Magner-Maloney Funeral Home and Crematory

02/26/2026

CAROL JEANENE HOUSTON
March 28, 1934 - February 21, 2026

Carol was born in Santa Barbara, CA to Hans & Pearl Peterson. She graduated from Santa Barbara High School in 1952. She met Master Sergeant Marcus K Houston and fell in love at first sight. After a short courtship of only 5 months, they were married on January 4th, 1953.

At the tender age of only 18, she traveled to New York City, then to Garmiach, Germany to be with Marcus while he served in the US Army there until he was later stationed in Fort Benning, Georgia. Together, they welcomed their four beautiful children, Cynthia, Mark, Randy and Leesa. In 1963, they landed in Santa Maria, CA where they put down roots and remained until their passing.

Carol worked for the Santa Maria Bonita School District in cafeteria service for 25 years.

Carol loved spending time with her family, attending Sunday services and bible studies at First Christian Church, spending time at the beach and going to lunch with her close friends.

Carol is survived by her children; Cynthia Hubbard, Randy Houston, and Leesa (William) Beavers; her 6 grandchildren; Kimberly (Kenneth) Rodriguez, Wesley (Stephanie) Hubbard, Colleen (Joshua) Kaylor, Marcus Beavers, Joseph Houston, Jessica Houston and her 4 great-grandchildren; Kayley Rodriguez, Ciara Rodriguez, Zoe Wilson and Deegan Kaylor and many nieces and nephews.

Carol is preceded in death by her husband Marcus Houston, her son Mark Houston, son-in-law John Hubbard, sisters; Luella Longbrake and Darlene Kaiser and father and mother; Hans & Pearl Peterson.

We know that Carol is in the loving arms of our savior Jesus Christ and we look forward to the day we are reunited with her in heavenly paradise.

Please join us on Friday, March 27, 2026 at 11am at Magner-Maloney Funeral Home to celebrate her beautiful life and legacy. Reception to follow.

Arrangements are in the care of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home and Crematory. Sympathy notes and words of support may be expressed at www.magnermaloney.com.

02/24/2026

LYDIA FIERRO ESCOBEDO
October 20, 1942 – February 16, 2026

Lydia Fierro Escobedo, 83, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2026. She was born on October 20, 1942, in Santa Maria and was raised as one of twelve children born to Federico and Juanita Fierro. Together, her parents raised a close-knit and loving family that remained united throughout the years.

Lydia had a deep love for her children and devoted her life to her family. She was a joyful woman who loved music, loved to dance, and was always ready to have fun. Her laughter and warm spirit brought happiness to those around her.

She worked various jobs throughout her life, but her final and most cherished role was working alongside her son at the family jewelry store, where she spent 20 years. She took great pride in her work and in the time shared with her family.

Lydia shared 65 loving years of marriage with her devoted husband, Benny Escobedo. Together they enjoyed traveling, driving to different cities, and simply spending time side by side. Their love and companionship were an example to all who knew them.

She is survived by her loving husband, Benny Escobedo; her children Rita (Manuel) Aguilar, Benito (Diana) Escobedo, and Gina (Mario) Rael; as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she loved dearly.

She is also survived by her sisters Carol (Antemio) Raygoza, Rachel (David) Zaragoza, Dalia Fierro, and Mary Fierro; and her brothers Roy Fierro, Michael Fierro,Angel Fierro,and Tony Fierro

She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Rogelio Escobedo; her parents, Federico and Juanita; her sister Rosie (Manuel) Gauna; and her brothers Federico Jr. and Jimmy Fierro

Lydia was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout her adult life. Her faith was an important part of her life and brought her strength and peace.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the caring staff at Villa Maria Assisted Living Facility for treating her with love, dignity, and respect.

Lydia loved life deeply and will be missed by all who had the joy of knowing her. Her legacy of love, faith, laughter, and family will live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

Visitation will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1219 Oak Knoll Road, Orcutt; with a service at 9:30 a.m. Graveside Services will follow in the Guadalupe Cemetery. There will also be a Potluck Reception following the Graveside Service at the Church.

Arrangements are in the care of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home and Crematory. Sympathy notes and words of support may be expressed at www.magnermaloney.com.

02/23/2026

KATHERINE NELL BOYD
1935 – 2026

Katherine (Kathy) Boyd who resided in Santa Maria, CA passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. She was born on September 22,1935 in New Orleans, Louisiana to her parents Petronella Wagner and Floyd Alford.

Kathy is preceded in death by both of her parents, and the father of her children Ernest George (2012) of Santa Maria. Kathy is survived by her three children, Danny (Bobbi) George of Orcutt, Sammy (Margaret) George of Orcutt, Janet George and (Jim DeCecco) of Pismo Beach.

Kathy had four grandchildren Tom Harbold, Jeremy Harbold, Jessica Wheeler, and Nathan George. She also had eight great grandchildren Matthew, Makayla and Mackenzie George, Carly and Braden Wheeler, Zander, Daxton, and Milo Harbold, whom she adored.

She was a beloved member of our family and the community. Kathy was affiliated with the following community organizations: Minerva Club of Santa Maria, Altrusa, and SEARCH. She belonged to the following church ministries: Legion of Mary, Catholic Daughters and was part of a SHINE Community. She also served as a Eucharistic Minister to the homebound.

Services:
There will be a Rosary and a Funeral Mass at St. Louis De Montfort Catholic Church located at 5075 Harp Road, Santa Maria, CA on Friday, March 13, 2026.
Rosary: 12:30 pm in the church
Funeral Mass: 1:00 pm in the church
A reception will follow immediately after Mass in the Upper Room located at the church.

Arrangements are in the care of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home and Crematory. Sympathy notes and words of support may be expressed at www.magnermaloney.com.

02/23/2026

HAROLD EDGAR JOHNSON
September 8, 1924-February 18, 2026

Harold Johnson passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 18, 2026, 26 days after saying goodbye to his loving wife of 74 years. His family knows that he is rejoicing being reunited with Ginger and being welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven.

He was born on September 8, 1924 to his parents, Erna and Adolph Johnson in Akron, Ohio. As a depression era child, he learned the value of hard work and grit. As the eldest of five children, he held great responsibility to take care of his family. As such, one of his greatest memories was purchasing a home for his parents and younger siblings to provide them the stability of housing. He held a close relationship with his siblings, especially with his baby sister, Maggie. To have witnessed them, there was never a sweeter sibling relationship.

In 1951 he had the great honor of marrying Mardell Adelee “Ginger” Rogers, who would be his loving wife and ever companion for over 74 years. They would go on to have some of the greatest adventures and stories to tell over those 74 years. They later welcomed two children, Dale and Teresa into their lives. After they married, they moved from Ohio to Los Angeles, to ditch the snow and chase the sunshine. Once they retired, they went to build their own oasis in Squaw Valley near Kings Canyon. For the last 20 years, they resided in Santa Maria, CA.

Always known as the consummate jokester and ice cream connoisseur, Harold never met someone who didn’t immediately like him, especially in his older years. He was a hard worker and never let anything get in his way. Some of his notable jobs included working on building ships in the Naval ShipYard in Martinez, CA and spending his career at McDonnell Douglas.

Harold grew up in a Christian home and cherished these values. He held his faith, his family and his love for them dearest to his heart.

Harold is survived by his 2 children Dale Johnson and Teresa Jackson, 6 grandchildren; Matthew, Russell, Tiffany, Lauren, Leah and Kyle, and 9 great grandchildren, and many loving nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his brothers, Kenneth, Marvin and Dale. He is also survived by his younger sister, Margaret "Maggie" Ring.

A celebration of Harold and Ginger's lives will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are in the care of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home and Crematory. Sympathy notes and words of support may be expressed at www.magnermaloney.com.

02/23/2026

In Loving Memory of Mary Castillo
December 1, 1962 – February 13, 2026

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Mary Castillo, who left this world on February 13, 2026.

Mary was born on December 1, 1962, in San Luis Obispo, California. She was raised in Nipomo during her early childhood, a place that always remained part of her story. Over the years she lived in Guadalupe and later returned to Santa Maria, where she built a life centered around her greatest joy: her family.

Mary is survived by her loving parents, Adam and Cleotilde Castillo; her loving partner, Ralph Garcia; her children, Daniel Jr., Melissa, Christina, David, Janet, and her baby Vanessa, along with their beloved spouses and partners; her cherished grandchildren, Alex, Nathaniel, Mekenna, Alyssa, Izaiah, Wednesdai, Victoria, Mariah, Alyssa, Izabella, Serenity, Gidget, Harley Quinn, Jakey, Christopher, Arianna, and Marissa and her precious great-grandbaby, Novi; her siblings, Dora Aulbach, Erasmo Castillo, Isabel Christina “Tina” Castillo, Cyndie Clark, and David Castillo; numerous nieces and nephews and her beloved doggies who brought her comfort and joy.

She was preceded in death by her brothers, Johnny and Adam Castillo. Her beloved son, Michael Guzman passed shortly after her.

She leaves behind a family who will forever carry her laughter, her strength, her stories, and her unconditional love in their hearts.

Visitation will be 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026 in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home

A celebration of life will be held at the Boys and Girls Club also on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 901 N. Railroad Ave, Santa Maria at 3pm, as we continue to share memories, laughter and stories in her honor.

Arrangements are in the care of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home and Crematory. Sympathy notes and words of support may be expressed at www.magnermaloney.com.

02/18/2026

SISTER VIRGINIA BOOS
1930 – 2026

Sister Virginia Boos was born on March 15, 1930 in Ryderwood, Washington to John Boos and Veronica Bellish and was named Mary Margaret. Her only sibling, James, was two years older. She was baptized and raised Catholic. She joined the Sisters of St. Francis in 1948 after graduating from St. Mary’s Academy in Winlock, Washington where she was taught by the Franciscan Sisters. Entering the novitiate in Sierra Madre, California, she professed first vows in August of 1951 and Perpetual Vows on August 17, 1954.

Her early years of ministry were as a teacher, mostly in grammar schools in Altadena and Los Angeles, California and Seattle, Washington.

In 1967 she became the first principal of the new St. Simon and Jude Grammar School in Huntington Beach, California. She was principal of Holy Family School in Seattle from 1972 to 1977. Moving to California in 1979 she became principal of St. Joseph’s School in Mountain View.

From 1989 to 2000 she was an Administrative Assistant at Coherent Laser Group in Santa Clara. Then she served as Registrar at St. Francis High School for ten years until she ministered as a volunteer cuddling at-risk babies in the NICU of O’Connor Hospital in San Jose. Moving to Marian Convent in Santa Maria in 2014, she continued that same ministry for a few years at Marian Regional Medical Center. She died peacefully surrounded by the Sisters of St. Francis on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at the age of 95.

Sister Virginia loved children, particularly babies and her face would light up with joy when she saw them. She truly followed Jesus’ words “Let the children” come to me.

She is survived by her niece, Andrea Morrison of Pennsylvania, two nephews, Michael and Derek and a brother-in-law, John Sirmon of Maryland.

An evening vigil service will be held on Friday, February 20 at 6 pm in the Marian Convent main chapel. Mass of the Resurrection will be on Saturday, February 21 at 10:15 am at the same location. Interment will be at Santa Maria Cemetery.

To honor her life, donations should go to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Marian Regional Medical Center.

Arrangements are in the care of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home and Crematory. Sympathy notes and words of support may be expressed at www.magnermaloney.com.

02/13/2026

JANET LAMBERTSON
1927 - 2026

Janet was born in Newark, NJ in 1927, the youngest of five children, born to Howard and Ethel Margetts. She was always proud that her four grandparents were officers in the Salvation Army.

She grew up in the town of Kearney, NJ, and as a young girl took piano lessons for 9 or 10 years from her favorite aunt Grace. This was a musical talent she carried through her retirement years, and her favorite composers were Chopin and Rachmaninoff.

After high school Jan worked for six years as a laboratory assistant in the research department of Congoleum Nairn Flooring Company. She met and married the “boy around the corner” Walter Lambertson in 1949. They raised two sons, Jim and Dave.

When the boys were in grade school Walt’s company transferred him to California, and the family made a never-to-be-forgotten car trip across the country in 1961 to Santa Monica. They lived in the west San Fernando Valley for many years and when the boys were in high school Jan went back to work, this time as a bookkeeper, and discovered that she loved office work. Years later, when they were retired, Jan and Walt moved to Santa Maria.

Jan was active in the Presbyterian Church for many years, serving as a deacon and an elder, loved singing in the choir, and for a few years, she played the piano during church services when the organist, Belva, was away.

Jan loved needlework, sewing, knitting, needlepoint, etc. At one time she became interested in working with miniatures, and loved furnishing a five room dollhouse. She also loved her daily crossword puzzles, and was an avid reader. She loved baseball, and was a lifelong loyal San Francisco Giants fan.

She really loved music of all kinds, from Dixieland to Frank Sinatra, who was her very favorite from high school days as a “bobbysoxer” to the present.

Jan is predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Walter, her sisters Mildred Hayner and Dorothy Boeddinghaus, sister-in-law Helen Margetts, and brothers Howard and Herbert Margetts.

She is survived by her son, James, and son David, granddaughter Elizabeth, and family members, Pamela, Becky, Nick, Shaina, and many nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are in the care of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home and Crematory. Sympathy notes and words of support may be expressed at www.magnermaloney.com.

02/10/2026

LEOPOLDINA RODRIGUES TEIXEIRA
1938 – 2026

Leopoldina Rodrigues Teixeira was born on November 03, 1938 in São Caetano, Pico, Azores, passed away on February 7, 2026 in Santa Maria, California. She leaves behind a legacy of devotion to her family, her faith, hard work, and quiet strength.

She is survived by two daughters Odette Pinheiro and Alda Miu (Steve), three grandchildren Joseph Pinheiro (Madi), Stephanie Miu and Emily Miu and three siblings Celestina Rodrigues, Estela Rodrigues, and Manuel Leonardo Homen (Leonore). Her life was defined by love, resilience, and the deep pride she carried for her family.

Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026; followed by a Vigil Service at 6:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be 9:30 a.m. at St. Mary of the Assumption Church. Interment will follow in the original section of the Santa Maria Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Alzheimer’s Association https://www.alz.org/?form=FUNSTKLFHDM

Arrangements are in the care of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home and Crematory. Sympathy notes and words of support may be expressed at www.magnermaloney.com.

02/09/2026

MARDELL ADELLE JOHNSON (ROGERS) "GINGER"
1927 – 2026

Mardell Adelee "Ginger" Johnson (Rogers) passed away peacefully on January 23, 2026 in Santa Maria, CA.

She was born on February 6, 1927 in Akron, Ohio, the eldest of 9 children to her parents, Ernest and Mabel (Tawney) Rogers. When the Great Depression hit they moved home to the farm in Roane County, West Virginia, which is where all of her best childhood stories and memories were made. It was also the place that shaped her into a very hard worker, and where she grew as a Christian woman. Known by her siblings and W.Va. family as Adelee, she adopted the name Ginger, after the famous dancer and actress of the times Ginger Rogers. Ginger was also known for her red hair which fit her fiery personality.

At the age of 12, she moved to Spencer, W.Va. to attend high school, and graduated at 16. After high school she moved back to Akron to start her working career. It was there she was briefly married and that marriage produced her first child, Mary McClelland, who preceded her in death.

In 1951 she married her husband Harold Johnson, and moved to the good weather in the Los Angeles area. They would go on to be married for over 74 years and have their two children, Dale Johnson and Teresa Johnson (Jackson). During those 74 years the two of them would have the most amazing adventures and stories to tell. Ginger was active in her church, a member of DAR, and a Girl Scout Leader. After retiring from the phone company in Culver City, CA, they moved to their heavenly oasis in Squaw Valley, CA, (the original Squaw Valley) when they developed 5 acres and lived off the land. For the past 20 years they both lived in Santa Maria, CA.where they moved to be closer to their son Dale.

Besides her loving and devoted husband, Harold, and children, Ginger leaves behind 8 grandchildren; Katrina, Meghan, Matthew, Russell, Tiffany, Lauren, Leah and Kyle, and 11 great grandchildren and 2 great- great grandchildren. Also, sisters Charlotte Dilno, Patricia Conley and a brother Carroll Rogers.

A private family memorial will follow at a later date.

Arrangements are in the care of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home and Crematory. Sympathy notes and words of support may be expressed at www.magnermaloney.com.

02/09/2026

MICHAEL G. SYINTSAKOS

Michael G. Syintsakos, 64, of Santa Maria, was called home on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. He proudly served in the United States Army Reserves before transferring to the United States Air Force from which he retired in 2008 after a distinguished career as a Chief Master Sergeant, where he exemplified dedication, leadership, and service to his country. He went on to become a Supervisory Program Analyst for the United States Department of Defense Multi National Space Collaboration Cell, where he was the chief architect of the Global Sentinel International Space Cooperation Exercise which spanned more than 30 countries which he ran from Vandenberg Space Force Base. Above all else, he was a loving father and grandfather who took great pride in his family and the time he spent with them.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Maria Syintsakos, brothers Peter C Syintsakos Sergeant United States Army and Alexander A Syintsakos. He is survived by his three sons Duane Vierra (daughter in law Nicole), Magnus and Achilles Syintsakos, his wife, Cynthia Syintsakos, with whom he remained connected, and his loving companion, Cheryl Dowell who shared his life in his later years. He is also survived by his three sisters Cynthia Cioci, Patricia Kaminski, and his other half, twin Maria Berarducci (husband Richard), his cherished grandchildren Ava, Natalie and Elienna Vierra, as well as several nieces and nephews, all of whom will remember him for his strength, warmth and unwavering love for family.

A military honor service will be held at the Vandenberg Space Force Base Chapel, followed by a celebration of his life in the Chapel Annex on Tuesday March 10, 2026, at 12:00 pm. If you wish to attend and do not have base access, arrangements must be made ahead to grant timely entrance. Please contact Tim Vincent at (805) 605-4925 no later than Tuesday March 3, 2026.

Arrangements are in the care of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home and Crematory. Sympathy notes and words of support may be expressed at www.magnermaloney.com.

02/03/2026

02/02/2026

REY PAREDEZ
1985 – 2026

Rey Paredez, 41, of Nipomo, passed away on Friday, January 23, 2026. Rey was born on January 6, 1985 in Port Hueneme to Pedro Paredez and Maria Toribia Orozco de Uvalle.

Rey is survived by his parents: Pedro & Maria Toribia; siblings: Lydia & Roberto Limas, Peter & Michelle Paredes, Ruben & Carmen Paredes, Rosa & Moises Reyes, Ricardo & Yvette Paredes, Reina & Ruben Rodriguez, Robert & Celia Uballe; as well as many nieces and nephews who loved him very much.

He has been reunited with his beloved grandparents Felimón & Rafaela Orozco and Trinidad & Lucia Paredes; and Rosendo “Tio Chendo” Castillo.

Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026; followed by an Evening Prayer Service at 6:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 also in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the Santa Maria Cemetery, South Lawn.

Arrangements are in the care of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home and Crematory. Sympathy notes and words of support may be expressed at www.magnermaloney.com.