Marcellena Louise Becerra

1943 - 2024

Marcellena Louise (Galleto) Becerra
March 30, 1943 - May 13, 2024
Marcellena Louise (Galleto) Becerra, a whirlwind of energy and champion for her community, crossed over on May 13, 2024, at the age of 81.
Marce dedicated her life to her family – daughter, wife, mother, sister, cousin, auntie, in-law, friend, and community advocate – but her influence stretched far beyond. For decades, she was a pillar at Title V Indian Education, ensuring educational equity and fostering traditional activities for countless Native American children.
Her unwavering dedication extended to tribal governance. Marce served on the Ya-Ka-Ama Board for years, playing a pivotal role in securing land for our Native American community. She also served on the Board of Directors for Sonoma County Indian Health Project (SCIHP) and California Rural Indian Health Board (CRIHB) for decades, advocating for better services and improved healthcare in Indian country. Her tireless efforts over 40 years earned her the respect of tribal governments across Indian Country. She championed the rights of children as an ICWA Advocate for the Cloverdale Rancheria and even served as Tribal Administrator for Dry Creek Rancheria. It's no wonder the Marce Becerra Academy stands as a testament to her lifelong commitment to youth education.
Marce wasn't one to shy away from a good debate, always up for a challenge. She loved to have a good argument with anyone who was willing to take on the challenge. She always looked forward to completing that next project that others had said could not be done. Her wisdom, kindness, and genuine spirit left an enduring mark on everyone she encountered. Marce loved her community and anyone that had the opportunity to share time with her would agree. In her spare time, she was a Traditional Regalia dress maker and an active member of the Filipino American Community of Sonoma County. She understood and upheld the importance of culture of community connection.
Marce was the oldest child to Louis and Vera Galleto. Marce was preceded in death by her son Vince and her husband Jovey S. Becerra. Also preceded in death to brother Leo and sister Louella, survived by sister Joan Vallis. She leaves behind her loving children Jovey, Andy, Cina, and Kimberly; grandchildren; Jason, Brittany, Andrew, Jennifer, Tatiana, Bianca, Robert, Travis, Kyle, Vincent, Damont, Alejandro, Cuautemoc, and Alena, and great-grandchildren Charlie, Demetria, Rudy, Vanessa, Eliana, Joanna, Ethan, Kayley, Emma, Myles, Avery, Cameron, Robbie, Gracie, Scarlet, and Cuauhtemoc Jr.
A memorial celebrating her vibrant life will be held on Thursday, May 30th, from 3 pm to 5 pm at Daniels Chapel of the Roses (1225 Sonoma Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95405). In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to any of the following organizations: Marce Becerra Academy, Ya-Ka-Ama Indian Education and Development, Inc., Filipino American Community of Sonoma County, Inc.