Marla Liane Kiefer

Marla Liane Kiefer, 76, of Jamestown, California, passed away on October 1, 2024. Born on April 4, 1948 she was the first born of six children to William and Roma Kiefer.

Marla was born surrounded by a God centered family, including her grand parents, extended family, and parish community. She was baptized on May 30, 1948 at Holy Family Parish in Glendale, CA and grew up in the light of our Lord, Jesus. Her younger days were spent in Southern California and seven years later she received her First Communion on May 8, 1955 also at Holy Family Parish. The family moved to the Bay Area in 1959 and Marla was confirmed on May 27, 1962 at St. Lawrence the Martyr Parish in Santa Clara, CA.

After graduating from High School in 1966 she entered the convent to further her love and understanding of God. Two years into her religious studies Marla felt her vocation was now in starting a family. She married James Angelo on February 20, 1971 and had three boys: James, Anthony, and Matthew.

In recent years, Marla developed strong Christian ties at Saint Patrick's Catholic Church in Sonora, CA. Through her parish group, Women of the Gospel, and the clergy staff, Marla found her calling and remained true to all her friends. She took great concern for the under-privileged and would often be found at homeless camps providing what she could. She also responded to a calling in her soul to perform missionary work in both India and Ghana. There she partnered with seminarian Gabriel Dabo-Gymafi and started the Gabriel-Therese Foundation, focused on supporting seminarians through their religious training. Gabriel was just ordained 10/26/24. In addition, Marla helped establish food plots and meat animal raising so villagers would be able to become more self sustaining.

In her final days Marla was able to receive absolution, communion, and anointing by Father Te Nguyen of Saint John of God Catholic Church in San Francisco, CA. Her boys Anthony and Matthew were able to spend time with her prior to her death.

Marla is survived by her siblings Michael Craig, James Brian, Daniel Lawrence, John William, and Thomas Edward. She is further survived by her three boys who all married and blessed her with a total of six grandchildren. James and Amy gifted her with two granddaughters, Paige and Clare, to whom she devoted herself completely. Anthony and Karin blessed her with three grandchildren, Rex, Lucy, and Luke. Matthew and Jen blessed her with their son Miles Francis.

A Rosary will be offered at 10:30am with a Mass immediately following at 11:00am on Friday, November 8, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 116 Bradford Street in Sonora, CA. All are welcome and refreshments will be provided after Mass.

Marla's legacy of faith, love, and selfless generosity will endure through the many lives she touched. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Marla's death occurred prior to the Foundation being capable to accept donations. Donations from the heart will be forwarded to Gabriel if sent to:

Daniel Kiefer

6130 Monterey Hwy #317,

San Jose Ca 95138