Marichu Polancos Kern, 55, and Randall Richard Kern, 68, passed away unexpectedly on August 1, 2024, in a vehicular accident in Santa Maria, California.

They are survived by their children and spouses and partners Glenda and Tige Adams, Richard Kern and Gabriela Garcia-Sanchez, and their granddaughter, Amelia Adams.

Marichu was born on March 29, 1969, in Merida, Leyte, Philippines. She is survived by her parents, Cencinita Perez Polancos and José Polancos Sr., and her siblings, José Polancos Jr. and Josephine Polancos.

She earned her Secretarial Degree in October 1987 from the University of San José in the Philippines and worked hard to provide for her family and her daughter.

Randall was born July 12, 1956, in San Francisco, California. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nancy and Richard Kern. He is survived by his brothers, Don and Gerry Kern, and his sister, Karen Giovannetti.

Randall spent a large majority of his life in the Bay Area. He was a welder for 40 years at PG&E.

Marichu and Randall became pen pals, however, she was so shy that her friends had to write the letters for her.

After exchanging letters back and forth, they became comfortable enough to plan a trip to meet each other. Randall went to the Philippines and knew that he wanted to marry Marichu and bring her to the United States.

They married on October 16, 1999. They welcomed their son, Richard, on September 5, 2000. They took several trips to the Philippines and, on June 25, 2002, Glenda came to the United States and joined her mother and her new family.

Around the same time, Randall and family relocated to Santa Maria for work and spent the last 22 years there.

The two were very hardworking people with Randall working 10-hour days throughout the week and Marichu being the homemaker.

Marichu had an incredible connection to the Catholic faith and worked with the local churches. She volunteered in any way she could, and spent lots of time at St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Santa Maria participating in countless events and fundraisers with the Catholic Daughters.

Randall was inspired by his wife and decided to devote himself to the church. He was baptized later on.

They spent their joint retirement traveling, taking fishing trips and volunteering. They switched to the St. Louis de Montfort Church in Orcutt, California, and became more involved with the community.

They took on many different leadership roles with Randall even joining the Knights of Columbus. Earlier this year he was appointed the position of Grand Knight.

Marichu and Randall spent countless hours working with Catholic Charities, helping those in need and sacrificing their own time and effort for a cause greater than their own.

Funeral services will take place at 10 a.m. Thursday, August 8, 2024, at St. Louis de Montfort Church, 1190 E. Clark Ave. in Orcutt.

The service will include a Recitation of the Holy Rosary followed by a Mass officiated by the Rev. Aidan Peter Rossiter.

There will be a private interment ceremony for immediate family only. We ask all other guests to proceed directly to the reception at the parish hall after the mass.

Arrangements were handled by Magner-Maloney Funeral Home and Crematory.