Remembered for her smile, constant love

Deepa Bharath

Agnes McFadden was never too old to learn -- anything.

The Balboa resident and mother of three learned to sail when she

was 60.

She liked it so much that she continued to race sailboats until

she was 80. She won several races and was even named commodore at the

Newport Harbor Yacht Club.

That’s just a small taste of Agnes’ zest for life and her undying

spirit.

Agnes was no stranger to Newport. She knew its frothy beaches and

meandering bays just as well as how to throw a dinner party within a

matter of minutes.

Agnes made everything seem so easy.

As a mom, she was always there for her three daughters. She and

the girls cooked together and just enjoyed hanging around and

chatting.

Agnes shared her famous recipes with her daughters. She made a

mean tamale pie, delicious rice pancakes and lip-smacking desserts.

She was a tough disciplinarian. Before moving to her family’s home

on the peninsula in 1972, Agnes and her husband Jim lived on a

five-acre citrus ranch in Whittier. The home in Balboa was bought by

her father in 1930. Agnes inherited it, and the family enjoyed it as

a summer home.

Agnes made the girls do all the chores around the house -- raking

the leaves at the ranch, washing dishes, picking up avocados and

folding clothes. She kept a beautiful home and served as a role model

for her daughters.

Agnes was a thoughtful and compassionate neighbor. She always had

the heart to help those in need. If a neighbor fell sick, she would

take them soup. For a while, she made and delivered meals to an older

widow who lived down the street. She did it quietly and gracefully.

Agnes was barely 5 feet tall. She was petite, trim, active and

athletic. She enjoyed swimming and walked every day of her life. Her

husband jokingly called her and himself “the beach combers” because

every evening after dinner they would go on a two-mile walk on the

beach.

Agnes and Jim knew each other as teenagers growing up in

Fullerton. But it was at UC Berkeley, where both attended college,

that they got reacquainted and fell in love.

The couple enjoyed eating at the old Dillman’s restaurant and

socializing at the Newport Harbor Yacht Club.

More than anything, Agnes’ family remembers her for her constant

support and unconditional love. And her terrific smile, practical

advice and positive approach to life.