Tribute Wall
In Memory of
Maria Odilia Ketchum
1953 - 2021
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5 trees were planted in memory of Maria Ketchum
Monday, October 4, 2021
5 trees were planted in memory of
Maria Odilia Ketchum
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We pray the love of God enfolds you during your journey through grief.
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Ray Ketchum lit a candle
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
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On October 1st, I wrote
My heart is broken.
My mind a haze.
The words unspoken.
A shattered maze.
My life long partner, my lover, my friend.
My soulmate, my heartbeat, my love I do send.
Today and everyday, from now til my time,
When we meet again, have your sweet hand in mine.
For now you rest in our Lords loving arms.
And you'll now share with the Heavens, your sweet tender charms.
Your forever love. Ray
My Love,
I wrote the above poem soon after you left. The Kids were arranging the details surrounding your departing ceremony and I think I was still in disbelief. Steven and Dianne arranging pictures and music and I in a state of frozen grief. All I could think about was our last laugh we shared just moments before you departed on your journey. I still cry because you left without me. I weep, even now while writing these words. My tears flow so freely each time I think of us being apart. The freshness of loss is still with me. My longing for you still great. Oh my love, how I wish you were here. Or how I wish I were there. But that’s a selfish way for me to be. Lord forgive me, because You know better than I. Your Ways are higher than my ways as well as Your Thoughts. I am forever grateful for the time you allowed us to be as one. And I pray that with Your approval, as well as Maria’s, of course, that You might grant me an eternity with my Earthly Love, reunited in the Heavenly Realms. As for now, moving on as half of oneself has been a great trial. The first” everything without you experience” has broken this man I once thought strong.
After weeks of despair, when friends and family started to wean, I began many first ventures without my partner. I remember my first visit to the local Costco, when I turned to ask you…… then realizing you were no longer there, caused a temporary and complete collapse of my nervous system. Tears quickly blinded my rush to exit the store, hoping the air outside would bring composure. Or attending mass again without you. Oh how I made fun of your singing. Now, I listen to the song “Gentle Woman” every day while missing that same voice.
I still see your face, smiles, smirks and quirks. I would trade all that I have to give you one more hug, just one more kiss, one more time to tell you how much I love you. I use to just gaze at you while you slept, head over heels in love and in disbelief that you could love a guy like me. But 44 years has to say something. I was, and am, truly blessed.
So I ask this in prayer Lord. You graced me once with this woman who made me the person I am today. A woman who truly was an ambassador for You and Your Son, with her welcoming smile and generous heart. Grant me Lord, when You bring me, a lowly sinner, back to Yourself, an eternity with You and the Family You bestowed on me while I was here. Until then, may your continued Graces radiate through me and reflect the splendor of your Love. Amen
It’s nearing August 15th –Approaching the eleventh month and the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. I pray on our behalf every day.
Like another song – You Are Always on My Mind
Honey. You there?
I’m just checkin in.
Still hard to bear
Pain deep within
Toll to be paid
On this worn wearing skin,
My world beginning to fray.
I still feel your face
Near my lost distant stare
That warm sunshine’s grace
Your sleek silver hair
Somehow lifting my soul,
From the grey
Please visit in dreams
Through gestures and memes
Give me a kiss,
And lovingly say,
Sleep tight now my dear
May my heart keep you near
Fret not, fore you’re soon one your way…
Forever
Your Loving Husband
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Lynne posted a condolence
Friday, October 8, 2021
My sincere condolences to you all, She was so special and just the sweetest I loved working with her and she always had a smile on her face.. What a Beautiful lady she talked about her family kids and grandkids all the time. We had so much fun when she would come over to my house and I would do her hair, when we got done she would say she was going to go home and show her husband how sexy she was. I am sorry I did not make it to the service we We’re quarantined at home for two weeks. I will always miss Maria.
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SBHSD Cafeteria Staff posted a condolence
Thursday, October 7, 2021
Seldom in life does an individual meet someone who makes such a lasting impression on their lives that the particular someone remains on their minds and in their hearts for the rest of their lives. We were blessed to meet such a someone in Maria Ketchum. With a heart of gold, an always chipper "Good Morning" and an infectious smile, Maria brightened our days as we worked together. Dedicated to her job and the students that she served, Maria always wanted the best for her kids and the others she worked with. Maria worked tirelessly and diligently to not only get her tasks completed, but to please and impress those she served. Maria shared her love of gardening by offering plants from her yard and giving planting advice to ensure that you would be able to enjoy the gifts of the earth that she so lovingly gave away. Maria loved to laugh, share a joke and make a person feel as though they were family. She was always the first person to offer a token to someone who was celebrating a special day, or needed cheering up. Maria was truly a gentle soul who appreciated life and those who shared it with her. She gave without abandon and only asked for a smile in return. Truly Maria was that someone who touched your heart and enriched your life just for knowing her. Maria will never be gone as she will remain in our memory forever, we just simply have to close our eyes and open our hearts and she will be there. Thank You Maria for being that special Someone. We Love you, we Miss you, we Cherish your spirit and we feel Blessed to have had the honor to know you and call you Friend. We will celebrate your time with us through laughter, tears, stories and memories. Forever you will be with us as we serve the students you so warmly cherished and we must now continue with the knowledge that your absence can never be replaced for you Dear Lady were a true One Of A Kind. An Angel on earth, you have taken your place as an Angel in Heaven... a title that is certainly most fitting for such a special and unique person. Cafeteria Staff of San Benito High School Work
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SBHSD Cafeteria Staff posted a symbolic gesture
Thursday, October 7, 2021
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Teri Aguiar planted a tree in memory of Maria Ketchum
Thursday, October 7, 2021
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Jim Lewis lit a candle
Wednesday, October 6, 2021
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A smile that would light the darkest night,
A look that assures you it will be alright.
A piece of advice to sooth your mind,
A friendship otherwise so hard to find.
A "Good Morning" to brighten up your day,
By someone who always knew just what to say.
A soothing demeanor on which you could rely,
She could make you laugh until you'd cry.
A person to whom you were always drawn,
Who enjoyed quiet mornings and watching the dawn.
She savored life and the blessings it gave,
From a flower in bloom to a crashing wave.
She gave all she could to help those in need,
And lived by the rule to perform every good deed.
Someone who was truly larger than life,
A Loving Mother, Grandmother and Wife.
You will sorely be missed by those you knew,
It will be hard to do anything without thinking of you.
We know your in Heaven and in God's loving light,
Please know that we Love you and are thinking of you tonight.
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David Garcia posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 6, 2021
I will always remember Odelia's smile. She always greeted us with a cheery smile whenever we saw each other. I remember when she and her sisters first came to California and stayed at my grandparents house in Hollister. Heaven has gained a very special soul. Our condolences, thoughts, and prayers go out to Raymond, Diane, and the rest of Odelia's family as you mourn the loss of your wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. God bless you all
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Phil Ketchum posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 5, 2021
Quick to laugh, quick to cry, Maria wore it on her sleeve. Her love for her family and friends has always been evident through her generosity, her joy, her passion and her playfulness. Our hearts go out to all who grieve Maria's passing, as do we. Love, Phil and Janine Ketchum
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Paul Moitoso posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 5, 2021
Tia I am always going to miss our great trips we had. You were always like a mom to me
Until we meet again
Love you always
Paul Moitoso
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Yvette Nunes lit a candle
Tuesday, October 5, 2021
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Dee and Family Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time please know that your mother was a beautiful soul.
and is with the lord now. Please find comfort in knowing you have family and friends near.
The Nunes Family
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Mark reid posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 5, 2021
We can give glorious joy to the wonderful life Maria lived for her family and others as she touched the Reid’s. In my imagination I am able to replay Maria’s – joyous laughter, funny giggles, and her smile and how fast she was to help others. We have been blessed with having her in our lives and will carry all of our favorite memories within us. Her life’s story lives on; the Lord has transcended Maria to do more good works, helping those who may have lost their way. Although her presence maybe missing for the moment, our sympathies to the very close family and friends for your sorrow. Rejoice, for that Maria would not have anyone shed a single tear fallen, because, her life’s journey was to enjoy the moment and live life to the fullest, as she has.
Blessing, prayers and great works for Maria, too all of her family and friends.
Love the Reid's
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Eddie & BethAnn Moitoso posted a condolence
Monday, October 4, 2021
We will forever treasure the memories of beautiful cousin Odelia. She had a wonderful warm way about her and everyone who knew her, loved her, and felt loved by her. We enjoyed our family camping trips at Lake Don Pedro, the Portuguese Festa’s, various family gatherings, that all included happy times and lots of laughter. Odelia loved to dance and she was good at it. Odelia will be greatly missed. She will remain in our hearts forever and we will always think of her with love and a twinkle in her eyes, and that sweet smile on her face. Odelia made this world a better place and we feel very blessed to have known her.
Sending our condolences, love and prayers to the family and friends who adored her.
Eddie & BethAnn Moitoso
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Pat Ketchum posted a condolence
Monday, October 4, 2021
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
New International Version
Believers Who Have Died
13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.
Love to all missing Maria. from Sister-in-law Pat Ketchum✝️❤️
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Tamar Ketchum posted a condolence
Sunday, October 3, 2021
My deepest condolences to Ray, Steven, Diane and all Marias beautiful family. Maria or Auntie Maria LOVED our kids. Let me talk about our kids for a minute. One of the best things about Maria was I always felt she loved our children! What better way to a mother’s heart than for someone to love her children! Maria often told me our children were good, cute, funny, silly, intelligent, and fun. (Even though they weren’t always those things!) She often wanted to hold our children when they were babies and toddlers. She interacted with them, laughed at their funny faces, and snuggled them. The last time I saw her, I was with two of our boys. She told me over and over how handsome they were. She just beamed when she looked at them, like only a truly loving auntie does! She made me feel loved by loving our children so. One of my favorite scriptures is Matthew 19:14 “But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”
To some, children are a bother. But not to Jesus and NEVER to Auntie Maria!
Maria was tireless in her service. Jesus said, “As I have loved you, love one another.” And Maria did. I remember marveling how Maria helped take so much care of Auntie Babe when she was sick, then Grandpa Ketchum, then Grandma! These weren’t only her in-laws, they were her family! Maria would never let one of the vulnerable among us go uncared for…that is who Maria was! Maria was an example to me and all how to follow the Saviors admonition, “Come follow me,” or do as I do. She surely did! I love her and miss her presence already. I am comforted in my sure knowledge that she is being welcomed by so many who have missed her on the other side and that I will meet her again someday. Until then, I love you, my sister. Thank you for your example.
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Stephanie Faria posted a condolence
Saturday, October 2, 2021
My Aunt Odilia was everything to me, she was not just my Aunt but a Friend and a Mother. She was always there for me through the good times and at my worst of times. As written by the great Maya Angelou.
"She said, I have learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I've learned that I still have a lot to learn. I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. "
My dear beloved Aunt always made me and everyone feel loved and cared for no matter where you came from, who you were or what you had or didn't have. She loved you for you.
I'm at a lost because my dear beloved Aunt and is not here but I take comfort that she is in my heart.
I'll miss her as the my shoulder to cry on and to raise me up when I've fallen.
But I keep with me on my heart her love, her smile, her encouragement.
I've gained my Guardian Angel.
I love you Tia! You will forever be missed.
Until we meet again. Thanks for making me feel my BEST!
Stephanie Faria
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A tree was planted in memory of Maria Ketchum
Saturday, October 2, 2021
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Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Mario, Margaret Salinas lit a candle
Saturday, October 2, 2021
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Ray, Dee and family, our hearts grieve for all of you. It came as such a shock to all. Thank you for sharing this beautiful lady with us. We will hold the precious memories of laughter and love that we shared with Maria and your family. An Angel here on earth, now in Heaven. Our Love, hugs and prayers are sent to all. (Luigi as she lovingly called Mario, Margaret and the Seasons)
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MARIA DE FARIA posted a condolence
Saturday, October 2, 2021
It was a terrible to learn of Odilia’s death. Wishing all of you comfort and peace to face the days ahead and loving memories to hold in your heart. We still remember the time when you came to Niagara Falls, we picked you up and had dinner at Lourdes - good memories.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Ray and your family. May her soul rest in peace! With love Maria H; Lucy & Family.
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Ray Ketchum posted a condolence
Friday, October 1, 2021
My heart is broken. My mind a haze. The words unspoken. A shattered maze. My life long partner, my lover, my friend. My soulmate, my heartbeat, my love I do send. Today and everyday, from now til my time, when we meet again, have your sweet hand in mine. For now you rest in our Lords loving arms. And you'll now share with the Heavens, your sweet tender charms. Your forever love. Ray
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Mary Jo Lawrence posted a condolence
Friday, October 1, 2021
I miss you so much sister. I will miss our trips together, family gatherings, your laughter and so much more, until we meet again
I love you, your sister Mary Jo
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Mike and Monique Cabrera posted a condolence
Friday, October 1, 2021
We will always miss you, your smile, your silliness and your jokes. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ray, Diane and family. Love you, Mike and Monique♥️
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Ray Ketchum uploaded photo(s)
Friday, October 1, 2021
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A tree was planted in memory of Maria Ketchum
Friday, October 1, 2021
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I love you mom.. I miss you so much and will continue to miss you. I'm going to miss our phone calls. I can't wait to see you again .. Your son Steven
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The family of Maria Odilia Ketchum uploaded a photo
Friday, October 1, 2021
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