Louise Major

Louise Major, of Cambria, passed away peacefully after a brief illness Friday, April 2, 2010. She was born in Flushing, N.Y., into a circus family of acrobats that traveled around the world while she was young. After an injury to her mother that made performing impossible, they settled back in New York. Louise graduated from a holistic healing school and started her own business in massage therapy in addition to having learned the violin. While waiting for a rehearsal to start one night, a strange man took her seat. Upset, she confronted him and "Edward" relinquished the chair, but not before he got her address and phone number. They were soon married and their ''fiddling'' around begat two sons, Pete and Jim. Louise and family moved to California in 1947 and settled first in Clovis then to Fresno where she took a job with The City of Fresno as secretary - she was mother to the building inspection and survey crews and retired after 21 years of service. After retirement, she and Eddie started an ambitious volunteer program with RSVP for which they were awarded the "Volunteers of the Year" award. In 1978, they moved to Cambria but that didn''t stop their volunteering. They worked as docents for Hearst Castle, Cambria Chamber of Commerce, the Cambria Strings Ensemble and many other organizations. Louise was a wonderful and caring woman and made many cherished friends everywhere she went, particularly in Cambria where she was loved by everyone. All of this didn''t interfere with her love of gardening - her yard was the most "naturally" attractive on her block. When it became apparent she needed full-time assisted living, the family her moved to Cottonwood Court in Fresno, which was close to family and old friends. She received diligent and thoughtful care from a very loving and dedicated staff - we sincerely thank each member for their special kindness. Louise will be missed by all of her family and many friends. Survivors include her beloved son, Jim and Roberta Major of San Ramon, Calif.; adored grandchildren Jackie Norton (Steve) of Coarsegold, Calif., Chet Major of Fresno and Kim Major of San Francisco; step-granddaughter, Kerren Sargent of Fresno; and precious great-grandchildren Amanda, Megan, and Craig Norton, all of Coarsegold. She was preceded in Heaven by her loving son, Peter Major; and loving husband, Edward Major. Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of her life at noon Saturday, April 24, 2010, at St. Paul''s Episcopal Church, 2700 Eton Dr. in Cambria. Afterward, please join the Major family for lunch and some lively conversation.