Brenda Ortiz, known affectionately by most as “Nina”, passed away in San Leandro, California, on Saturday, December 19, 2015.

Brenda was born in Oakland, California, to Mathilda Bays and Robert Cameron, on July 29, 1954. One year later, she was blessed with a sister named Debbie. Debbie was unable to say “Brenda” when she began talking, so she called her sister “Nina”…and the name stuck. Brenda had one daughter named Jennie Mathilda Ortiz. Although she devoted her life to Jennie, she was truly everyone’s “Nina”, and has lovingly been considered a second mother to many. Nina absolutely loved children, and spent the last 27 years of her life as a childcare provider. She helped raise not only her extended family, such as her daughter’s half-sisters, but also many children she protected and cherished in her care as her own. In addition to remembering Nina as the caring and selfless individual that she was, many will remember her amazing and sculpted calves which she was regularly complimented on. She would proudly tell people that they were the result of the constant squatting she did daily as a child care provider; squatting to wipe one child's nose, squatting again to tie another's shoe.

Brenda is survived by her daughter, Jennie; Jennie’s 3 half-sisters, Julia, Angela and Natalie; her father Robert; mother-in-law Theresa; sister Debbie; brother Mac; nephew Jesse; niece Teresa; great nephew Cole; great niece Sophia; great niece Emily; great nephew Joseph; niece Christie; niece Sharon; nephew JJ; great nephews Junior and Anthony; great niece Sophia; grand dogs Tasha and Molly, and grand cats Mr. Sniffles and buddy.

Brenda’s life was celebrated by her family at a private party on Saturday, Jan. 2nd.

For Natalie, life began exactly as she would have wanted, she made the national headlines for being born on new years day of 1992! Anyone who knew Natalie probably found this out within the first 5 minutes of meeting her, it was something she was forever proud of, she was famous after all!

Natalie spent the first part of her life in her Mum’s hometown Limerick, where she had great ambitions to be a jockey, this led to her being the proud owner of ‘Costello’ otherwise know as ‘Cost-a-lot’ to Cathy and John Joe. As all children do, she changed her mind and decided she wanted to join the Garda... This was short-lived too as her grandfather told her she was too short for that career.

Natalie and her family then moved to Sligo where she continued school and became a big part of the community. As the years evolved it was clear to all who knew her that Natalie’s passion was for children, they were her world, she would choose babysitting over a night out any day, too most teenagers this is unheard off.

Every child in the community knew Natalie and loved her, and are left heartbroken without her. Most recently she was working with a dyslexic child helping him with his homework and working along side him with patience only a saint could have. In the next few weeks, Natalie was due to start working in the Family Resource Centre where she would be working with children with special needs.

Natalie also loved to dress up and go out and enjoy herself with all her friends and family. Her all time favourite drink is Jack Daniels! When we were younger we did love our fat frogs, shots of tequila rose and mickey finns! Her latest drink which she is well remembered for is when she went on holiday with friends and family from Easky and fell in love with Strawberry Daiquiris - but without the strawberry! Do you get that? Strawberry Daiquiri without the strawberry - well that was Natalie for you, truly unique!

Her favourite time of year would have to be Christmas, double celebrations, Christmas and her birthday, she would always be sneaking round looking for her presents and even if she didn’t find it she would still be guessing the whole time until she finally got it right. Everyone knew even though New Years day was her birthday, you’re going out on New Years Eve and New Years day no matter how hungover you were and she was having two lots of presents, one for christmas and one for her birthday not a combined present, we would never have had it any other way.

Natalie could walk in to any room and have them laughing within seconds, she always had something to talk about and would always be the centre of attention with her amazing laugh and sense of humour bouncing around the room, you could definitely hear her before you see her.

She fell in love with Paolo Nutini, she even attended one of his concerts where he brushed past her and touched her hand, she vowed never to wash that hand again and called her mum Cathy in excitement to tell her this amazing news! She always loved her music, constantly singing along no matters who’s car or house we were in we would start singing our favourite songs!

Natalie loved her bed and was a night owl, she would always be up watching something or reading a book, but when she did get up she was always on the go, heading to see someone or go somewhere. She loved being at home too, you would never expect her to move out, she was constantly texting her mum Cathy to see where she is and when she was coming home, home girl at heart.

Natalie got her beloved dog Phoebe when she got distinctions in all her modules at college, she had always wanted a dog and this is how she finally got her.

Natalie had a great motto which I think we could all learn from:

‘Live Every Moment,
Laugh Every day
Love beyond words’

George Lockard of Steelton
Born on March 26 1964 Entered into Eternal rest 1/2/16
George was the son of the late George (Bucky)Lockard Of Middletown
Survived by Mother Shirley of HBG and a Brother Donald, Sisters Betty,Susie

Christopher Edward-Thomas Sniegowski of 127 Shirley

St. Molalla, Ore. died Tuesday, November 10, 2015,

surrounded by his loving family, after a long, brave fight

against a genetic lung disease. He was 46.

Christopher was born September 23, 1969 in Seattle,

Wash., to Dave E. and Maria Sniegowski. He graduated

from Beaverton High School in 1988. He married Opel

Gaylene Leaton August 23, 2008.

He was a retired security officer, avid gun enthusiast,

beloved husband, father, and grandfather. Nothing was more

important to him than his family. He was a beloved man, the

foundation of his family. He will never be forgotten.

He is survived by his wife, Opel; son Justin Thomas

Sniegowski; daughters Marissa Elizabeth Luebben and

Chantell Nichole Luebben; grandson Liam Dean Franklin;

future sons-in-law Nathan Franklin and Donald Drake;

puppies Sebastian, Lilly, and Boomer

Mary Esther Craze Bragg, 69, passed away on December 29, 2015. Mary was born on June 17, 1946 in Cumberland, Maryland, an only child of William and Helen Craze. She attended West Virginia State University, where she met the love of her life, Michael Allen Bragg. Michael and Mary were married for 44 years together, raising two children and five grandchildren. They lived in Cumberland, Maryland; Antioch, California; and Overland Park, Kansas. After Michael’s death, Mary resided in Overland Park, KS until moving to Eugene, Oregon in 2014.

Mary worked as an elementary and ESL schoolteacher for the Blue Valley School District in Kansas, and before that, in California and Maryland. She devoted her life to children, as well as to her family and faith. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, McCall, Mary Madison, McClain, Lucy and Madeleine. She always had a kind word and generous spirit for those around her, whether at work, home or amongst friends. Mary loved fashion, traveling, and journaling. She doted on her husband, Michael, and their marriage was a true testament to the legacy of love.

Mary is survived by her son, Michael William Bragg, her daughter, Christina Lynn Smith, and her grandchildren, McCall Smith, Mary Madison Smith, McClain Smith, Lucy Bragg, Madeleine Bragg and soon-to-be grandchild Michael Fitzwilliam Bragg.

She will be remembered and loved by her family and friends always.