Alyce E. Contreras

1931 - 2010

Alyce E. Contreras October 15, 1931 - October 2, 2010 Has gone home to her eternal father on October 2, 2010 after a long illness and has been reunited with her beloved husband, Pancho Contreras. She leaves behind to cherish her memories three children: Thomas Contreras and wife Louise from Colorado, Antoinette Placenti and husband Harry from Bakersfield; grandson, Joseph from New York and oldest son, Anthony Contreras. She also leaves behind her constant companion "Spike", a feral cat turned housecat who was with her until the end. Born to Alfred and Marie Mueller, Alyce was raised and attended Bakersfield school including graduating from Garces High School. After high school she traveled to China where she was a novice nun for 2 years, after an acute illness she returned to the USA and married her husband of 36 years, F.A. Contreras (Pancho) until his death in 1995. During her adulthood, she worked at Brock's Dept. store and was a nursing assistant, at Mercy hospital. In 1959, after the birth of her first child she left the workforce to devote her time to motherhood. She raised at various times, over 25 foster children. In Alyce's eye's, these children were extensions of her immediate family, and still maintained contact with some of them as adults. As a full time mother, Alyce volunteered at all the schools that her children attended. She was well known for her baking and cooking by her family, friends and the church. She entered and won several awards at the Kern County Fair for years in the baking, canning, preserving and the plant divisions. As a couple, Alyce and Pancho were the quintessential, "two peas in a pod". As parents they were active with their children in F.F.A. As devout Catholic's they were active in various clubs at Our Lady of Guadalupe church including the Men's club which made Alyce an honorary member. Together they ran the "rabbit and chicken "barn at the Kern county fair and were voting monitors at election time. Alyce continued to work at the fair and election post for years after "Pancho's" passing. Alyce's life was enriched through prayer and meditation at Saint Andrew's Abbey, where she became an oblate of Saint Benedict. She received great joy and solace in pray and devotion to the Blessed Virgin, Padre Pio, Mother Theresa, and the Rosary. In 1995 as a family we changed our church to Saint Francis where Alyce was a devout member of the congregation. Alyce is preceded in death by her husband of 36 years, F.A. Contreras, (Pancho); her parents, Alfred and Marie Mueller; and brother, Alfred. There are so many friends to thank for being there for Alyce and the family: Nia Martini: a steadfast friend who always checked on Alyce and kept her in her prayers. Shirley Nikkels who could not have been a better neighbor. And to Carmen Martinez, Alyce's daytime caregiver for the last two years and was more like a daughter and a sister (thanks Cindi) than a textbook caregiver. Carmen also brought into Alyce's life 2 bursts of sunshine named, Emilie and Emma, who she loved dearly. Special thanks to Dr. Edward Brown who throughout the last several years helped take care of Alyce at home, and held a special place in Alyce's heart as well as great appreciation from the family. And heartfelt thank-you to our extended family at Polyclinic, some things can never be said to express the love and appreciation that one has towards friends that have shown a thoughtful gesture, a phone call, a laugh or a meal. To all the unsung heroes of our world-thank you so much for being there, for your support , for your time, for your love and for your prayers. Thank you so much for being there. Visitation for Alyce E. Contreras, of Bakersfield, will be held Thursday, October 7, 2010, 2 p.m.-8 p.m. at Hopson-Anspach Chapel, located at 620 Oregon St., Bakersfield, with Rosary commencing at 6 p.m. Mass of the Resurrection will be at St. Francis Catholic Church, Friday, October 8, 2010, 9 a.m. with interment immediately following at Union Cemetery. Pallbearers are: Thomas Contreras, Harry Placenti, Richard Ramirez, Frank Deleon Mario Girion, and Juan Garcia. Hopson-Anspach Family Mortuary www.bakersfield.com/obits