Posted by Cathy Gowdy on Thursday, July 27, 2006 at 04:22:30 :
San Francisco Chronicle
Tuesday, August 20, 2002
A-22
COURSON, Martha A. - Passed away on August 11, 2002 at the Sequoias in San Francisco after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease at the age of 92. She was born in 1909 in San Francisco, and lived there most of her life. Her grandfather, Warren Dutton, was instrumental in the founding of the West Marin town of Tomales. Her father, John Dutton, raised cattle on Grizzly Island in the Sacramento Delta area. She was schooled in the San Francisco area, and spent a portion of her early years on Grizzly Island. She was involved with many civic activities such as Meals on Wheels, YMCA, and several projects through Park Presidio United Methodist Church in San Francisco. She donated funds to many organizations, such as the University of the Pacific in Stockton and The Fred Finch Youth Center in Oakland. She lived a long and full life. She is survived by her daughter, Louise Silva, grandson, Nandy Silva, granddaughter, Christine Silva, as well as the rest of her devoted family. Her thoughtful words, helpful manner and caring ways slowly faded away with the disease that took the sparkle from her eyes. She will be missed by all those who were fortunate enough to have Martha in their lives. A Service will be held on September 7th at 3 p.m. at Ashley & McMuIlen, 4200 Geary Blvd., San Francisco, CA 94118. Martha will be buried in the Dutton Family plot next to her father at the Tomales Presbyterian Cemetery in a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to: University of the Pacific-Scholarship Fund, 3601 Pacific Ave., Stockton, CA 95211 or Fred Finch Youth Center, 3800 Coolidge Ave., Oakland, CA 94602 attn: Angela Taylor
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Point Reyes Light
Thursday, September 5, 2002
Tomales settler kin dies at 93
By Larken Bradley
A funeral service will be held for Martha A. Courson, granddaughter of early Tomales settler Warren Dutton, at 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, at Ashley & McMullen, 4200 Geary Blvd., in San Francisco.
Burial will be held in a private ceremony in the Dutton family plot in the Tomales Presbyterian Cemetery.
Mrs. Courson died Aug. 11 of complications from Alzheimer’s disease. She was born in 1909 in San Francisco where she lived most of her life.
Grandfather came to Tomales
Her grandfather Warren Dutton came to Tomales in 1852 where over time he acquired land, raised cattle, and opened a general store. He was also instrumental in financing a small ship, The Spray, which made regular shipping runs between Tomales and San Francisco.
His son, John Warren Dutton, raised cattle on Grizzly Island in the Sacramento Delta and was the father of Martha Dutton and her two siblings, Jack and Mary Elizabeth.
Courson’s connection to Tomales was revitalized when she married her first husband, Dr. Carlos Fernandes, a surgeon and counsel to Portugal during the administration of Calvin Coolidge, and vice-counsel to Brazil until his death in 1977.
The doctor eventually purchased the Marconi property in Marshall.
Their daughter, Louise Fernandes was born there in 1931.
As a young woman Louise Fernandes, married Fernando M.S. Silva at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tomales. Dr. Fernandes hosted a reception for the newlyweds at the Marconi property where an apostolic blessing sent by Pope Pius XII was read.
In 1958 the couple’s son, Fernando "Nandy" Silva was born. The family lived on the Marconi property from 1959 until 1962, and subsequently moved to Lucas Valley.
Later married Courson
After her divorce from Dr. Fernandes, Martha later married William H. Courson.
She spent much of her life as a civic activist and philanthropist.
Mrs. Courson is survived by her daughter, Louise Silva of San Rafael; grandson, Nandy Silva of Pittsburg, Contra Costa County; granddaughter. Christine Silva of Santa Rosa; great-grandson, Tyler M. Schmidt of Santa Rosa; and her cousin, Barbara Rossi of Point Reyes Station.
The family has suggested that any memorial contributions be made to the University of the Pacific Scholarship Fund, 3601 Pacific Ave., Stockton 95211, or to Fred Finch Youth Center, 300 Coolidge Ave., Oakland, 94602, attn: Angela Taylor.
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