of the Brothers.” The chef will do a cooking demonstration, share tips and tricks, offer food to taste and wit- ticisms. Members will also be able to sign up for year-round activities, including book clubs, gardening, bridge, bunco, pickleball, virtual travelers, couples’ gourmet and other social activities. For information about mem- bership, see vpwl.org or contact Membership Chair Risa Scott at (714) 293-8165. Celebrity Chef Cloyce Martin will be featured at the first Villa Park Women’s League general meeting. Kings Auto Clinic Domestic or Import • Service and Repair BMW • Mercedes Benz • Saab • Volvo & Diesels 850 North Lemon St. Orange, CA 92867 (714) 289-7773 Mon-Fri 8 AM - 5 PM Sat 8 AM - 4 PM Ask for Eddie