MADERA COUNTY -- Etheline "Ethie" Weaver Radanovich was remembered Sunday as fiercely protective of her husband, Rep. George Radanovich, and their son King, but she also made sure everyone around her was having fun.
A standing-room crowd of more than 300 people gathered at Sierra Meadows County Club in the Madera County foothill town of Ahwahnee to bid a final public farewell to the veteran lawmaker's wife.
George Radanovich, R-Mariposa, and his 11-year-old son sat in the front row as a dozen speakers recalled Ethie Radanovich as a beautiful woman with an infectious smile who liked to drink chardonnay, collect art, give advice and throw big parties.
Ethie Radanovich died Feb. 4 at age 50 after a three-year battle with ovarian cancer. Citing his wife's illness, Radanovich announced his congressional retirement in late December.
He did not speak at the service, but others said Ethie Radanovich never complained about her illness. Instead, they said, she focused on living her life to the fullest, protecting her family, and spending her final days in God's grace.
She often greeted guests by saying "Hello, hello" and "Welcome, welcome."
On Feb. 11, more than 120 mourners trekked through 3 feet of snow to gather inside the Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Alexandria, Va., to reflect on her life.
On Sunday, cold rain wasn't a deterrent, but there were too few chairs for the many who attended. Among the guests were former Fresno Mayor Alan Autry, Madera County Sheriff John Anderson and state Sen. Jeff Denham, whom Radanovich has endorsed to succeed him.
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