Aurelia Sadie Spears Marie Spears

March 19, 1919 - April 7, 2013

Resident of San Jose

Sadie was guided into the arms of her loving God at age 94. She joined her beloved husband Charles who preceded her in death in 1992. She was the fourth of six children born to John and Dolly Herkenrath in Portsmouth, Iowa. As a child she was known to be spunky and vivacious, characteristics she retained all her life. She met Charles at a local dance and they married in 1940. Her life’s journey took her from Portsmouth to Seattle, to Wichita, to Merced and finally to San Jose in 1963. Along the way her warm smile and friendly personality captured the hearts of many. A large part of her life was the joy of cooking, baking and making crafts. She was an extraordinary cook in the old-fashioned way of home cooks who don’t use recipes or measure ingredients. She was a dedicated member of Transfiguration Catholic Church. She delved deeper into her faith through participation in her Small Faith group. Throughout the years, Sadie served as a Catechetical Ministry volunteer in all grade levels. Over the years she helped out in other areas including: blood drive, skip-a-meal, funeral ministry, RENEW, FISH, CMO, Camp Fig, Christmas baskets and many more special events at Church. Recognition awards include: Sodality President, Certificate of Dedication from the Archbishop of Kansas, Medal of Honor for CCD from the late Pope John Paul 11. She was one of the first recipients of the Pope Pius X award. Most recently she received an award from the Diocese of San Jose in recognition for 65 years of devoted service to the Church. In addition to being passionate about sharing her time and talent within the Church, she was just as passionate about winning Bingo, playing the penny slots, and making crosses to give as gifts. Sadie is survived by her sister Bonnie Peterson of Harlan, Iowa, her children Jack (Janet) Calhan, Co., Jim (Sandy) Maricopa, AZ., Sandy (Philip) Walnut Creek, CA., Debbie (Karl) Santa Barbara, CA., Joe (Kirsten) San Jose, CA. She also shared a mother/daughter bond with Susan Olsen (Jan Johnson) Oregon City, OR. She has seven grandchildren: Karin, Chris, Rianne, Jessica, Bryan, Katie, Krista, and four great-grandchildren: Nikki, Aurelia, Riley, Avery. Sadie was a great friend to many, always ready to listen or lend a hand and a hug. She won friends at all stages of her life who, with her family, will miss her irrepressible good nature, selflessness, sense of humor, loyalty....a legacy for us all. She will forever and always be remembered for her boundless love for those closest to her. The family would like to thank everyone who enriched her life throughout the years.Visitation and viewing Wednesday, April 17, 2013 from 5-7pm followed by a rosary at 7pm at the Willow Glen Funeral Home, 1039 Lincoln Ave., San Jose. Final viewing Thursday, April 18 from 10-11am at Transfiguration Catholic Church, 4325 Jarvis Ave., San Jose. Funeral Mass to follow at 11:00. Private Interment.