Sita McFerrin

With deep love and gratitude, we honor the life of Sita McFerrin, born Peggy Ann Murney on April 14, 1929, who passed peacefully on August 2, 2025, at the age of 96.
Sita was the daughter of Rebecca Elizabeth (Betty) Robinson Murney and Charles William Murney Sr., and sister to Charles William (Bill) Murney—all of whom preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her first husband, James Boyce McFerrin. She lived a life defined by faith, devotion, independence, and the unshakable love she carried for her family.
Her spiritual home was Self-Realization Fellowship, founded by Paramahansa Yogananda, where she poured her heart into study, practice, and service. Her devotion to her temple shaped the way she lived her life—with compassion, humility, and unwavering faith.
She was the proud and resilient mother of four children, whom she raised on her own with strength and grace. She understood each of her children—so different from one another—and loved them deeply for the amazing and creative people they had become. She is survived by her children: James Lowry McFerrin and his wife Linda Watanabe McFerrin of Oakland, California; Jared Lee McFerrin of Fremont, California; Colleen K. McFerrin Esplana and her husband John Frederick Esplana of San Francisco, California; and Aletha Charles McFerrin Lang and her husband Thomas John Lang of Fresno, California. She is also lovingly remembered by her grandchildren: Eileen Cassandra Lang Smith and her husband Brandon Jeffrey Smith; and Peter Charles Lang and his wife Vanessa Rodriguez Lang. Her great-grandchildren include Cody Brandon Smith, Jakob Ethan Smith, Valentina Sophia Lang, and Sophia Alessandra Lang.
She was predeceased by her beloved granddaughter, Marissa Erin McFerrin.
She is also survived by her second husband, Kenneth Mallard, and his daughter, Cynthia Johnson.
Sita lived in Marin County for many years, where she raised her family in Mill Valley. She treasured Mount Tamalpais, loved the land and the Native history of Marin, and felt at home in the outdoors. Her love of nature reflected her own spirit—fiercely independent, deeply rooted, and full of quiet strength. Beyond her family, she was also a nanny in Marin County, helping many families raise their children with the same care and tenderness she gave her own.
She was blessed with a strong and loving community of friends. Many came to her for comfort and guidance, and in turn, they supported her with kindness and care throughout the years. This circle of friendship was one of the great blessings of her long life.
Those who knew Sita will remember her as a source of light—quietly strong, deeply loving, and wholly devoted. Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and her legacy will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Elda Monteroso, who lovingly cared for Sita and was a dear friend for many years.
A service in celebration of Sita’s life will be held on January 18th 12:30pm and the Self Realization Temple in Walnut Creek. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Self-Realization Fellowship, Walnut Creek Temple (Walnut Creek, California), the Bay Area Rescue Mission in Richmond, California, or the Aquarius Aquarium Institute in Fresno, California.