Former Saratoga resident M. Madeline Buckle Strong, who had been living in San Jose, died Dec. 6 at the age of 78.

Strong was born Dec. 1, 1924, in Celano, Italy. She and her late husband, Verne, ran the Verne L. Buckle Plumbing Company in Saratoga. She was a past president of Mended Hearts of Santa Clara County, the Italian-American Heritage Federation and the now-defunct Young Ladies Institute.

Survivors include daughter and son-in-law Nancy and Jerry Crowley; daughter Karen Von Felten; stepdaughter Jackie Strong; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Memorial services have been held, with interment at Madronia Cemetery in Saratoga.


Andrew Beverett

Former Saratoga resident Andrew J. "Andy" Beverett died Nov. 17 at his home in The Villages of San Jose. He was 85.

Beverett was born on Feb. 21, 1917. He was one of three founders of the Saratoga Senior Center, was instrumental in promoting the Meals on Wheels program in Saratoga and served on the committee that selected Olga MacFarlane as the Saratoga Senior Center's first coordinator. Together with Dick Drake, another former Saratogan, Beverett also contributed the funds to set up a financial foundation to help support the senior center.

During the 26 years he lived in Saratoga, Beverett also served as a member of the Saratoga Library Commission and, together with his wife, Martha, was a member of the Saratoga Federated Church. Martha was also among the founders of the Friends of the Saratoga Libraries program.

Survivors include wife Martha Beverett of San Jose; sons Jim and Drew; and daughter Faye.