Ms Nancye Rosie Pond

After 22 years as a quadriplegic, Nancye Rosie Cardella Pond, 76, of Firebaugh, CA, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family in Fresno, CA, on Saturday, August 14, 2021.

Nancye was born in Fresno, CA, on May 2, 1945, to Lina Della Maggiora and Matteo Joe Cardella. Nancye went to Las Deltas Elementary School and graduated from Dos Palos High School in 1962.

After graduation, she married Bud Pond. For almost three years, they lived in Greenville, CA, where they had a cattle ranch, before moving back to Firebaugh. They had four wonderful children: Lori, Sheri, Penny, and Steve.

Nancye worked for more than 20 years at Firebaugh’s Bank of America/United Security Bank where she would become the branch manager. She was a member of the Firebaugh-Mendota Rotary, through which she sponsored foreign exchange students. She was an avid supporter of St. Joseph’s Catholic School, the Firebaugh Swim Team, and the Firebaugh High Band Boosters. Recently, Nancye was enthusiastic about the “My Job Depends on Ag” campaign.

In 1999, Nancye was paralyzed due to a surgery gone wrong. People have characterized her as a strong, courageous woman – one who remained optimistic and who never complained.

Nancye loved her family dearly. She continued the family tradition of making delicious lasagna and ravioli, along with perfecting her Italian Christmas torta. She was a role-model mother who attended every game and performance of her four children. When her grandchildren were born, she made sure she was there beside them in the hospital. As the grandchildren grew, she invited the whole family to an annual fun-filled week in Capitola By-the-Sea. Her grandchildren will never forget these family times together. Two months ago, they presented their “Nonni” with a plaque at the Santa Cruz Merry-Go-Round to show their gratitude.

Nancye was preceded in death by her parents, Matteo and Lina Cardella, and her daughter, Lori Ann Pond.

Nancye is survived by her brother, Jim Cardella, of Fresno; her daughter, Sheri Berniklau, and spouse Ken of Petaluma; her daughter, Penny Sullivan, and spouse Kevin of Novato; her son, Steve Pond, and spouse Chastity of Sacramento; and her dear grandchildren: Brayden and Isabella Pond, Joseph and Nathan Berniklau, and Gianna and Ava Sullivan. Nancye is also survived by her bonus daughter, Lupe Valdovinos, of Bakersfield, and her very close friend, Norma Fontana, of Firebaugh. A special thanks goes to caregivers: Sara, Chelo, Caro, and Dolores, who helped Nancye make it through challenging times.

There will be a Rosary and Mass to celebrate Nancye’s life on Saturday, September 25, 2021, at 2:30 p.m., at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 1558 12th St, in Firebaugh, CA 93622.

Remembrances may be sent to . . .
St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Firebaugh, at the above address;
Poverello House, P.O. Box 12225, Fresno, CA 93777;
Fresno Bully Rescue, 11740 E. Belmont Ave., Sanger, CA 93657;
Terry’s House, Community Medical Foundation, 1530 E. Shaw Ave., Suite 106, Fresno, CA 93710.