Founder and Director of Mau Loa Ohana dance studio in Antioch, Monique Castaneda’s love of life and personal relationship with God didn’t come to an end with her death. Monique passed away on November 23, 2024, at the age of 58 after a courageous fight with Polymyositis and B Cell Lymphoma, surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor her legacy of sharing the Aloha Spirit and living their lives to the fullest.

Monique was born on May 5, 1966 in Oakland, California, graduated from Presentation High School in Berkeley and worked at Wells Fargo Bank retiring at an early age to be a full-time mother.

Monique lived a purpose driven life by uplifting those in need through dance and was a disciple for Christ sharing her love for God through praise and dance. She founded the annual “Hula Away The Cancer Ho’ike” in 2010 to fundraise for The American Cancer Society, Relay for Life and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital donating thousands of dollars for cancer research.

Her final show was held on October 12, 2024, at Antioch’s El Campanil Theatre.

Monique’s passions were her love for God, family, fashion, fitness, travel and Mau Loa Ohana. Her loving personality was contagious to everyone she met. The hula studio was her happy place and those that Walked-In, Hula-Out with the Aloha Spirit.

Monique is survived by her loving husband, Raul; daughters Alexsandra and Kiana; son-in-law Gregory; grandson Oliver; Sisters Joyce and Tina; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Local former city officials offer their memories of the advocate for pets

“Her greatest wish was that all people would responsibly raise their pets, and any strays would be adopted. Barbara wanted everyone to love and care for an animal.” – former Antioch Mayor and councilman-elect Don Freitas

By Allen D. Payton

The Antioch Friends of Animal Services is mourning the passing of its founder, Barbara Sobalvarro, today. In a post on the group’s Facebook page on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, they wrote, “It is with great sorrow we share with you the passing of our Founder, Honorary President and Cherished Friend, Barbara Sobalvarro.

Barbara’s remarkable legacy leaves an enduring impact on our hearts and we extend our most heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, the community and the cherished animals she devoted her life to saving.

‘Seldom does a heart feel better, than when you save the life of one of our animal friends’
Barbara Sobalvarro

Aug 18, 1941- Nov 6, 2024

We’ll share more about Barbara in the coming days. As you can imagine, we need some time to process this profound and unexpected loss.

Please consider saving a life at Antioch Animal Services in her memory………”

Founded in 1979 following the passage of the City’s advisory measure in 1978, in which “the citizens of Antioch voted overwhelmingly in favor of maintaining a local animal services program and became unique in Contra Costa County in this regard. Soon after this election, the Friends of Animal Services was formed for the express purpose of guaranteeing the people of Antioch a humane and comprehensive Animal Services program with an emphasis on a quality Animal Shelter and maximum responsible adoptions of animals,” according to the group’s website.

As a result, Antioch is the only city of the 19 in the county to operate its own animal shelter.

“From its political beginnings, the Friends has enriched the Animal Services program for nearly twenty years through fund-raising, education, volunteer efforts, community events, and even beautification of the shelter and its surrounding grounds and—of course, through its continuing monitoring of local government!” said Sobalvarro about her organization.

It became a powerful organization that successfully blocked efforts to cut the budget for and close the Antioch Animal Services and shelter and give the responsibility back to the County.

Former Antioch Mayor, and recently elected District 3 council candidate, Don Freitas, a long-time friend of Sobalvarro and supporter said, “Barbara was an extraordinary advocate for the humane treatment of animals. She was able to politically weaponize the support of many in the community. She was a power to reckon with.”

“One of her biggest focuses was the successful creation of the Antioch Animal Services and shelter,” he added. “I’m actually kind of shocked. She was such a part of Antioch for the past three decades, it’s hard to believe she has passed. Her greatest wish was that all people would responsibly raise their pets, and any strays would be adopted. Barbara wanted everyone to love and care for an animal.”

About Sobalvarro former Mayor Joel Keller said, “She was a dedicated community member who loved animals and worked hard to ensure their safety and well-being.”

About the animal shelter he said, “We did put a funding stream toward it,” referring to three percent of the City’s 10 percent Transient Occupancy Tax on hotel and motel stays in Antioch.

Former Mayor Pro Tem and Councilman Manny Soliz also offered his thoughts on Sobalvarro’s passing. “This is a great loss for Animal Services and me personally,” he shared. “I had a long, personal relationship with her and her late husband Estuardo. I’m very sad, but grateful for having been friends with her.”

Learn more about Antioch Friends of Animal Services on their website.

Sobalvarro was also a piano teacher and could be seen performing her music at the Lone Tree Golf and Event Center during brunch on Sundays, and at other events in the community.

Christopher Nazir, aged 51, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loved ones on September 25, 2024, in Brentwood, California. Christopher remained strong in his faith and optimism throughout his three years of undergoing extensive chemotherapy.  

Born on June 20, 1973, in Karachi, Pakistan, Christopher was a beacon of positivity and selflessness, widely recognized as a pillar of his community. A successful entrepreneur, Christopher owned and operated three thriving restaurants; Mehran Restaurant in Pittsburg, Bawarchi’s Restaurant and Bar in Antioch and Zaiqa in Hercules. 

His charisma and unwavering work ethic were instrumental in his professional success, earning him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and customers alike. Christopher’s passion to live life extended beyond his professional endeavors. He was a sports fan, particularly of the San Francisco 49ers and Golden State Warriors. He enjoyed going for drives with his family and traveling the world. Known for his culinary skills, he loved cooking and often hosted parties that brought together his extensive circle of family and friends. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Anita Nazir; his sons, Nathan, Ryan and Brandon Nazir; his mother, Irshad Nazir; his father, Nazir Masih; his four siblings; Christina Shakeel, Matthew Nazir, Edith Albert, and Sabrina Cullup; and his Father in-law, William Kashu. Christopher’s legacy of kindness, generosity, and dedication to his family and community will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Service will be held on September 14, 2024, at the Antioch Seventh Day Adventist Church

Joseph (Gene) Eugene Zimmerman, M.D. was born on January 20, 1928, in Ferris, OK.  Gene breathed his last breath on August 28, 2024, at his home in Antioch, CA.  He was preceded in death by his wife Esther J. Zimmerman, father Edward F. Zimmerman, and his mother Orpha H. Eberly.

Gene met his future wife Esther Hofstar while at Southwestern Adventist College and they were married on August 29, 1948. Gene served with his wife as missionaries in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 1961-1966. Gene founded Antioch Medical Park and operated his medical practice there from 1973-2015.

Gene, along with his wife, supported numerous missionary projects in Bolivia & other countries. He was a strong supporter of his beloved Antioch Seventh-day Adventist church and Hilltop Christian School.  He is survived by his 3 sons David E. Zimmerman of Antioch, CA, Edward A. Zimmerman of Colville, WA, Daniel L. Zimmerman of Penn Valley, CA and his daughter, Ellen M. Amador (Zimmerman) of Cottonwood, CA.

His funeral service will be held on September 14, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. at the Antioch SDA Church located at 2200 Country Hills Drive, Antioch CA 94509.

Darryl Ross Corzine, 64, husband, dad, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend passed away on August 24, 2024.

Darryl was born December 14, 1959, in Walnut Creek, California to Leroy and Lucille Corzine. He spent his life growing up in Antioch with his sister Letha Arms. He graduated from Antioch High, where he played football, in 1978. Darryl was a drummer and traveled some to play music. Darryl worked at San Ramon Valley school district in Logistics where he made friends for life.

Darryl loved the Raiders and Giants, passionately even when they were losing. His other passions of course were hunting, fishing and diving, which he could never get enough of.

On October 31, 2003 he married his wife, Geri and instantly became a father of 3 children, Denise Gaunt (husband Mike), Jason McCoy (wife Julie) and Tommy McCoy (wife Corey). He also enjoyed his abundance of friends, his life with them were very important.

 Barbecuing, any cooking, and Dinner Club were also a passion. 

Darryl leaves behind his wife, children, 5 grandchildren: Lexi, Zac, Giana, Quinn and Jaci, a new great grandson on his way, two nieces, Lauren and Lindsey and his dog, Roxie.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Leroy and Lucille Corzine. 

Darryl will be deeply missed by his children and wife.

Private services will be held for family and friends.

Antioch High graduate, worked as a carpenter, fabricator; passed a few weeks after his wife, Patricia

Joint services Monday, August 5th

Christopher Scott Williams, a beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend, passed away on June 21, 2024, in his hometown of Antioch, California. Chris was born on March 8, 1965, at Delta Memorial Hospital in Antioch to Donald and LaVerne Williams.

Christopher was born on March 8, 1965, at Delta Memorial Hospital in Antioch, California, to Donald and LaVerne Williams. He spent his life in Antioch, growing up with his siblings Craig, Jeff and Robin. A graduate of Antioch High School, Chris worked as a carpenter and fabricator. He also spent some time as a caregiver to his dear mother, LaVerne, who held a special place in his heart. Known for his generosity and love for home projects, he was a passionate fan of the San Francisco Giants, Oakland Raiders, and Golden State Warriors.

On March 4, 2017, Chris married Patricia Lozano in a beautiful ceremony at Lake Tahoe. Together, they shared seven children, 17 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Chris and Patricia enjoyed attending concerts, sports games, playing darts, visiting Lake Tahoe, and family events. They shared a love for their four Chihuahuas and spent many weekends enjoying their backyard, swimming, singing karaoke, or visiting local water parks with their younger grandchildren. Chris made the best of everything and truly enjoyed living life to the fullest.

Patricia and Chris, a beloved couple, passed away within a span of just over a month, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.

Chris is preceded in death by his wife Patricia Lynn Williams; his parents, LaVerne and Donald Williams; and his brother, Jeff Williams. He is survived by his brother, Jeff Williams; his sister, Robin Williams; and a large, loving family, including his Children Melyssa Harris and Mathilda Brown (John), Kristian Leseberg (Eric), Patrick Lozano, Ginaya Cornel (Armando), Jessica Cobos (Gabe), and Marcus Lucarelli. He is also survived by his grandchildren Stephanie Vazquez, Ginaya Coronel, Armando Jr. Coronel, Kristian Coronel, Gabrial Cobos, Alesandra Cobos, Bentley Harris, Alexa Harris, Luke Brown, Nova Brown, Fayth Brown, Allister Brown, Ainley Brown, Addyson Brown, and Kayedince Brown, as well as his great-grandchildren Melena Cobos and Jessie Cobos, and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on August 5th at 10:30 AM at Memory Gardens, located at 2011 Arnold Industrial Way, Concord, CA 94520. A reception will follow at Smith’s Landing. All are welcome to join in celebrating the life of this wonderful man who touched so many lives with his kindness and love.

Chris will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends forever.

Raised in Bay Point, Pacifica High School graduate; passed a few weeks before her husband, Chris

Joint services Monday, August 5th

Patricia Lynn Williams, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on June 2, 2024. Patricia was born on August 25, 1956, at Kaiser Hospital in Walnut Creek, California, to Herman William and Jessie Marie Henly.

Raised in Bay Point, California, Patricia grew up with her siblings Deborah, William, Ronald, and Kenneth, and attended Pacifica High School. She loved her family deeply, spending much of her time with her children and grandchildren. Patricia had a passion for cooking and preparing meals for family gatherings, swimming, playing video games, braiding hair, and giving her time to her grandchildren, who adored her. She also enjoyed attending concerts with her husband and children, gardening with her green thumb, and shopping at rummage sales. Patricia faced many challenges as a young, single mother but overcame them with strength and resilience, living her life on her own terms and fiercely loving her children. Her love will continue to inspire and carry on through her family.

On March 4, 2017, Patricia married Christopher Williams in a beautiful ceremony at Lake Tahoe. Together, they shared eight children, 17 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Chris and Patricia enjoyed attending concerts, sports games, playing darts, visiting Lake Tahoe, and family events. They shared a love for their four Chihuahuas and spent many weekends enjoying their backyard, swimming, singing karaoke, or visiting local water parks with their younger grandchildren. Patricia and Christopher will baptized in the summer of 2012 Rev. Austin Miles. Patricia made the best of everything and truly enjoyed living life to the fullest.

Patricia and Chris, a beloved couple, passed away within a span of just over a month, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, Jessie Marie and Herman William Henly, stepson Philip Lozano and her brothers, William Henly, Ronald Henly, and Kenneth Henly. She is survived by her sister, Deborah Felciano, and a large, loving family, including her children Kristian Leseberg, (Eric), Patrick Lozano, Ginaya Cornel (Armando), Jessica Cobos (Gabe), and Marcus Lucarelli,  Melyssa Harris and Mathilda Brown.(Jon) Patricia is also survived by her grandchildren Jenna Leseberg, Brent Leseberg, Stephanie Vazquez, Ginaya Coronel, Armano Jr. Coronel, Kristian Coronel, Gabrial Cobos, Alesandra Cobos,  Bentley Harris, Alexa Harris, Luke Brown, Nova Brown, Fayth Brown, Allister Brown, Ainley Brown, Addyson Brown, and Kayedince Brown, as well as her great-grandchildren Melena Cobos and Jessie Cobos, and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on August 5th at 10:30 AM at Memory Gardens, located at 2011 Arnold Industrial Way, Concord, CA 94520. A reception will follow at Smith’s Landing. All are welcome to join in celebrating the life of this wonderful woman who touched so many lives with her kindness and love.

Patricia will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends forever.

In a post on the Antioch Animal Services Facebook page on July 20, 2024, Acting Animal Services Manager / Animal Services Supervisor Cat Cottle offered a tribute to volunteer Stephanie Pitman who passed away in February. A celebration of life was held for her on Saturday, July 20th.

She wrote, “We will not be having our PetCo Mobile adoptions today as some of our staff and volunteers will be celebrating the life of one of our volunteers, one of our team, one of our friends, who passed away in February of this year.

Stephanie was one of the greatest souls and more than a pleasure & blessing to have in our midst.

Words cannot ever describe the enormity of Stephanie’s heart, for her family, for her volunteering, for her spiritual beliefs, for her work, for all people, for all creatures & for life.

I would often be stuck wondering at the beginning or end of her volunteer shift if her tears today were those of joy or sadness……sometimes it was both, always it was from a place of love.

Stephanie dedicated so much of her life to others and then she jumped on the volunteer train at Antioch Animal Services – we were so fortunate to have her, equally fortunate to have her late Mom, Rhea and to still have her amazing son Gregory here – a triple blessing for us & a testament to wonderful family values.

Stephanie would commit herself to many of our long term dogs and refer to them as her ‘shelter hubbies’, but the one who stole her heart in the end, and that she attributed to discovering her illness, was Lucy.

I could write many stories about Stephanie, but nothing sticks more with me than how she made me feel. I know everyone felt it. She lifted the room. She radiated positivity. Her attitude was contagious. Even when Lucy was giving her some ‘trouble’ with reactivity, she powered through and worked so hard to ensure Lucy got the tools she needed to stay by her side….often telling me ‘but she’s such a good girl, Cat’.

Everything in the world was bettered by Stephanie’s presence and to know her was to love her. We are honored to celebrate her memory today and we know she will want us to return to doing our best for the animals she loved so much…..and we will.

~ Cat”