Obituaries
The most recent submissions appear first. CLICK HERE to create an obituary online or send an email to obits@alamedasun.com with text and photos attached. The fee is $75 per 250 words, and $25 per photograph.
Oct. 29, 1911 – Jan. 28, 2014
Merah Payne Carvelo passed away peacefully in her sleep on Jan. 28, 2014. She was preceded in death by her parents Harry James Smith and Laurie Albon Smith, her husbands Carl V. Payne Sr. and William Carvelo, brother Harry William Smith, step-son Carl Vance Payne Jr., and niece Dale Smith Christensen (Steve). She was the devoted mother of Suzanne Merah Payne Mathieson (Jack), the cherished grandmother of John Carl (J.C.) Mathieson (Jill), Julie Corrine Mathieson Bauer. Step grandmother to Gretchen Lynn Payne Nees, Stacy Payne, and Jeff Minzer. She was a great-grandmother to Ava Michele, Jack Raymond and Connor John Mathieson. She was the loving sister-in law to Elinor (Dede) Smith.
She was a loving aunt to Keith (Anne), Barry (Julie), and Garth (Robin) Smith, a great aunt to their children and grandchildren. Merah was a native of San Francisco, attended schools in San Mateo and graduated from San Mateo High School. She loved sports, sewing and knitting. She participated in tennis, golf and swimming all her life. She worked as a bookkeeper for Victor Equipment Company of San Francisco until the birth of her daughter. She remained a stay-at-home mom and participated in Children’s Home Society, Robin Hood and Alameda PTA’s. She returned to work and was a school secretary in the Oakland Unified School District working at Franklin, Garfield and Toler Heights Elementary schools.
After retiring from the Oakland Public Schools she enjoyed playing golf and doing water aerobics with the Alameda Wets into her mid-90s. Merah will be remembered most for her love of sports, positive attitude, sense of humor, great physical strength, creative talents and her love for family. She lived a long, healthy and happy life and will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Charitable donations can be made to East Bay Division Scholarship Foundation, Inc. c/o Jim McVay, 260 Willamette Ave., Kensington, CA 94706, Alameda Meals on Wheels, P.O. Box 2534, Alameda, CA 94501, or the charity of your choice.
Aug. 31, 1952 – March 14, 2014 Resident of Alameda Kevin Leech was born Aug. 31, 1952 in Greenock, Scotland passed away unexpectedly on March 14, 2014. Kevin cared deeply for his children, family, friends and community both in Alameda and the Bay Area, the United Kingdom and Ireland.
He will be missed. The Wilson Leech Family would also like to thank all our friends, neighbors, family and colleagues for their caring support, kindness and humanity at this time. We are fortunate to be part of such a wonderful community. Love Sue, Alex, and Sarah. A memorial service will be held at Alameda Funeral & Cremation Services, in the New Beginnings Chapel, 1415 Oak S t., Alameda, today, Thursday, March 27, at 2:30 p.m. For further information, contact Harry W. Greer, Funeral Director FDR-745.
Alameda Funeral & Cremation Services 1415 Oak St. 510-522-6020
Hazel Uyvonne Martin passed away on Feb. 11, 2014. She was born in Gatesville, Tex. on Nov. 5, 1933 to Karie Bilbrey and Tennie Corpier Bilbrey. She lived in Texas until she married Eddie Ray Martin on Aug. 6, 1958. Hazel and her family moved to Alameda in 1978. She is survived by her husband, Eddie, her daughter, Debra, her son, Jeffrey, and daughter-in-law, Christine.
No funeral or memorial services were desired. Her family wishes to thank the legions of h e a l t h - c a re professionals who took such great care of her, especially those at Alameda Hospital, Almond Road Senior Estates in Castro Valley, and the Mercy Retirement and Care Center in Oakland. Friends wishing to make a memorial contribution are asked to consider the Alameda Hospital Foundation and Mercy’s Charitable Care Fund.
