In Memory of.".

IN LOVING MEMORY
James (Jim) John Bettencourt
October 19, 1958 – April 23, 2026

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of James (Jim) John Bettencourt, who entered Heaven on April 23, 2026, peacefully surrounded by the love of his family.

Jim was born on October 19, 1958, in Sacramento, California, to John and Connie Bettencourt. A lifelong Sacramento resident, he attended John F. Kennedy High School, graduating in 1976.

At a young age, Jim found the love of his life in Lola. They wed in 1978 and shared 47 devoted years together — an enduring partnership rooted in love, laughter, and unwavering commitment. Together they raised two daughters, Jennifer and Kimberly, and welcomed an adopted son, Ryan. Jim was, without question, a family man: his love, guidance, and steady presence were a gift to all who called him theirs.

A skilled general contractor and true perfectionist, Jim brought extraordinary attention to detail to everything he built. A jack of all trades — and a master of them as well — there was very little Jim could not do. He spent a lifetime building with his hands, and his work ethic reflected his character: steady, dependable, and strong.

Jim’s outlook on life was profoundly positive. He met every challenge with quiet grace and resilience that earned the admiration of all who knew him. Those fortunate enough to spend time with him will remember that he never once complained — a rare and remarkable quality that spoke volumes about who he was. He could be heard referring to himself as a fine physical specimen with a grand smile.

Known for his quick wit and playful spirit, Jim had a gift for bringing laughter into any room. He was a jokester at heart, delighting in catching his wife off guard and sending those around him into fits of laughter — a simple, signature joy. Jim embraced life fully: he loved camping in his motorhome with friends and family , catching a round of golf, roller coasters, ocean diving, jumping off cliffs into the water, bungee jumping, spending the summers on his boat wake boarding and much more.

Some of his most cherished moments were spent in Santa Cruz, where he would rise before dawn rushing to walk on the beach in the crisp morning air, in search for the perfect sand dollar.

An avid and loyal sports fan, Jim never missed an opportunity to cheer on the San Francisco 49ers, San Francisco Giants, and Sacramento Kings.

Jim believed deeply in the power of tradition. Each holiday season, he created magical outdoor displays that drew neighbors and strangers alike, filling the street with wonder and warmth. He decorated his silver tipped Christmas tree layered with carefully placed cotton and the perfect amount of flocking just like his Dad would. Those traditions live on through his family, who will carry them forward for generations to come.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Lola Bettencourt; his children, Jennifer Acevedo, Kimberly Bettencourt, and Ryan Jackson; his grandchildren, Izabella Acevedo, Matthew Meyers, Olivia Acevedo, and James Bettencourt; his godson, RJ Jackson; his mother, Connie Bettencourt; and his brothers, Mark, Joel, and John Bettencourt.

He is preceded in death by his father, John Bettencourt, and his sister, Cheryl Bettencourt.

Jim was truly one of a kind — an original, a steady presence, and a man whose love and joy will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.

Kirk Ingram

November 23, 1969 – January 3, 2026

Kirk David Ingram, 56, passed away at his home in Sacramento following a period of declining health. A private and gentle man, he will be remembered as a meticulous craftsman, restorer of vintage cars, and an adventurer at heart. Born 11/23/1969 to Carl and Patty George Ingram, both from Grass Valley. His grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle all held leadership roles with The Union for 82 of its 150 year history.

He was a Sacramento lifelong resident; attending Kennedy High, Sacramento City College, and CSU Sacramento, where he studied engineering. He later co-founded Premier Graphic Events Co in Rocklin, which produced everything from complex trade show exhibits and creative commercial banners to simple yard signs. His passion was fishing, camping, and exploring the area around Bowman Lake on his ATV and off-road motorcycles. He also was a detail-oriented restorer of vintage Mopar muscle cars, and collected online recipes. As an accomplished cook, Kirk applied his trademark perfectionism to the grill.

Above all else, Kirk was a family man. Having lost his mother, Patricia, at a young age, he remained exceptionally close with his father and brothers, to whom he served cherished roles of best friend, confidant, unwavering support person, and enthusiastic accomplice.

Kirk David Ingram is survived by his brothers Bret Ingram of Loomis, Aaron Ingram of Rocklin, and Evan Ingram of New Orleans; also Uncle David George of Grass Valley and Aunt Kristine Ludlum of Nevada City. He was also survived by his father, Carl Ingram, who has since passed away. The majority of this tribute was lovingly drafted by Carl, to honor his son's life, in the days before his own passing.

A memorial service will be forthcoming.

Jonathan Lee Pepper, 48, of Sacramento, California, passed away suddenly on February 18, 2026, in Sacramento. Born on March 29, 1977, in Watsonville, California, Jon was the son of Daniel Trantham and Mary Pepper.
He graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in Sacramento and went on to build a dedicated career in the automotive industry as a knowledgeable and trusted Service Writer. Known for his integrity, and willingness to help, Jon was always the friend people called when they needed advice or assistance with their vehicles - or anything.

Music was one of Jon's greatest passions. He started playing drums at a young age, joined a competitive drum corps in high school and never put down the sticks. Over the years, he played in several bands and found deep joy in sharing his talent with others. He especially loved teaching young people how to play the drums, an experience that brought him tremendous happiness and pride.

He will be remembered for his generous spirit, steady presence, and unwavering loyalty to his friends and family. He was always ready to lend a hand, offer guidance, or simply show up when someone needed him.

He is survived by his brother, Deyrick Bobeda; his wife, Shirley and their children; his niece, Lilianna Pepper; nephews, James Fuentes, Anthony Bobeda, Michael Bobeda and his wife Abigail Bobeda. Jon leaves behind many beloved cousins, aunts, uncles, and close friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Danny Trantham; his mother, Mary Pepper; and his sister, Paula Bobeda.

Jon's memory will live on in the music he played, the lives he touched, and the love he gave so freely. He will be deeply missed.
A service will be held on March 27, 2026, at 1 PM at East Lawn Memorial Park, 4300 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95819.

Mary Terese Dolan died unexpectedly on January 29, 2026.

Mary was born on October 22, 1957 in Sacramento, California to Edward J. Dolan and Mary Terese Oehlrich Dolan. She was the oldest of five sisters.

While her parents were respectively from Lloyd, Montana and Columbus, Nebraska, the Dolan family spent their entire lives in Sacramento. Mary's love of many things included the arts and travel starting in Sacramento and then expanding across many countries.

She was able to enjoy the small town feel of the state's capital that included walking to school unaccompanied, riding bicycles around the neighborhood, and taking bus rides downtown to the K Street mall to go the movies. Mary also enjoyed ice skating with her mother and sisters at Iceland. The close proximity to San Francisco was the start of many trips for theatre, opera and ballet. And in the other direction a summer vacation at Lake Tahoe became an annual event. Trips to Carmel and Pajaro Dunes were then added as annual three-day weekend events. Mary loved the ocean and taking long walks on the beach collecting shells along the way.

Mary was a gifted pianist and patiently accompanied the singing of carols at the annual family Christmas Eve party. She also played the violin in the orchestra throughout both junior high and high school. Her love of music encompassed classical, opera, ballet and musical theatre and started with The Sacramento Symphony, Tiny Tots Concerts, The Music Circus, The Sacramento Ballet, The San Francisco Opera – all regular stops throughout her childhood and youth. In adulthood she expanded her theatre viewing to many shows on Broadway and in London.

Mary was a voracious reader. Her letters to the editor at The Sacramento Bee were published a few times. As a child she finished the entire Nancy Drew collection in record time, then moved on to the classics and New York Times bestsellers. Her vocabulary was extensive and she had the gift of using just the right word or phrase to describe a moment. Mary was a gifted writer. She wrote fiction as well as her reflections about special moments in her life. She had the ability to paint a picture while also evoking emotions that transported the reader.

Starting in the 1990s Mary started to travel extensively. It did not take long for that first trip to New York City to seem like a drive to San Francisco. There were multiple trips to New York and then trips to London, Paris, Africa, Tahiti, Switzerland, Austria, Australia and Antarctica.

Following graduation from John F. Kennedy High School, Mary attended Sacramento City College where she received an Associates Arts Degree. Shortly thereafter she accepted a full-time position with the Los Rios Community College District as an Instructional Services Assistant. For over 43 years she built lasting and meaningful relationships until her recent retirement in June 2025.

Mary is survived by her four sisters Cynthia Dolan, Stephanie Dolan, Denise Bannister and Leslie Silveira; brothers in-law, David Broussal, Bill Bannister and Matt Silveira; cousins MimiDene Zanze, John Zanze and Walter Zanze. She is also survived by loving family in Montana, Oregon, Arizona, Washington and North Carolina.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00PM, Sunday, April 12, 2026, at Sierra 2 located at 2791 24th Street, Curtis Hall, Sacramento, CA 95818.

Cynthia Goldberg

July 20, 1957 - August 4, 2025

Sacramento, California - Cynthia Goldberg, of Sacramento, passed away peacefully on August 4th, 2025. A devoted sister and cherished aunt, Cindy is lovingly remembered by her siblings: Pamela Wald and her husband Ben, Nina Goldberg, and Neal Goldberg and his wife Tricia. She also held a special place in the heart of her nephew, Samuel Goldberg. Cindy was preceded in death by her parents, Irving and Dianne Goldberg.

A native of Sacramento, Cindy found joy helping others as a Registered Nurse, with a special fondness for the Labor and Delivery department. She graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 1975 and began her college studies at UCLA before earning her nursing degree from the University of Texas, Houston in 1981.

Cindy remained deeply connected to her hometown, returning after college to share her empathy, knowledge and calming presence with her patients. Cindy's life was one of service, perseverance, and love. She will be remembered not only for the care she gave, but for the warmth she freely shared with those lucky enough to know her.

Arthur ("Art") Finan was born in Williamsburg, Virginia, and moved with his parents, Michael Charles Finan and Ann Siprelle Finan, to Sacramento, California in 1987. He passed away on September 22, 2025 from a rare form of appendiceal cancer. He is survived by his mother, Ann Siprelle, and his younger brother, William Finan.

Art attended Sacramento public schools, graduating from John F. Kennedy High School in 2004. He attended Sacramento City College and ultimately graduated with a B.A. in English Literature from California State University Sacramento in 2017. He continued his studies at Sacramento City College, completing courses in a wide range of subjects throughout the remainder of his life. He was a voracious reader and cultivated his interests in world history, science fiction, fantasy, film, games and music by studying, reading, attending concerts and movies, traveling and participating in games of every description. He loved the outdoors and was an avid camper and hiker. He travelled both in and outside the U.S., and was expert in finding gems off the beaten path to share with his lucky travel companions. With a keen and curious mind and a kind heart, he enjoyed arguing with friends and family, and never shied away from stating his opinions while remaining open to hearing opposing views. His home was a regular base for backyard movie parties and game nights. He had many loving and loyal friends and an adoring family.

Following Art's diagnosis of terminal cancer in January 2024, he committed himself to experiencing and sharing as many adventures as possible in his remaining time on earth, while never once complaining about his own, intensifying symptoms. He was a vivid testament to life and love.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Sunday, October 5 at the George L. Klumpp Chapel of Flowers.

COREY, Sr., Roger
Born January 18, 1942 in Sacramento, CA; passed away February 29, 2012 at the age of 70. Beloved husband of 30 years to Debbie. Greatly missed by his children Robin (Richard), Rocky (Mary), Rhonda (Kenneth), Reinaldo (LaShea), Corey, Kyla, Joey (Tenisha), Amber and Jessica; 17 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren; sisters Joyce and Mable; brother Anthony. And a host of loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He will be joining his father Joseph Sr., mother Flora, brother Joseph Jr. and many other relatives and friends in Heaven. Roger retired from the SUSD after over 30 years. He spent the majority of his career as a teacher, coach and administrator at Kennedy High School. He enjoyed being a part of many programs helping children such as Friday Night Live, First Tee Program, The Optimist Club and many others. Services will be held on Tuesday, March 6 - 11:00 am at St. Josephs Church - 9961 Elk Grove Florin Road - Elk Grove, CA. Gathering to follow at the California Hall - 7323 Home Leisure Plaza - Sacramento, CA.

Carol Lee Piskoti (1949-2025), age 76, passed away on November 22, 2025 in Sacramento, California.

Carol was born on January 13,1949, to Kyman and Clara Lee in Stockton, California.

She attended San Joaquin Delta College before transferring to California State University, Stanislaus, where she studied art and education. While at Stanislaus State, she met her beloved husband and life partner, Jim Piskoti. Carol and Jim enjoyed an artful life together and built a home filled with many paintings and sculptures. With Jim, she enjoyed traveling the world, exploring different artistic styles, and especially visiting her favorite places in the world, the U.S. national parks.

Carol taught art at John F. Kennedy High School for 37 years. She deeply loved her students and was a dedicated educator. Carol also loved to knit. She often gifted hats, gloves, and other beautifully crafted items she knitted to lucky family and friends.

Carol will always be remembered with love by her family and many friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held in 2026.

Alex Arthur Contreras

January 26, 1995 — December 16, 2024

Sacramento
Alex Arthur Contreras, 29, was born in Sacramento, CA on January 26, 1995. He gained his wings on December 16, 2024, and was greeted in Heaven by his Papa Fred, cousin Gregory, and numerous other family members.

He is survived by his loving parents Arthur and Angelica Contreras, his siblings Anthony (Lea) and Anicia Contreras, his nephew Amiliano, and niece Leticia.

Alex was a loving, respectful, genuine person, with a big heart and contagious laugh. He had a unique,radiant energy that cannot be replaced. When he wasn’t busy cheering for the Kings or 49ers, he was singing karaoke or spending time with his family.

Alex was the life of the party, and his unexpected passing has left a hole in our hearts. He will be greatly missed.