DOWNEY \u2014 Martha Ellen (Medford) Sodetani was our beloved matriarch. Our precious mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to all, passed away unexpectedly at her treasured Downey home.<\/p>\n
Martha was born on April 5, 1944, to Larry and Elise Medford in Long Beach, California. She was a proud graduate of Long Beach Poly High, belonged to many Long Beach groups, and loved her Long Beach Press-Telegram newspaper.<\/p>\n
Throughout her life, Martha was known for her faith, kindness, strength, generosity, and tireless service to others. She devoted herself to her family and brought warmth, encouragement, and love to everyone fortunate enough to have crossed paths with her. Her presence made a lasting difference in the lives of her family, friends, and community.<\/p>\n
Our family is a circle of love. Martha is survived by her children and grandchildren, the jewels in her crown: Kimberly Ann (Robert Van Loon) Sodetani, Robert Christopher (Dottie) Brewer, Melissa Ann (Lori Alexander) Sodetani, Gordon Michael Sodetani, and Skylar Elise Sodetani. Her grandchildren shall always be Grammy\u2019s treasures: Valerie Elise (Steven) Valdovinos, Jordan Christopher (Bethany) Brewer, Justine Louise Rapp, Joanna Christine Brewer, Kennedy Kathleen Sodetani, and great-grandson Logan James Valdovinos, as well as her beloved nephews and their families, all of whom will cherish her memory. <\/p>\n
She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Gordon Shuichi Sodetani, her precious little sister Linda Ruth (Patrick) Marfone, baby Kaliko Sky Sodetani, her mother, father, and great grandmother Iva Clark Fensler, et al.<\/p>\n
More about her grandchildren. She would take them on epic road trips they will always remember, as she drove them to places such as the Grand Canyon, Yosemite National Park, Monterey, Palm Springs, the Dakotas, and always to many SoCal beaches, especially Main Street in Seal Beach. It is all about the journey, not the destination.<\/p>\n
Martha was a staunch advocate for children, as evidenced by her 17 years as a respected Downey Unified School District Board Member, as well as through her leadership and volunteer work with organizations she dedicated her life to: The Assistance League of Downey, Gangs Out of Downey (GOOD), The Dr. Mary Stauffer Foundation, USC Town & Gown, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Downey Coordinating Council, CHARACTER COUNTS!, and the Downey Council PTA HELPS Room. The HELPS Room was very near and dear to her heart, and she would say that \u201cpeace begins when the hungry are fed,\u201d a slogan of yet another organization she and Daddy volunteered for quite a few years ago, Heifer Project International. <\/p>\n
She would often tell us to think globally and act locally, and while volunteering to always stay focused on the mission at hand. Martha and Gordon were foster and adoptive parents, and Martha also served as an educator for people wanting to be foster and\/or adoptive parents. We must also add that they were in a marching handbell choir together and performed in numerous parades, including the Disneyland parade.<\/p>\n
Martha also volunteered many years ago with LIGA International\u2019s Flying Doctors of Mercy and would travel in private planes to assist in rural clinics to deliver free health and dental care to underserved communities such as Tesopaco, Mexico, where many lived in caves on the side of mountains and rode burros to the clinics.<\/p>\n
She was a student for many years at the Marion Rankin Dance Studio in Long Beach, which was a blessing in disguise during an incredibly challenging time in her life as a young mother of two young children. She moved to Las Vegas and worked as a dancer and showgirl for several years at the Flamingo, where she was the lead in the Folies Berg\u00e8re, Silver Slipper, and The Dunes Hotel.<\/p>\n
Martha was formally recognized with numerous Congressional, Senate, State, County, City, and DUSD honors for her service to the community, including the Mayor\u2019s Distinguished Citizen Award, the PTA Golden Oak Award, Soroptimist Woman of the Year, the Mayor\u2019s Healthy Heart Award, GOOD, Downey Rose Float Association, Department of Children and Family Services, Angels in Adoption Congressional Program, and what a thrill it was for her to be selected as Grand Marshal of the Downey Christmas Parade by the Downey Chamber of Commerce. <\/p>\n
She took in injured crows (and other birds) that neighbors would find and bring to her, and she lovingly hand-fed and rehabilitated them whenever possible. Stray dogs somehow also found a path to her doorstep; she was a lover of all animals and loved watching and listening to birds as she would sit in front of her beloved Downey home.<\/p>\n
Her memorial service will be held on Wednesday, September 16, at 10 AM at her home church, Holman United Methodist Church, 3320 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles, 90018. Services will be immediately followed by a repast at Holman.<\/p>\n
As mama liked to say, we are all walking each other home. She loved her faith, family, animals, music, and giving until she had nothing else to give of herself for others. She was a hippie at heart, believing in positivity, peace, love, and happiness; she was against war and wished for peace on earth. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered; her love will continue to live on through the family she cherished, the lessons she shared, and the countless lives she touched. Amen.<\/p>\n
Full list of awards and recognitions: <\/p>\n
UNITED STATES CONGRESS<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCertificate of recognition as a featured speaker at the Women\u2019s Empowerment Conference, 2025.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCertificate of recognition as the Protector of Children award winner, Community Guidance Family Center, 2024.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCertificate of Special Congressional Recognition in honor of receiving the Protector of Children Award, 2024.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCertificate of Congressional Recognition for selection as the Downey Council PTA HELPS Room Volunteer of the Year, 2023.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCertificate of Congressional Recognition of tenure as Downey Coordinating Council\u2019s 1st Vice President, 2023.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCertificate of recognition in honor of retirement from the Downey Unified School District Board of Education, 2021.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCertificate of Congressional recognition of outstanding commitment to the students of DUSD, and appreciation of exemplary leadership while serving as DUSD Board President, 2017.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCertificate of Congressional Recognition on behalf of GOOD, 2014.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCertificate of Special Congressional Recognition in recognition of outstanding and invaluable service to the community, 2008.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCertificate of Special Congressional Recognition in recognition of outstanding and invaluable service to the community, 2007.<\/p>\n
CALIFORNIA STATE SENATE<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCertificate of recognition for support of the Downey Chamber of Commerce\u2019s Women\u2019s Empowerment Conference, 2025.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCertificate of recognition as a recipient of the Protector of Children Award, 2024.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCertificate of recognition Woman of Achievement for the 32nd District, 2019.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCertificate of recognition for continued dedication and service as DUSD Board of Education, 2017.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCertificate of recognition for dedication and service to our schools, our children, and our community (re-election), 2013.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCertificate of recognition for participation in the 27th Senate District\u2019s Third Annual Young Women\u2019s Empowerment Conference, 2009.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCertificate of recognition for Downey Coordinating Council\u2019s Outstanding Volunteer, 2008.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCertificate of recognition for service as Board Member Secretary to the Downey Coordinating Council, 2007.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tResolution No. 475 to Martha & Gordon Sodetani for service to the community, 2007.<\/p>\n
CALIFORNIA STATE ASSEMBLY<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCertificate of recognition for Mayor\u2019s Outstanding Citizen Award, 2025.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCertificate of recognition as a featured speaker at the Downey Chamber of Commerce\u2019s Annual Women\u2019s Conference, 2025.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCertificate of recognition for the Downey Council PTA HELPS Room volunteerism, 2023.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCertificate of recognition for 17 years of service on the Downey Unified School Board, 2022.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCertificate of recognition for tenure as President of the 2017 Downey Unified School District Board, 2017.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCalifornia State Assembly certificate of recognition on behalf of GOOD, 2014.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCertificate of recognition for outstanding voluntary service to the city with the Downey Coordinating Council, 2008.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCertificate of recognition for service to the Downey Coordinating Council, 2007.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tTwo certificates of recognition as Board Member Secretary of the Coordinating Council, 2007.<\/p>\n
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCommendation as the Protector of Children award winner, 2024.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCertificate of recognition for being the Downey Council PTA HELPS Room award honoree, 2023.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCommendation as a Board Member for 17 years of service in the Downey Unified School District, 2022.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCommendation as 2016-17 President of the Downey Unified School District, 2017.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCertificate of recognition for GOOD\u2019s 25th anniversary (1989-2014), 2014.<\/p>\n
CITY OF DOWNEY<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCertificate of recognition as speaker for the Women\u2019s Empowerment Conference, 2025.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tMayor\u2019s Outstanding Citizen Award for over 17 years of service and contributions to the Downey community, 2025.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCertificate of recognition for heartfelt service for families, schools, and Downey residents in need within the community, 2024.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCertificate of recognition for outstanding service to the Downey Council PTA HELPS Room, 2023.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCertificate of recognition for success and commitment to the city\u2019s youth and her exemplary service as a Downey Unified School District Board Member, 2022.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCertificate of recognition for commitment to the students of the city and exemplary service as President of the Downey Unified School District Board of Education, 2017.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tMayor\u2019s Healthy Heart Award, 2017.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCertificate of appreciation in recognition of receiving the Downey Council PTA\u2019s Honorary Service Award, 2013.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCertificate of recognition in appreciation of commitment to DUSD and the families of Downey through service as a School Board Member, 2011.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCertificate of appreciation of outstanding volunteer service to the Downey City Library, 2010.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCertificate of recognition in appreciation of service to our children, our community, and the city, 2009.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tMayor\u2019s Diakonia Award in recognition of outstanding service to the city, 2009.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCertificate of appreciation for outstanding volunteer service and support of the Downey Coordinating Council, 2008.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCertificate of appreciation and recognition to commend for outstanding community dedication, and nomination for Woman of the Year by Assemblywoman Havice, 2002.<\/p>\n
DOWNEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT<\/p>\n
\u2022\tPlaque with gavel for appreciation in honor of dedicated service as School Board President 2016-17.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tPlaque with gavel for appreciation in honor of dedicated service as School Board President 2010-11.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCertificate of appreciation for valuable contributions to Maude Price Elementary, 2010.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCertificate for completion of course of study for the Master\u2019s in Governance Program as a school board member, 2009.<\/p>\n
PARENTS, TEACHERS, AND STUDENTS (PTA), Thirty-Third District<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCertificate of achievement award as Chairman of Foster Children, 2015.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCertificate of appreciation, Honorary Service Award for your service, 2012.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCertificate of appreciation, State PTA, Honorary Service Award for outstanding service to children and youth, and contribution to the HSA programs and grants fund, 2012.<\/p>\n
GANGS OUT OF DOWNEY (GOOD)<\/p>\n
\u2022\tPlaque with gavel for appreciation for leadership and commitment as President of GOOD, 2013-14.<\/p>\n
SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF THE AMERICAS<\/p>\n
\u2022\tWoman of Distinction in recognition of professional\/voluntary accomplishments in education, 2003.<\/p>\n
DOWNEY COORDINATING COUNCIL<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCertificate of appreciation for outstanding volunteer service as President, 2023.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCertificate of appreciation for outstanding volunteer service, 2008.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCertificate of appreciation for outstanding volunteer service as Secretary, 2007.<\/p>\n
DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVCES<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCertificate of recognition for their Outstanding Caregiver Award for dedication and commitment to children and families, 2009.<\/p>\n
DOWNEY ROSE FLOAT ASSOCIATION<\/p>\n
\u2022\tHonorary Miss Downey Plaque in recognition for love, service, and dedication to the city and its youth through her volunteer efforts, 2007.<\/p>\n
ANGELS IN ADOPTION CONGRESSIONAL PROGRAM<\/p>\n
\u2022\tRecognized as an Angel in Adoption for extraordinary contributions on behalf of children in need of a loving family, undated.<\/p>\n
DELTA KAPPA GAMMA INTERNATIONAL, Delta Kappa Chapter<\/p>\n
\u2022\tPlaque for outstanding public service, 2011.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"DOWNEY \u2014 Martha Ellen (Medford) Sodetani was our beloved matriarch. Our precious mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":457686,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[33],"tags":[131,133,132],"class_list":["post-457685","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-long-beach","tag-long-beach","tag-long-beach-headlines","tag-long-beach-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/457685","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=457685"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/457685\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/457686"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=457685"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=457685"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=457685"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}