Remembering Our Sisters

Marie M. Otto

November 7, 1940 – November 4, 2024

It is with deep sorrow that we reflect on the life and legacy of Past Grand President Marie M. Otto, whose unwavering dedication to the Native Daughters of the Golden West spanned an incredible sixty-eight years.

Marie M. Otto was born to Ernest F. Otto and Marie S. Otto in San Diego California on November 7, 1940. Her father was born in San Diego and her mother was born in Wisselsheim, Germany. Marie grew up in San Diego, attending San Diego High School and San Diego State College graduating in 1962. She worked for a law firm for 28 years and also was a participant in the family floral business on weekends and holidays. She was called back to our Lord two days before her 84^th birthday on November 5^th 2024.

As a young girl Mare joined Palomar Junior Unit No. 24. In 1957 she was initiated into San Diego Parlor No. 208. During the 1987 GPAM, San Diego Parlor nominated Marie Otto for the office of Grand Outside Sentinel. During the next several years she was elected to the Board of Directors multiple times becoming Grand President on June 26, 1993 in Modesto. Her brother, George and their cousins from Germany took part in a traditional family custom mixing soil from California and Germany, representing the ancestry of the family. Her theme for the term was “Reach Out for Native Daughters”. At the end of her Installation speech, Marie read a poem regarding pledging ourselves to the light of truth, freedom, faith and love binding us closer in friendship and affection. “Guided by this light we shall go forward to the work of another year with steadfastness and confidence.” When San Diego Parlor consolidated with Grace Parlor No. 242 in January of 2021, Marie continued her membership and stayed active by learning to meet with her Parlor Sisters electronically.

Marie was not just a leader: She was a guiding light embodying the very essence of community and friendship that our organization represents. Grand President Marie Otto established the first tree lighting event at the NDGW Home on December 5^th in 1993. This beloved tradition has become a symbol of unity and joy, bringing together our Members and the wider community of Native Daughters to celebrate faith, friendship and charity. This December the NDGW Home is set to hold the thirty-first annual tree lighting event. Please join together to honor Past Grand President Marie Otto through song and celebration.

As we remember Marie, let us honor her extraordinary contributions and continue her legacy of service and camaraderie within and without our vibrant community. Rest in peace dear sister and friend. Your light will continue to shine throughout our Order. Donation tributes in memory of PGP Marie may be made to the NDGW Home.

Jackie Lee Thomas

June 12, 1931- January 9, 2024

Jackie L. Thomas on January 9th. PGP Jackie was a devoted Sister of the Order for sixty-eight years. Jackie Lee Rose Thomas was born in Glendale, Los Angeles County, on June 12, 1931. Jackie attended local schools completing her education with an Associate of Arts degree from Glendale College. Jackie began a career as a secretary-bookkeeper and married Chester Dee “Chet” Thomas while he was serving in the military.

In 1955 Jackie joined Verdugo Parlor No. 240, Glendale. She became active in her Parlor and was elected to several Parlor offices, appointed as the Deputy Grand President to Beverly Hills Parlor No. 289, and served on many state committees including chairing the Tournament of Roses state committee in 1975.

She began her service as a Grand Officer on June 18, 1974 when she was elected Grand Outside Sentinel. She enjoyed the support of her Parlor and continued to be nominated and elected to the Board of Directors at eleven consecutive Grand Parlor Annual Meetings.

She was elected and installed as Grand President at GPAM 1984 in Burlingame. In her address to the assembly, Grand President Jackie announced the theme for her year would be “California, the Land of Utopia.” She called for an improved public relations program to increase awareness of the Order’s projects. She ventured direct communication between the Order and the outside entities would strengthen the Order.

Her special project as Grand President was the Native Daughters Home.

Grand President Jackie L. Thomas presided at the ninety-ninth annual session on June 17 – 20, 1985, in the City of Industry’s Sheraton Resort at Industry Hills. She was a permanent Member of the Past Presidents Association. PGP Jackie along with PGP Sharon M. Johnston were the Dynamic Duo entertaining all who attended Gold Dust Girls fund-raising dinners at twenty-two GPAMs. The Gold Dust Girls raised in excess of $65,000.00 for the multi-year cavalcade of Grand
Presidents’ special projects as well as providing funds for various NDGW Committees.

On February 23, 2001, Verdugo Parlor No. 240, Glendale, consolidated with Toluca Parlor No. 279, Burbank, and Jackie L. Thomas, PGP, became a Member of the latter Parlor.

Her bright and lively spirit will be missed by all.

Susanna Mae Buchko

December 29, 1949 – May 17, 2023

Susanna Mae (Taylor) Buchko passed from cancer on May 17, 2023 at the age of 73 in her Riverside, California home with her husband, children, and friends by her side.

Susanna (Sue) is survived by her husband of nearly 50 years, William, her daughter Melanie, son Michael, daughter in-law Emily, sister Lorna, and grandchildren Susanne and Stephen. She will be dearly missed by her many relatives and countless friends.

Sue was born December 29, 1949 to Hobart and Eva Taylor in Colton, California. Sue, the youngest of five children, adored her sister Lorna and three brothers, AJ (deceased), Red (deceased), and Dave (deceased).

Family and friends were of the utmost importance to Sue. Whether it was planning family gatherings, organizing events, or calling friends to just say hello, she always made it a priority to keep all her loved ones connected. Vacations often consisted of long road trips to visit family and friends, the most notable being her cherished bi-annual Talyor reunions in Missouri.

Sue had a very active social calendar which included membership to the Native Daughters of the Golden West, Colton Woman’s Club, and Colton Community Church. Sue loved to sing, and expressed her passion with the Inland Empire Sweet Adeline’s choir. She was also an avid doll collector and member of the Inland Empire Doll Club.

To all that knew her, Sue was warm, welcoming and generous with her love. She will be greatly missed by all.

A viewing is scheduled for May 31st from 4:00pm to 8:00pm at Acheson and Graham Mortuary. A service will be held in her memory at 10:00am on June 1st at The Grove Community Church, followed by burial at Riverside National Cemetery at 12:15pm. Reception to follow at The Grove Community Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to “NDGW Children’s Foundation”.

Send to: NDGW Grand Parlor Office, 543 Baker St, San Francisco, 94117

Memo: In Memory of Sue Buchko

Acknowledgement to: Bill Buchko, 3640 Hillview Dr., Riverside, CA 92503-4727

Patricia Jean Kneip Riley

September 12, 1939 – March 6, 2023

Patricia “Pat” Riley. “Mom Pat” is now at peace as she passed in the early morning of March 6th at 12:04am surrounded by peace and the love of her family.

Patricia Jean Kneip Riley was a very proud Native Daughter born in Oakland, California on September 12, 1939 residing in Alameda as young girl who later moved with her family to Redwood City where she lived and attended elementary school until she graduated from Sequoia High School. Pat remained in RWC until she moved to the University of San Francisco for College and later Nursing training at St. Francis Hospital in SF.  It was also in college where Pat met our father, James “Jim” Riley. They were married on June 9, 1963.

Pat joined Bonita Parlor on November 9, 1972 following her time as a Junior Member in Sequoia Jr, Unit No. 27 for four years prior to joining the Senior Order. Pat was sponsored by her mother Ethel Kneip and Mary Sousa. Pat was immediately very active serving on several committees and supporting our Parlor projects as well as presiding as Parlor President twice! Pat loved the Native Daughters and she was proud to be a 55 year Member! She was presented her 50-year emblem on June 23, 2023 by Grand President Sherry Farley at her Grand Parlor Annual Meeting in Knott’s Berry Farm. Pat was thrilled to have earned her membership pin when her missing junior years were credited. She proudly wore her 50-year pendent at every ND event after receiving her emblem and Pat served on many Parlor Committees and attended all Bonita Parlor Community Events, including Co-Chairman of Irish Night for many years. Pat always told her committee — “Everyone is Irish on Irish Night, so be ready!”

Pat also belonged to Past Presidents Association No. 26 for many years. She served as Financial Secretary and diligently contacted all members — some who would not pay, just waiting for Pat’s friendly call. She attended PP General Assembly and was so proud of State President Vicki Allen serving the Assembly too.

On behalf of our family, President Anne and I are so grateful for the support of all of Pat’s Native Daughter Sisters, during this difficult time.  For those who wish, donations may be made in Pat’s memory to the Madeline B. Wallace Scholarship or to the Native Daughters of the Golden West Nursing Scholarship, a State Committee Pat was very fond of during her 55 years of dedicated membership.

Pat will be remembered dearly by all who knew her. Details on her service will be shared soon.

Cards/donations would be appreciated for Pat’s family.

Anne & Suzi Riley
527 29th Avenue
San Mateo, CA 94403

Nursing Scholarship Donations made payable to: NDGW C.F.I.C. with Nursing Scholarship on the memo line. All donations to the NDGW CFIC ~ 501(c)3 are fully tax deductible. Please mail to Suzi.

Roberta Jean Silveira Saling

November 25, 1939 – February 18, 2023 Merced, CA.

Roberta Silveira Saling was born in Atwater, CA. on November 25, 1939 to Raulino & Bertha Silveira. Roberta was the oldest of two children. She grew up in McSwain on the family dairy. She attended McSwain Elementary School and Merced High School where she graduated in 1958. After high school graduation Roberta attended Modesto Jr College and got her BA in business. Soon after college she went to work for Farmers Inc.

Roberta met the love of her life Ronald E. Saling in 1965. When Ronald returned from the service they were married July 23, 1966, and made their home in Merced, CA. In 1967 their son Ronald E. Saling Jr. was born. In 1968 Roberta went to work for Farm Bureau and then worked for Cal Farm Inc. for 28 years until her retirement in 1996. After her retirement she became very active in many organizations, such as Merced County Historical Society, Native Daughters of the Golden West Merced, Mariposa & Oakdale Chapters, Merced Courthouse Museum Volunteer, and Merced Genealogy Society.

Roberta loved to travel and went many places in and out of the country. She loved cars, gardening and taking care of all her succulent,Roses and Iris gardens. She had a great love for baseball, especially the San Francisco Giants. She loved her family very much and was an extremely proud Nana of two grandsons, Matthew Saling and Luke Saling. They were the joy of her life. She never missed a sporting or school event; she was always there to cheer them on.

Roberta was preceded in death by her Mother Bertha Silveira and her Father Raulino Silveira. Her Sister in law Joan Echols. Roberta is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 56 years Ronald Saling, her son Ronald Saling Jr. her daughter in law Lisa Saling, two Grandsons Matthew & Luke Saling. Her Brother Rollin Silerira (Marlene) Sister in law Judy Wilson (Bill) and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 10:30am on March 9, 2023 at Stratford Evans Funeral Home 1490 B Street, Merced CA. Burial at Merced District Cemetery. There will be a reception in Roberta’s honor after the burial at the Stratford Evans reception hall. The Saling family request In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Roberta’s honor to Merced Historical Society or Our Lady of Mercy School 1400, E 27th Street Merced, CA, 95340 where her two grandchildren attend school and she loved very much.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stratfordevansfunerals.com for the Saling family.

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Jean Thacker Hoffmann – San Miguel No. 94

JANUARY 28, 1943 – OCTOBER 28, 2022

Jean Thacker Hoffmann passed away Friday October 28th, 2022 after a relatively short battle with gallbladder cancer, she was 79. She is survived by her husband Richard (Dick) Hoffmann, her children Kimberly Bright (Robert), Marjorie Kucich (Roger), Gary Hoffmann (Shannon) her sisters, Terry Rossetta and Penny Fulton, and 8 grandchildren.

Jean was born in Hemet, California but spent much of her childhood in the San Miguel and Bakersfield areas. She married Dick in January of 1963 and they made their home in Petaluma where they spent the first 41 years of their marriage. After both Dick and Jean retired, they moved back to San Miguel where they have lived for the past 18 years.

After graduating from Sonoma State University, Jean started working at McKinley School where she was a teacher, PTA president, parent and principal. She continued her love of education by becoming a School Board Member for the San Miguel School District where she remained a member until her passing.

Jean was involved with many different organizations both in Petaluma and San Miguel. She was a member of the San Miguel advisory committee and the Pleasant Valley School Foundation. She was also involved in Farm Bureau Woman, San Miguel Seniors, San Miguel Advisory Committee and Pleasant Valley School Foundation. The one organization that kept her the busiest was the Native Daughters of the Golden West, where she belonged to both Cotati Parlor #299 and San Miguel Parlor #94. During her 40 plus years as a Native Daughter she held many offices in each Parlor and with the State including; Grand Secretary, Grand Trustee, Deputy Grand President, District Deputy Grand President and served as President of both Parlors on several occasions. One of the most cherished responsibilities that Jean had with the Native Daughters was hosting the Pioneer Woman’s Tea which she did just weeks before her death.

During Jean’s last days, she was surrounded by family and friends and lots of love.

Services for Jean will be held in Paso Robles at Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home on Saturday November 19th at 2PM.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Native Daughters of the Golden West Children’s Foundation (https://www.ndgw.org/childrens-foundation/).

Nadine Louise Sullivan Jones Lewis- San Luisita No. 108
April 27, 193 – August 19, 2022

Nadine Lewis passed away peacefully on Friday, August 19, 2022. She was born in Santa Barbara in 1939 and moved to Avila Beach in 1942. She graduated from San Luis Obispo High School in 1957. She was a member of the Native Daughters of the Golden West for 55 years.

She was very active in Native Daughters of the Golden West. She was on the Evelyn I. Carlson committee, Mission Restoration, Lighthouse Committees. She was Deputy Grand President, Parlor President numerous times, and held other parlor offices.

She traveled up and down the state of California making numerous friends when she attended Grand Parlor Conventions and other Native Daughter functions.

Nadine is survived by her husband, Albert (Punky) Lewis, children: Sharon (Ted) Jordan of Lakeside, Oregon, Charles Jones of Morro Bay, Shirley Jones and Suzanne Jones of San Luis Obispo; six grandchildren; 13 great- grandchildren. Sister, Sonia Bodine, step-sister, Dolores Lepley, and brother Frank Ruda.

There will be no services. A Celebration of Nadine’s life will be held Saturday, October 29, 2022, at the I.O.O.F. Hall, 520 Dana St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.

Donations can be made to the Native Daughters of the Golden West, 543 Baker St, San Francisco, CA 94117 or www.ndgw.org.

Lorraine “Hoppy” Bellesi- Darina No. 114
August 14, 1938 – March 15, 2022

Lorraine Cassidy Bellesi was a native of Noe Valley, San Francisco, CA. She was a bright star in our lives, always upbeat and positive, adding sunshine to the lives of many people. Lorraine loved this great State and her beloved City of San Francisco. She adored golden poppies, quail, & of course, our California Bear.

Lorraine was a 47-year member of NDGW, from 1975-2022, and President of Darina Parlor No. 114 for the past 8 years. One of her very last outings was to Starbucks for Wi-Fi so she could attend the Zoom call for GP Susan Collins’ official visit on Feb 6, 2022. She wore an official Navy Sailor’s hat and coat! Her spirit lives on in our hearts and our memories of her beautiful smile and her zest for life. ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Susan Potter- Encinal No. 156

Susan Potter was a powerhouse who knew how to make stuff happen with Native Daughters. She pretty much single handedly recruited half of Encinal Parlor’s membership and taught many of us the ropes when we had no idea where to begin. She gave freely of her time and personal resources.

She was the champion behind our long standing fundraiser, Pasta BINGO, as well as our annual outreach to Operation Dignity, a local Veterans Program, as well as the Alameda Food Bank, and the  Midway Shelter for woman and children.

Susan held just about every office possible including Past President of Encinal Parlor No. 156. She had a dual membership with Argonaut Parlor No. 166 and served as their Deputy Grand President. She was most active on Home Committee, Veterans, Scholarship and Historical Buildings and Landmarks. Thanks to her leadership, a number of us spent several afternoons working together to renovate Thaler Fountain, in Oakland.

Susan Potter passed March 3, 2022 after a long battle with cancer. Her death has left a huge void. May she rest In peace knowing we will do our best to carry on her good works.

Betty Gannon – Laurel No. 6

Marianne Griffith – Angelita No. 32

Victoria “Vicki” Contente – Sutter No. 111

It is with a sad heart that I share with you the passing of our dear Victoria “Vicki” Contente Wednesday, January 19, 2022, after a short illness.

Vicki Contente inspired many Parlor activities such as “Monument Hunts” in the Sacramento and surrounding areas, served on NDGW State Committees (Pioneer Roster and NDGW Archives, Historical Landmarks Committee), and many Parlor committees.

Vicki is survived by her daughter, Maio Martinez of Portland, Oregon. Cards can be mailed to her at:  7013 NE 79th Court, Portland, OR 97218.

An obituary will be submitted to the Sacramento Bee sometime in the future, and an Irish Wake / celebration of Life to be held in the Spring (maybe late April) at her family’s burial plot in Brown’s Valley Cemetery, Yuba County.

Roxie Alexander Holtsman – Califia No. 22

Roxie Alexander Holtsman passed away on December 18, 2021 at  Fresno, California at the age of 97.  Roxie was born in rural Fowler, CA on September 4, 1924 to Manasseh and Almas Bacon Alexander, the youngest of five siblings.  Orphaned at an early age, Roxie and her siblings were taken into the home of their aunt by marriage, Annie Alexander.  When her brother Samuel was drafted into the United States Army in 1943, Roxie relocated to Sacramento to work in the Maintenance Division of Sacramento Air Service Command at McClellan Field.  The Secretary of the Treasury cited her for excellence in the War Finance Program during the Fifth War Loan Drive of 1944.

She earned her Adult Diploma from Sacramento Senior High School in June, 1945, one month after her marriage to Franklin R. Holtsman. The couple settled in the Country Club Estates subdivision in the Arden-Arcade area of Sacramento.  They built their own home of adobe brick on Edison Avenue just east of Business Highway 80.

An avid gardener and skier, Roxie found her life’s work in traffic management at Crown Zellerbach Corporation and its successor firms, James River Corporation and Mead Corporation.  Roxie was a 77-year member of the Native Daughters of the Golden West, receiving her 75-year Diamond Jubilee pin from Grand President Karen Fini, a fellow Fresnan, in 2019. Roxie was a member of NDGW La Bandera Parlor No. 110 for almost 40 years and then Califia Parlor No. 22 from the late 1980s to her passing.  In 2016, she moved back to Fresno to be closer to her family.

Roxie was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Mae Karagozian, Sophia Toroian, Samuel Alexander, and Avedis Harold Alexander; her nephew, George V. Toroian; and her former husband, Franklin Holtsman.  She is survived by her nieces, Queenie (Karagozian) Emerzian of Fresno,  Betty Jean (Karagozian) Smith of Reno, Alma (Toroian) Raymond of Castro Valley, Sandra  (Alexander) Papazian and Linda (Alexander) Tavlian of Fresno; ten grandnieces and grandnephews; and 12 great grandnieces and great grandnephews.  She is also survived by Holtsman nieces, Sheryl Meadows Paul, Ramona “Mona” Balfour, and Cynthia Soares.

Roxie’s extended family offers heartfelt thanks to Kay Handian and the staff of Caring Homes in Fresno for the loving care they provided over the past five and one-half years.  A graveside service was held on January 6, 2022 in Fresno.  In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Native Daughters of the Golden West (NDGW), Califia Parlor No. 22, 5913 Mallard Lane, Citrus Heights, CA 95621.

Adeline Coronado, P.G.P. – Toluca No. 279

Past Grand President Adeline ‘Addie’ Coronado closed her little eyes and peacefully took her last breath on December 11, 2021. She was born 93 years ago and truly lived a full life.

In October 1952 she became a Registered Nurse, and in 1961 she became a Nurse Midwife. For a total of nine years, (three years at a time) she worked in East Africa performing many duties in a ‘not the state of the art’ hospital and loved every minute of it.

The Native Daughters of the Golden West was something she was very proud of. She wanted to ‘Illuminate’ California and so for her year as Grand President, chose the theme “Lighting the Way for All.” She served as Grand President from 2006-2007 and those who were once ‘friends’ quickly became family. She was a Member of the Native Daughters since 1977, and was a Member of Toluca Parlor No. 279, Burbank.

Sharon M. Johnston, P.G.P. – San Juan Bautista No. 179

Dedicated educator and esteemed Past Grand President of the Native Daughters of the Golden West passed away in her home in Hollister on Sunday, November 21st. Sharon Marie Johnston was born in Merced, California on May 19, 1949, to Eleanor (Pinasco) and Harvey Johnston. She was reared in San Juan Bautista and received her early education in the local schools.

In 1967, while attending Colegio Americano de Torreon in Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico, Sharon lived with and became part of the family of Dr. and Mrs. Alfonso Garibay Fernandez.

After returning to California, she received an Associate of Arts degree from Gavilan College, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication Arts and Sciences from Stanislaus State University, and two Master of Arts degrees, in Mathematics and Education, from United States International University. She was trilingual in English, Italian, and Spanish.

In 1972 Sharon chose to share her knowledge and talents with children. She was known as “Miss J” and spent forty years teaching at Fremont School in Hollister and Tres Pinos Union School imbuing her students with the importance of education, and the benefits of discipline and decorum.

In 1968, Sharon joined San Juan Bautista Parlor No. 179 of the Native Daughters of the Golden West. Soon after her Initiation she “ascended through the chairs” serving every Parlor Office. After serving as Past President Sharon was re-elected as their Recording Secretary; an Office which she brought her dedication and exemplary skills to for forty years. She served multiple terms as Supervising District Deputy Grand President and Deputy Grand President to the Parlors in her area.

In 1984 she was elected to the Native Daughters Board of Directors. In 1990, at the Grand Parlor Annual Meeting held in Burlingame, Sharon was installed as the Grand President of the Native Daughters of the Golden West. During her term Sharon made seventy-seven Official Visits to the Order’s Subordinate Parlors, and actively supported the work being done in their respective communities. One of her projects
during her term was to raise funds for the Freedom Foundation in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.

In 1977 Sharon received a NDGW Freedom Foundation Scholarship and during her term as Grand President she was chosen to serve as a juror on the Foundation’s National Awards Jury. Sharon was very proud of this recognition and accolade. Another highlight of her term was when Native Daughter Day was declared at a match-up of the San Francisco Giants and the Montreal Expos at Candlestick Park. GP Sharon was honored by the home team when she was asked to throw the ceremonial first pitch that day.

In June of 1991 Sharon presided over the Grand Parlor Annual Meeting held at the Cocoanut Grove at the Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk. At many Grand Parlors Sharon served as the Chairman of State of the Order or Legislation, and we all remember how Sharon entertained those in attendance with
her fabulous sense of humor and her fine vocal talents. Her favorite role at the Installation Ceremony of Grand Officers was as the Supreme Grand Marshal.

In the ensuing years she served as Chairman or as a member on multiple NDGW State Committees, including but not limited to: Finance, CFIC, Inc., California Mission Restoration, Ritual and Manual of Instruction, Veterans Welfare, Education and Scholarship, California History, Landmarks and Historic Buildings, and Laws and Supervision.

Her skills as a speaker were honored by the community when she served as the Mistress of Ceremonies at three San Benito County events, to wit: a Naturalization Ceremony at which Congressman Sam Farr requested her mastery, the dedication of the new Superior Court Building and the
dedication of the County Administration Building.

In addition to being an ardent supporter of the San Francisco Giants she also actively supported the Golden State Warriors. Always an advocate for youth, after her retirement, she tutored children in reading and mathematics.

Sharon was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Community of Tres Pinos, El Gabilan Institute No. 72 of Young Ladies Institute, Zeta Epsilon Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, and San Juan Bautista Historical Society.

She is survived by her sister Cecilia Johnston of Hollister, the Garibay family of Mexico, many Pinasco and Johnston cousins, dear friends Elza and Roberta Paul, Native Daughter Sisters throughout California, and the hundreds of students who she taught over the course of four decades.

Past Grand President Sharon was a pillar of strength in our Order. Her intelligence, talents, and love of life will be sorely missed by all.