Celeste Marie Bruner, 82 passed away on May 2, 2023.

Mom was born July 30, 1940 to Manuel and Lena Machado. She grew up on a dairy farm in Arcata. At the age of five she was driving tractors. One day she was driving into the hay barn and the floor started to give way. Boy, did grandpa yell, but only because he thought she was hurt.

When she went to Arcata High she enjoyed singing in the choir. Mom lettered in basketball. Anyone who knew her is probably laughing right now because she was little — she was only 5’1” — but she was fast. She graduated in 1958.

In 1959, mom met Oliver Bruner at a Fireman’s Ball. They were married February 21, 1960. They spent 50 wonderful years together until Daddy passed away on October 10, 2010. If mom wasn’t at home you could find her at the local casinos.

Celeste is survived by her daughter, Cheryl Quigley, and her favorite and only son-in-law Gary; her brother, Manuel (Audrey) Joe; John Machado; and several nieces and nephews. Mom was preceded in death by her husband, Ollie, her parents Manuel and Lena Machado, and her sister, Eleanor Machado.

Celeste’s family would like to invite you to attend her services. Visitation will be at Paul’s Chapel Arcata on Thursday, May 11, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. A funeral service will be held at the same location Friday, May 12 at 11 a.m. Following the services there will be an interment in the Veterans Garden at Ocean View Cemetery.

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