Big Valley News
Central Valley's Independent News Source
Carmen Pisan passed away on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. She was 92. The Lord called her home while she was surrounded by family.
Carmen was born in Riverside, California, to the late Salome and Nicanora Regalado. She was the youngest of six children. She lived and worked in different cities in California until she settled in Madera, California, where she met and married Richard T. Pisano.
Mary Rosalie Oberti (80), left this world on May 14, 2024, in Clovis, California. She was born in Fresno, California, on August 27, 1943. Mary's journey through life was marked by her unwavering spirit and grace as she navigated lifelong health challenges, including Lupus and numerous battles with cancer. Her resilience not only defined her character but also inspired those around her.
Mary was preceded in death by her devoted parents, Harold and Loretta Schoettler; her beloved husband of 59 years, Gary Oberti, who died just 10 months ago; her brothers Thomas, Jim, Harold, and David; her sister Judy Richards; her sister-in-law Dwynn Schoettler; and her in-laws James and Adeline Cerioni Oberti.
Philip Wong (82) was born to Shoo Hoo Shee Wong and Hok Wong on July 15, 1941. He was the youngest of five children. He was born in Fresno, California, but moved to Madera at a young age.
His brother, Willie, started The Village Restaurant in 1951, and while in high school, he worked alongside him and his other brother, Jimmy. He graduated from Madera High in 1959 and then went to Fresno City College. That is where he would meet his future wife, Lauren. They were married on January 10, 1967, in Las Vegas, and their journey began. This journey would include the birth of their two sons and five grandchildren.
Mary J. Toschi (88), a vibrant soul whose laughter and homemade pasta could light up even the darkest rooms, has closed her kitchen for the final time. On March 19, 2024, Mary passed away from a short-term illness in her hometown of Madera, California, surrounded by the rich aromas of her life well-lived. Born on August 24, 1935, to Andrew and Angelina Gotelli, who were part of Madera's bustling Italian immigrant community, Mary's first words may have been in Italian, but she quickly found her voice in English, much to the relief of her grammar school teachers.
After graduating from Madera Union High School in 1953, Mary did more than snag a diploma; she caught the eye of Paul Toschi Jr., and together, they embarked on a 42-year-long marriage that was as spicy and delightful as her signature dishes. While Paul sometimes dared to enter the kitchen with his own culinary creations, it was always Mary's seasoned hand that stirred the pot of life, creating a home that was both a refuge and a social hub.
Joe Lee Restine (87), affectionately known as Joe to his friends and family, departed this world after an extended illness in Coarsegold, California. Born in Amarillo, Texas, Joe's journey through life was one marked by dedication, laughter, and an unyielding kindness that touched everyone he met.
Joe's early years in Texas were the foundation of a life lived with purpose and joy. He pursued his passion for knowledge and innovation at UCLA, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. His academic achievements were only the beginning of a career that would be as diverse as it was distinguished.
