Annetta Marie McFadden

It is with heavy hearts, that we bid farewell to Annetta Marie McFadden of Visalia, California, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, who passed away peacefully on January 29th, 2024, surrounded by family, at the age of 86. Or so we think, she was always fibbing about her age. Born on April 19th, 1937, Annetta (Netta) was raised in Lake Arrowhead, California. She was the beloved daughter of Samuel and Lucille Lupear, who instilled in her the virtues of compassion and generosity which she embodied throughout her life. As a child she loved to ice skate and fish, the latter being a lifelong passion and hobby. She graduated from San Clemente High School and had 3 sons, Michael, John, and Richard. While working as a waitress at Camp Pendleton, she caught the eye of the bartender, Steve McFadden, a handsome young Marine just home from Vietnam. It was love at first sight and the two were married in 1971. Steve and Netta's song was "The Long and Winding Road" by the Beatles for they felt it had been a long and winding road that brought them together. The young family moved to Lindsay where in 1973, they welcomed daughter Kellie Maureen, the light of their lives and the spitting image of her mother. In 1984, they settled in Visalia where Netta kept a lovely home, germinating and growing her own sweetpeas, and pampering her cherished Shih-Tzus, carrying them wherever she went. Netta and Steve greatly enjoyed their yearly trips to the coast and loved their trips to Alaska. Netta's greatest joy in life was her family. As a grandmother to eight and great-grandmother to two, Netta found immeasurable delight in watching them grow and thrive. Her home was always filled with laughter, warmth, McDonald's french fries, and chocolate fudge sundaes with extra fudge. She was known to offer nieces and grandkids a quarter to rub her feet and in the middle of a holiday celebration you may find her in a quiet corner being pampered by children. She loved sweets and would say an emphatic "Delicious!" extending the word to express her delight. A talented knitter, her personalized Christmas stockings adorn the mantles of her nieces, nephews, and grandkids each holiday season and her blankets grace the homes of countless family and friends. Netta leaves a legacy of love and joy that will bless her family for generations to come. In addition to her devotion to family, Netta was a pillar of strength and compassion in her community. This was especially true when she became a Volunteer on Patrol (VIP) with the City of Visalia Police Department. She was very proud of her radio call sign, "Victor 6," diligently listening to radio calls and responding when needed to keep her community safe. She also served her community as an active member of her local PEO chapter and she used her knitting skills to make comforting blankets for hospice patients at Kaweah Delta Hospital. Netta leaves a legacy of generosity that knew no bounds. As we mourn the loss of our beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, we take comfort in knowing that Netta's resilient spirit, sharp wit, and beautiful laugh will forever bring joy to the hearts of those who were profoundly blessed to know her. Annetta was preceded in death by her parents, son Michael, and beloved husband Steve. She is survived by her sister Ruthie Wright (Wren), daughter Kellie McFadden-Price (Mike), son Rick McFadden (Rita); grandchildren Steven, Francesca, Vincenzo, Michael, Quincie, Hannah, Claire, and Bransen; great-grandchildren Margaret and Odin; brothers and sisters-in-law; nieces and nephews; and many friends. The family will hold a private celebration of life. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Annetta Marie McFadden

April 19, 1937 - January 29, 2024