Obituary of Angela P Wilson
Angela Pastor Wilson, a long-time Gridley resident, and more recently a resident of Chico, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2018 after a brief illness. Born January 10, 1926 in Oakley, California, she was the daughter of Vicente Pastor and Angela Domingo Pastor, both immigrants from Spain. She was the second oldest of ten children and survived each of them, passing a few months before her 93rd birthday.
She learned the lessons of hard work early in her life, performing manual labor in numerous agricultural occupations, her earnings contributing to the family income. She started school at age four, demonstrating both intellectual and physical prowess that led to her being the first of her generation to earn a college degree. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education and teaching credential at San Jose State University, and, at the age of 50, earned her Master’s Degree in Education from Chico State. Her entire adult career was in Education, starting as a high school Physical Education teacher in Oroville and then working in the Gridley Elementary School District for 30 years as a classroom teacher, resource specialist and foreign language instructor. Her desire to be a school administrator did not mesh with the male-dominated decision-makers of her time, but she was relentless in making sure that her students, and fellow teachers, received and delivered a sound education.
In 1948 she married Everrett E. Wilson, while they were both students at College of the Pacific (now University of the Pacific) in Stockton. Her husband of 64 years passed away in 2012. Together, they raised five children in Gridley: Kirsty (Brian) Holliday, Debbie Wilson, Charlie (Debbi) Wilson, Elizabeth (Joe) Robinson and Karen (Michael) Lozano, who all survive her along with seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Despite being a tireless educator, she also supported her husband with his Masonic and volunteer activities, and her children in their church, sports, Camp Fire, Boy Scouts, Rainbow Girls, DeMolay, 4-H, FFA and musical activities. She was also very active with her local AAUW chapter.
Private burial services will take place at the Gridley-Biggs Memorial Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest alongside her husband. Contributions in Angela’s memory may be made to the charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to Gridley-Block Funeral Chapel, 530-846-2138.
