nounce the passing of Pierre Arretche, a resident of Mariposa for the last 10 years. Pierre passed on Sunday, Jan. 17, surrounded by his family and friends in San Francisco.

Born May 13, 1936, in Saint Etienne de Baigory, France, Pierre emigrated to the United States when he was 17 years old. After sheepherding in Wyoming for a while, he moved to San Francisco, where he got into the restaurant business. Working hard, and using the skills he had learned growing up in the Basque region of France, he eventually became a celebrated pastry chef at the famous Ondines restaurant in Sausalito, where he was known for his amazing souffles. After more than 25 years in the restaurant business, Pierre ran a cleaning business with his wife in Petaluma, for 10 years before retiring. During his retirement, he worked part time at the Comfort Inn in Mariposa, serving breakfast to the customers staying there.

Pierre is survived by his wife of 44 years, Laura Victoria Arretche, his children Yvonne Arretche, Ana Rivera, Pierre Andre Arretche, Jannette Arretche, Jerry Arretche, six grandchildren, Daniel Cleveland, Michelle Rivera, Andrea Cleveland, Alex Rivera, Ava Rose Arretche, Logan Fabiani and one great grandchild.

Pierre was a devoted husband and father and will be forever missed.

Private memorial services will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Mariposa at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 30. There will also be a viewing and rosary from 4 to 6:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 29 at the same location.