Ernestine Lavagnino Agnew passed away peacefully in her Fresno home on February 20, 2009 with her husband and family at her side. She was born on June 2, 1927 in San Juan Bautista to Ernest Lavagnino and Sarah Ahern. She graduated from Hollister High in 1945; she was a graduate of San Jose State in 1949 and received her teaching credential. She married Allen Agnew in 1950. They settled in San Luis Obispo where a large family was started until moving to Fresno in 1965.
In addition to being a devoted mother and supportive wife, Ernestine held numerous teaching and accounting jobs throughout her life. She was an active member of the Catholic Church and enjoyed volunteering, traveling, playing the piano and championing her children and grandchildren’s dreams.
Ernestine is survived by her devoted husband and soul-mate Allen M. Agnew of Fresno; her children Michael (Candee) of Madera, Patrick (Pam) of Benicia, Thomas (Cinthya) of Fresno, Anne (Edward) of San Francisco, and Mark of Phoenix. She was proud of her grandchildren: Suzanne (Scott), Timothy, Bennett, Camille and Anthony, and her great-grandchildren: Eric, Heidi and Ella. She is also survived by her brother Steve Lavagnino (Jeanne) of Shell Beach and three nieces and three nephews.
Services have been held.
Remembrances may be made to The Old Mission San Juan Bautista, P.O. Box 400, San Juan Bautista, CA 95045 or St. Francis Retreat House, P.O. Box 970, San Juan Bautista, CA 95045
