Pearl Dolores Carter-Stredni

Pearl Carter-Stredni (born Pearl Ortiz) passed away peacefully at home on August 15, 2026, at the age of 97. Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico and raised in the small town of Peña Blanca near Santa Fe, she was one of 14 children born to rancher Preciliano Ortiz and his wife, Celia. Pearl took great pride in her family's deep historical roots, as the Ortiz family was among the first 24 Spanish families to settle permanently in New Mexico in 1692.

At the age of 20, Pearl moved to California alongside relatives, settling in the Bay Area. She later met David Carter of Montana, and the two married in 1954. Together they had five children before divorcing in 1968. Pearl then returned to the workforce as a secretary at Varian Associates in Palo Alto. Over nearly 30 dedicated years there, she worked her way up to become a Senior Buyer.

In 1995, she married Dan Stredni and later retired. For the next several decades, Pearl and Dan shared a wonderful life traveling across Europe and North America, as well as exploring the scenic gems of Northern California like Carmel, Mendocino, and Sonoma. A lifelong church attender, Pearl’s faith was a cornerstone of her life; in her retirement years, she faithfully attended Mass every Friday or Sunday, and often many times throughout the week.

Pearl is survived by her loving husband, Dan Stredni; her children, Elaine Carter (Eugene Borba), David Carter (Inessa), Susie Ployhar (Dennis), and Kathleen Carter; and her 12 cherished grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her eldest child, Clarissa, who passed away in 2017.