Marie Spooner, a beloved longtime resident of Colusa County whose kindness, generosity, and enduring spirit touched generations of family, friends, and neighbors, passed away peacefully after a life richly and fully lived. She celebrated
her 105th birthday surrounded by loved ones earlier this year.
Born on January 17, 1921, in Willows, California, Marie was raised on her parents’ dairy farm in Afton, by Barney and Polly Alves. Deeply rooted in the Portuguese Catholic community of the Central Valley, she carried throughout her life the values of faith, hard work, hospitality, and devotion to family.
Marie attended Princeton High School and, at age 17, was crowned Queen of Princeton Portuguese Festa- an honor she fondly
remembered as one of the highlights of her youth.
She later married John Azevedo, and together they operated a dairy and diversified farm near Maxwell while raising their three
children, Vickie Fertig, Ronald Azevedo (Monica), Sara George (David). After John’s passing, Marie continued running the ranch for a decade with remarkable strength and determination. She later married Chester Spooner and moved to Williams in 1997, where she continued building lasting friendships and deep community ties.
Marie was well known throughout Williams and the surrounding communities for her warm heart and tireless work ethic. She spent two decades working at Fouch’s Drug and remained an active member of Sacred Heart Parish for more than 80 years. She was especially cherished for her homemade apple pies, which became legendary at local fundraisers and were often among
the most sought-after auction items.
To know Marie was to experience genuine kindness, quiet resilience, and unwavering generosity. She leaves behind a legacy of
compassion, faith, perseverance, and love that will continue through the many lives she influenced over more than a century.
Marie will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her children, extended family, friends, parish community, and all
who were fortunate enough to know her.
Her life was truly a life well lived.
Services will be held at Sacred Heart Church in Maxwell June 11, 2026. Rosary at 10:30 a.m. and mass at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Maxwell Cemetery. Reception will take place at the Maxwell Legion Hall.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Almond View Care Center in Williams, CA or a charity of your choice.
Services are under the care of McNary-Moore Funeral Services.