Ernestine Maclennan

SEP 9, 1927 – DEC 2, 2017

Ernestine MacLennan passed away on December 2, 2017 in Merced, Ca. at the age of 90. She was born on September 9, 1927 in Merced. She was the office manager at the Merced Medical Clinic for about 30 years. She also worked at Riggs Ambulance as a switch-board and Toppers Jewelers. She was the fifth of twelve children. She loved to dance and sing occasionally on Sunday afternoon, and ballroom dances at the Senior Center. Ernestine had a beautiful voice. During her retirement she volunteered work at the Merced Arts Center. In fact, for years her best friend Gloria Coronas, pianist would go to her home to practice songs for future gigs. Then there were times Gloria would just go over and just have fun singing along with her and her karaoke boom box.

In her youth and not that long ago, she and her sister Gloria Quaglia, who played drums would join with other musicians to play at various clubs and private parties in and out of Merced. She enjoyed gatherings of family and friends where there would always be music, food, laughter, and happy times.

She is survived by her daughter Kathy (Larry) Melgoza and her son Frank (Nina) Breinig of Martinez, Ca.. Her daughter in-law Gwen Breinig, her sisters Rose Cavallaro of Lafayette, Ca., Lillian Padilla and Gloria Quaglia, both from Merced, Sally Blake of Mission Viejo, Ca.. Her brothers Johnny Quaglia of Monterey, Ca., Robert Quaglia and Anthony Galan of Merced, Ca.. Her nephews Dr. James Hernandez, Gary Hernandez, David Quaglia, Dennis Quaglia, Todd (Sondria) Giardina, Christopher Giardina, Braden Giardina,John Blakley, James Blakley, Robert Saenz, Johnny Quaglia, Jr., Honathan Blake, Parker Smith, Carson Smith and Anthony Velasquez. Her nieces Jennie (Hal) Marty, Gloria (Bob) Soderbery, Elaine Padilla, Michele Marquez, Stacy (Mike) Velasquez, Diane (Bob) Tarango, Cathy (Dominic) Tobin, Toni Quaglia, Tami Quaglia, Tina Stewart, Lola (Kelly) Smith, Spensir Melgoza. Her stepson Allan Knutsen; stepchildren Kelly MacLennan, Teacy Harriott, Carol Gonzales, Eddie MacLennan; grandchildren Scott Breinig, Dr. Brett Melgosa,, DMD, Ryan Melgoza, Cori Breinig and Shani Garcia. Her cousins Karen Elmendorf, Chani (Mark) Courtright, Delphine (Veg) Tocchini, Mary (Dr. Steve) Ross. Along with 10 other grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband Major Jerome MacLennan, her son Pastor Eugene Breinig of This Ain’t Your Mama’s Church of Merced, Ca., her sisters Minnie Hernandez, Carmen Saenz, Helen Giardina, niece Dr. Josie Cavallaro, her grandson Jason Robert Melgoza and her oldest brother Mendy Quaglia, and many more nephews, nieces and cousins.

The family would like to thank Dr. Uppal and Mercy Hospital staff for their care with Ernestine. Also, caregivers Rosa Christman and Josie Arroyo. There will be a Celebration of Life held on Sunday, December 10, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Christian Life Center, located at 650 E. Olive, Merced, Ca.. A private burial will be held in Santa Nella.