Archived Obituaries

Passed away in Gilroy. He is the husband of Annie Figueroa Mariant of San Juan Bautista.

Margarita G. Donato, widow of the late Luz Donato; mother of ten children, Adolph Donato, Mike Donato, Ernest Donato, Lucy D. Garcia, Marina D. Sanchez, Emily Berry and Sally Donato; preceded in death by, Joseph M. Donato, Joseph R. Donato and Manuel D. Donato. She also leaves behind many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Visitation will be on Tuesday, April 10, 2007 from 4-8 P.M. with a Vigil Service to commence at 7:00 pm, both at Johnson Funeral Home, 17720 Monterey Street in Morgan Hill.

Karl Bonfert, 84, died peacefully with his family at his side. He was adventurous in heart and lived a rich and varied life. Karl was born in a German settled region of Roumania in the city of Kronstadt (Brasov). After he met Elsie, a nurse who cared for him as a wounded soldier, he moved to Germany where they were married. In 1949, with their baby daughter, they immigrated to San Francisco. He became an accountant at UNIVAR Co. In 1964, he moved to Gilroy as controller for Be Ge Mfg. His hobby of photography became a profession when he and Elsie began a business of wedding and commercial photography. They also sold many of his artistic scenery pictures.

Michael passed away in an airplane crash in Los Banos, CA and is survived by his parents, Joseph and Katherine; brother, Peter; his dog, Kirby; grandmother, Dorothy; several aunts, uncles, cousins and countless friends.

Frances Lewis passed away at her son's home March 3, 2007.

VIRGINIA MATTIE MASONI passed away due to complications from Parkinson's disease on Friday, March 30, 2007 in Morgan Hill. She was the wife of the late Louis P. Masoni of Gilroy, daughter of the late William and Lorna Butler, mother of Frank Masoni and his wife, Rosemary, of Hollister, Louis Masoni Jr. of Gilroy, and Mark Masoni and his wife, Lisa, of Morgan Hill, step-grandmother of Adrian and Vanessa Villegas of Hollister, sister of the late Mildred Staub, Alice Edwards, Forrest Butler, Clarence Butler, Frances McCambridge, Richard Butler, and William Butler Jr., sister-in-law of Bernice Butler of San Jose and Salvatore Masoni and Richard Masoni, both of Gilroy. Also survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Virginia lived in Gilroy for most of her life. Age 82 years.

Eugene Larence Kelley, born Aug. 3, 1924 to Patrick and Elva Kelley in Mulberry, AR, entered into eternal life on March 28, 2007.

Jerry died while on vacation on March 26, 2007 at the age of 73. Jerry was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend.

Lillian "Lee" Berta passed away March 27, 2007 in Gilroy. Lee was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Carl Berta; she is survived by her two sons, James Berta and his wife Norma of Gilroy, and John Berta and his wife Michelle of Prunedale; her grandchildren James G. Berta and Nicole Sorenson.

Walter P. Brawley, of Florence, OR, formerly of Morgan Hill, went home to be with his Lord and Saviour the evening of March 23rd. Walter, who was in good health at 94, died unexpectedly of a recently diagnosed and fast-growing cancer. He passed away peacefully at home with loving family at his bedside.