Monterey Herald Obituaries

Gina Marie Aldrete

gqlshare — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 08:05:00 +0000

Gina Marie Aldrete, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on February 24, 2026, after a heroic battle against Multiple Myeloma, leaving a profound and irreplaceable absence in the lives of all who knew her.
Born on April 17, 1968, to Chris and Betty Arcoleo of Monterey, Gina was a proud alumna of both Monterey High School, where she shone as an athlete and cheerleader, and Monterey Peninsula College. Her warm, vibrant personality and boundless enthusiasm were hallmarks of everything she pursued throughout her life.

Thirty-seven years ago, she married the love of her life, Mike Aldrete, and what followed was a life defined by devotion to her husband, her family, and her community. As the ultimate baseball wife, Gina stood steadfastly by Mike’s side throughout his professional career, embracing every relocation with grace; from the Bay Area to Canada to St. Louis and beyond. Wherever she went, she made a home — and always a welcoming, stylish one.

Together, Gina and Mike raised three wonderful children: Michael (Cate), Blake (Shauna), and Nicolette (Zach Panziera). The greatest joy in her later years was her role as “Gigi” to her four adored grandchildren: Aaron and Zoey Aldrete, Skylar Aldrete, and Harper Panziera. Baseball games, afternoons by the pool, lake time, and family travels were among her most treasured moments.

Gina grew up deeply rooted in the fabric of the Monterey waterfront, where her family’s beloved business, Chris’ Fishing and Whale Watching on the Monterey Wharf, has been a cornerstone of the community for generations. She carried that same community warmth throughout her life, lending her talents to the business by helping plan staff and customer appreciation events with characteristic flair. In that same creative vision, Gina became the force behind a Halloween celebration on the Wharf that has grown into a beloved annual tradition — a testament to her imagination, her generosity, and her gift for bringing people together.

An avid tennis player, Gina was a dedicated and passionate member of the team tennis communities at Chamisal Tennis Club and Pasadera Country Club, where she formed deep and lasting friendships. Fearless in all she pursued, Gina was also a trend-setting style icon whose chic sensibility and bold confidence turned heads wherever she went. She approached fashion — and life itself — with daring originality, always ahead of the curve and entirely, unapologetically herself.

Throughout her illness, Gina faced each day with remarkable courage and grace. Her family is deeply grateful for the compassionate expertise and unwavering dedication of Dr. Jeffrey Wolf of UCSF and Dr. Michael Koontz of Montage, whose guidance and love were a source of great comfort and strength to Gina and her entire family.

Those who knew Gina will never forget her contagious laughter, her fierce loyalty, and her infinite love — the kind that filled every room she entered and left a permanent mark on every heart she touched. She had a way of making everyone around her feel seen, celebrated, and deeply cherished. She will be endlessly missed.

Gina is survived by her husband, Mike, her children and their families, her parents, Chris and Betty Arcoleo, her brothers Chris, Gabe, and Todd (Cindi), her mother-in-law, Donna Bua, the Alongi Family, the Aldrete Family, the Morgan Family, and her many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, March 5th, at 10:30 in the morning at St. Angela Merici Catholic Church, 362 Lighthouse Avenue, Pacific Grove, followed by a private gathering. Donations to honor Gina’s memory may be made to the Gina and Mike Aldrete Family Foundation, c/o Scholl & Arensdorf, LLP, 18275 Meadow Song Way, Corral de Tierra, CA 93908.

Donna Rae Workman

gqlshare — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 08:05:00 +0000

Donna Rae Workman was born Donna Rae Doster to George Wilson Doster and Edna Alta Doster in Stockton, California.
She graduated from Monterey High School in 1951 and married Robert Vernon Workman on December 9, 1951.
Donna was a devoted homemaker for 22 years following her marriage to Robert. She raised four children: Cary Aileen Workman, Robert Vernon Workman, Timothy Jay Workman, and Kim Allen Workman. She lovingly hosted Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings for Grandma and Grandpa Doster, their six family members, as well as her siblings and their children on several occasions. Donna was a wonderful cook and especially known for her apple pies.
Almost every Sunday, she prepared dinner for the family and Grandma and Grandpa Doster. After dinner, the adults would play cards — pinochle, Hollywood rummy, and canasta — while the kids were not included. Later, once the children were walking, talking, and out of diapers, the family began taking two-week vacations each year, traveling by car and staying in motels along the way. On their final big trip, which included Grandma and Grandpa Doster, Donna always said the children were at their very best behavior.
After her years as a homemaker, Donna joined her husband in their business, Ordside Automotive in Marina CA. where she handled the bookkeeping until their retirement.
Following retirement, Donna and Robert moved to Oakhurst, California, later to Paradise, California, and then to Chico, California before the Camp Fire. Robert passed away in 2015 at the age of 90. Donna later relocated to Chico Mobile Country Club to be closer to her daughter Cary. They shared Sunday lunches and card games together each week. This tradition continued until 2023, when an accident required Donna to move to Autumn Creek Post Acute in Chico. Even then, Sunday lunch and cards continued until her passing.
Donna also enjoyed many visits with friends, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews, exchanging cards and notes. She spent her time reading, crocheting potholders — by the hundreds — watching television and movies, doing word circle puzzles, and listening to music on her CD player.
Donna was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Robert Workman, and by two sons, Robert V. Workman Jr. and Kim Allen Workman.
She is survived by her daughter, Cary Aileen Workman Rudd (Robert Rudd) of Chico; her son, Timothy Jay Workman of Texas; granddaughter, Sarah M. Rudd; great-grandson, Blake C. Lawlor; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Robert M. Oka

gqlshare — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 08:05:00 +0000

Robert “Bob” M. Oka of Salinas passed away peacefully at home on March 20, 2025 at the age of 98. He was born on March 6, 1927 in Lodi, CA. Bob had a loving marriage with his wife, Mary for 70 years. He is survived by Mary and his children, Kimberly, Alan and Randy Oka. He is also survived by sisters Jane Oka and Mitzi McCullough and brother Seishi Oka. He was predeceased by his sister Hedy Matsuno. His parents, were Sadao and Shizuko Oka.
Bob was devoted to his family and made time for memorable annual family vacations. Naturally curious and outgoing, Bob enjoyed striking up conversations with strangers and always seemed to know the location where they were from. Duck hunting, golf and traveling the world were his passions. He was a “Mr. Fix-It” and could repair anything. Bob’s sharp wit and warm sense of humor will be missed. He worked as an electronics technician for the Monterey County Office of Education.
Private services were held. Bob requested that donations go to Salinas Valley JACL, 6 Quail Run Cir #201, Salinas, CA 93907 or LAPC (Lincoln Avenue Presbyterian Church), 536 Lincoln Ave., Salinas, CA 93901.

Laura Lynn Pura

gqlshare — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 08:05:00 +0000

Laura Lynn Pura, lovingly known as Laurie, passed away peacefully at her home on February 8, 2026, surrounded by her family.
Laurie was born on December 1, 1958, in Salinas, California, to Wilmer and Ida Rubbo Pura. She grew up on the family ranch in Greenfield with her siblings, Janice, Stan, and Marc, in a home full of love and laughter. Laurie attended Greenfield Elementary and King City High, forging lifelong friendships along the way — and, in a move that surprised exactly no one, was named Miss Congeniality. After high school, she worked as a court reporter for the Santa Cruz Municipal Court.
From childhood through adulthood, Laurie had a deep love for animals — from dogs and horses to 4-H lambs — and, of course, every chicken and peacock roaming Arroyo Seco had a name. She enjoyed painting, swimming, softball, tennis, and golf, and she could be a bit competitive — especially when it came to playing Pedro. In the Pura family, Pedro was mandatory, and Laurie took it seriously. She and her former husband, Bill Massa, hosted many Pedro parties at their home for friends and family, always serving her delicious polenta and stew, filling the house with laughter and adding to the many cherished memories they shared.
One could not talk about Laurie without mentioning her sense of style. It was never quite clear whether she started the leopard-print trend or borrowed it from European designers. Fashion was simply part of who she was — and not even the hills of Cinque Terre, Italy, could stop her from looking fabulous in heels.
Laurie had a contagious smile and laugh, and a magnetic personality that could convince you to try things you never imagined yourself doing — and somehow, you always ended up loving them. She lived fully, inspiring everyone around her to savor life’s moments, and just being near her made you feel fabulous.
Laurie generously donated her time to causes close to her heart. She chaired the events committee for the Hospice Giving Foundation, raising awareness and funds for many years. She was also deeply involved with First Tee of Monterey County and volunteered at the AT&T Pebble Beach Golf Tournament, where her radiant smile welcomed golfers and often extended to hosting visiting players and their families.
Laurie’s adventurous spirit took her traveling across the globe, but no matter where her adventures led, coming home to family was always what mattered most. She attended countless games, performances, graduations, and special occasions — and many times was simply “there” for dinner and a game of Pedro.
Laurie is survived by her father, Wilmer Pura; her siblings, Janice Banta (Russ), Stan Pura (Jamii), and Marc Pura (Tara); 11 nieces and nephews; 10 great-nieces and great-nephews; and her Aunt Lucy Rubbo Solomon, along with her beloved cugini. She also leaves her cherished grandchildren, Angelina, Isabella, and Madeline, and their mother, Shelly, with whom she shared a special bond. Our Laurie now joins her mother, Ida, and no doubt the two of them have already found two more players for a heavenly game of Pedro.
Laurie was blessed with close friends who visited faithfully, and the family is forever grateful for her caregivers, whose compassion, dedication, and kindness brought love and comfort to her days.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, March 9, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at San Carlos Cathedral, 500 Church Street, Monterey. A Reception will follow, where family and friends are warmly invited to gather, share memories, and honor the joy she brought to so many.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to VNA Hospice, 45 Plaza Circle, Salinas, CA 93901, or to an organization of your choice in Laurie’s memory.

Funeral Arrangements by Struve and Laporte Funeral Home.
Online condolences to www.struveandlaporte.com

John Edwin Trapani

gqlshare — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 08:05:00 +0000

Born from a heritage of Swedish, Finnish, and Sicilian, a wonderful creation of the mixing bowl of America.

A passionate teacher, jovial colleague, golf buddy, lover of cars and coffee, friend of St Paul’s, mused by music and master of melodies, fixed things, voracious volunteer, intrepid voyager, insatiable curiosity, a bright sun in any room, and above it all, a lover of natural beauty.
A loving husband, brother, uncle, and his son’s very best friend.

He desired to create and influence things from the start, through his ability to show up and bring that passion every time. An opening year teacher at Galivan View, until his retirement. An opening day volunteer at the Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center. An opening day member of the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Lover of the amazing music in the SF Bay Area! He saw Great Whites at the Farallons! Took students to Tuolumne Meadows. Many adventures.

A celebration of life will be at 11am, Saturday, Feb. 28th, at St Paul’s Episcopal Church 1071 Pajaro St., Salinas, CA. Lunch to follow, catered by Salinas City BBQ!

Please make donations to a local cancer support charity, or any cancer related charity that supports the eradication of cancer.

Annamarie Hofmann

gqlshare — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 08:05:00 +0000

Annamarie Hofmann departed for her next adventure on December 16th, 2026 at 94 years of age. Named Anna Marie Black, she was born in Red Rock, Oklahoma on February 25th, 1931. Marie was the youngest of 4 children raised at the end of the Great Depression without running water, electricity or telephone.

She enjoyed residence on the Monterey Peninsula beginning in 1962. She was a resident of Marina for 18 years before moving in with family at age 90.

“Feisty” would be a word best used to describe her adult years. Those who knew her appreciated that she was contrary to instruction or conventions–and a lot of fun! She adored cars, coffeehouses, fabrics, friends and a good party.

Annamarie developed a “Passion for Fashion” at an early age. She loved colorful textiles and began clothing design in the 1970s. She was a skilled couturier and sold her own custom line of clothing.

She leaves behind her daughters Juli Hofmann (Joel Leker) and Lori Hofmann-Lurz (Victor Lurz), Her Grandchildren Eva Leker-Gordon, Forest Lurz, Isaac Leker and Violet Lurz, and her great grandchildren Finn and Thea Gordon.

She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, and former husband, Don Hofmann.

The family would like to extend their warm appreciation to her caregiver Michelle Rhyans and Horace Mercurio for the community the built at Coffee Mia Cafe in Marina.
A private service will be held.

Patricia Merrifield

gqlshare — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 08:05:00 +0000

Patricia Anne Merrifield of Carmel Valley, CA, passed away on January 23, 2026 at the age of 79. She was born Patricia Anne Brooks on January 9, 1947 to Agnes and Philip Henry Brooks in Washington DC. Patricia graduated with a BA in English from UNC Greensboro. Patricia dedicated her working life to helping others, from social services to her true calling as a hospice nurse.

Patricia married Charles Woodbridge Merrifield in 1974, and raised their three children as a loving mother on the Monterey Peninsula. Patricia remained steadfast in caring for her whole family, including her siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, and their children, throughout her life.

Patricia found joy in hiking, volunteering, meditation, poetry, and gardening. She was a frequent pilgrim on the Camino de Santiago. Patricia believed in peace, social justice, and the power of prayer. She was known for her adventurous spirit and kind heart.

Patricia was predeceased by her husband Charles Woodbridge Merrifield and brother Michael Joseph Brooks. Patricia is survived by her siblings Christine Ella Brooks, Suzanne Marie Herberg, and Brian Anthony Brooks; her children, Charles Wesley Merrifield, Emily Anne Merrifield, and Ross William Merrifield as well as her grandchildren Nicholas Calob Morales, Rio Rose Merrifield, and Wren Piper Grace Merrifield.

Patricia was laid to rest at the Cool Springs Cemetery in Berryville, VA. A memorial mass will be held at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church on March 7, 2026 at 11am, followed by a celebration of her life at her home starting at 1pm. All who knew her are invited to attend either or both events. Contact the family for more details.

In lieu of flowers the family is collecting contributions toward a memorial bench in Patricia’s honor at Garland Park.

AnnaMarie Della Sala-Stanton

gqlshare — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 08:05:00 +0000

AnnaMarie Della Sala-Stanton was born on Aug. 22, 1950, at Carmel Hospital and raised on the Monterey Peninsula. She passed away at home on Feb. 2, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family, friends, cousins and neighbors. She was the first-born, cherished daughter of Rosie (Bruno) Della Sala and father, Charles Della Sala. She grew up alongside her two brothers, Anthony and Chuck, and her sisters, Kathy and Maryann.
AnnaMarie attended Monterey Unified School District, including San Carlos Parochial School, Walter Colton Junior High and graduated from Monterey High School in 1968. She continued her education at UCSD, nurturing a lifelong love of learning that would define much of her life.
AnnaMarie met the love her life, Robert Stanton, a great musician himself, and in 1979 they were married and their partnership spanned more than 46 devoted years.
AnnaMarie devoted 32 years to education as an elementary school teacher in Monterey and Sherman Oaks. She was passionately dedicated and so happy to teach young minds while sharing her love of composing music and playing the guitar.
As a young child, AnnaMarie would set up a chalkboard in the garage and invite all of the neighborhood kids over, so she could play teacher.
Music was one of her greatest passions. She was a self-taught amazing seamstress. She enjoyed gardening and loved sunflowers. She had a knack for designing and remodeling spaces, both inside and out. She was the organizer, the planner, the one with the calendar and the color-coded lists. She gave 100 percent to everything she did.
AnnaMarie had a special place in her heart for furry friends, especially Mozart and Chewy, treating each beloved pet as a treasured member of the family.
Upon returning home to Monterey from Santa Monica, she lovingly dedicated much of her time and energy to her heritage and Monterey’s La Merienda and was recognized for her leadership and service with the Laura Bride Powers award. She spent many hours compiling three books, one which was titled Italian Americans — We Don’t Just Fish.
AnnaMarie was preceded in death by her father, Charles Della Sala, Sr. Sadly, she leaves behind her beloved husband, Robert; her mother, Rosie (Bruno) Della Sala; her brothers, Anthony Della Sala and Charles Della Sala, Jr. (Sandy); sisters, Kathy Della Sala-Shepherd (Tony) and MaryAnn Randolph, and many extended family members and friends who cherished her warmth, creativity and strength.
Our sincere thanks to our wonderful priest and staff at San Carlos Cathedral, our helpful loving cousins, friends and great neighbors of AnnaMarie & Robert.
A service to celebrate AnnaMarie’s life will begin at 10 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 23, at San Carlos Cathedral in Monterey.
In lieu of flowers, please give to cancer research or your favorite charity.

Dominic Van Nes

gqlshare — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 08:05:00 +0000

Dominic Van Nes, 61, of Salinas, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2026 at his home surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous journey with cancer.

Dominic was born in Houston, TX. He graduated from the Hotel School at Cornell University and worked in the Hospitality industry for 40 years with a focus in technology. He was dedicated to building and fixing systems to the best possible quality for 30 years with the Pebble Beach Company.
A man of deep sincerity, profound love for his family, and endless kindness toward all. He will be greatly missed and forever remembered.

He is survived by his wife Jacqueline Van Nes, sons Dominic Jr. and William, sisters Sasha, Emily and Adrienne.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to The Dominic Van Nes Youth Fund at ARIEL Theatrical, Salinas.

Dominic was laid to rest in Houston, TX on January 31, 2026.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, February 20th, at 11 am, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Spreckels.

Kenneth Rudisill

gqlshare — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 08:05:00 +0000

On January 1st, 2026, Kenneth Robert Rudisill went to be with the Lord. He leaves behind his wife of 52 years, Janice Krebs Rudisill, his son, Joshua Rudisill, his daughter, Jennah Brown, four grandchildren, Brayden, Grace, Hunter, Samantha, his brother, David Rudisill, and numerous nieces and nephews. His parents, Loretta and Jim Rudisill, as well as his brother, Richard Rudisill, preceeded him in death. The Celebration of Life will be held at The Beach Club, located in Pebble Beach, on February 28th 2026 from 3-5 pm.