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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.

MADERA - Randall Lester Brannon, known as Randy to all who knew and loved him, was a man of unwavering faith and boundless love. Born on December 5, 1947, in Lindsay, California, to Lester and Hilda Brannon, Randy's life was marked by a commitment to his family, faith, and community. Surrounded by loved ones, Randy met his Savior on Monday, January 29, 2024, after battling Multiple Myeloma and its effects for 5.5 years. 

Randy's early years in Lindsay laid the foundation for a lifetime of excellence and service. A 1966 graduate of Lindsay High School, he shined both academically and athletically as an outstanding student and basketball player. His passion for the sport continued at the College of the Sequoias in Visalia, where he played for two years before transferring to the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy. There, he met his bride-to-be, Sarah Lewis (also a pharmacy student), and graduated with honors in 1972. After graduating, he began a distinguished career as a registered pharmacist, and in January of 1973, he and Sarah were wed at the UOP chapel, beginning their 51-year adventure together.

Deacon James Jackson (89) went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday January 9th, 2024. Mr. Jackson was born on March 25, 1934, in Bienville, Louisiana, to Henry Warren Jackson and Fannie Beatrice Quarles. Those who preceded him in death, his parents, his brothers Willie Jackson, Theodus Jackson, Theron Jackson, Joe Jackson and Sisters Silver Lee Nears and Fannie Hart.

James Accepted Christ at an early age in Bienville, Louisiana. He was ordained as a Deacon at Greater St John Baptist church in San Jose, CA. Where he served for years and mentored many young men coming up in the church.