ETHIE WEAVER RADANOVICH When Ethie Weaver Radanovich was remembered by loved ones and friends last Sunday, her image sparkled as the life of the party and a wonderful mother. Now, because her husband, George, and family chose to have monetary remembrances of her given to local youth sports organizations, that zest for life and love for her family will live on in hundreds of Mariposa County children.

The Radanovich family asked that memorial contributions go to Mariposa Little League and Mariposa Youth Football. Organizers of both leagues are stunned at what has transpired in the past week.

Shaun Quinn, president of Little League, said the organization has already received nearly $9,000 in donations in Ethie’s name. One of those was a single check for $5,000.

Deni Smith, who has been on the Little League board for many years, was stunned by the generosity. “In this tough time for them, we’re so grateful that they thought of us,” she said of the family. Smith said Little League will likely develop a “significant project” with the funds and dedicate it to her memory.

Donations are coming in from all over the country, as Ethie was involved in many national organizations and causes. Smith believes this is especially indicative of the congressman’s dedication to Mariposa. “For him to bring it back home is pretty special,” she said.

The Mariposa Youth Football League (MYF) had received more than $10,000 as of Monday. That is a huge boost for the organization which plans to host the first-ever, two-day Superbowl next fall. MYF hosted a very successful event last November, so successful in fact, that the Trans Valley Youth Football League expanded it to two days and chose Mariposa to host again.

MYF Board President Sean Kelly expressed gratitude and admiration for Radanovich’s decision. “It was an absolute blessing for her to think about the kids in Mariposa in her final hours,” he said.

“It’s a true testament to what kind of person she was,” Kelly continued. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.” Kelly said MYF plans to hold a game in Ethie’s memory during the upcoming season.

George’s sister, Sidney Radanovich, called the donations “amazing” and was so pleased at the benefits they will bring to Mariposa’s children. “That’s why they did that,” she said on Tuesday.

“The family is extremely elated and thankful for the support of the community for the donations,” Sidney Radanovich said. She said her late sister-in-law would be so happy. “That’s what she wanted was that Mariposa was going to benefit,” Sidney said.

“Ethie was the love of my life. Her smile would light up a room and her boundless energy brought joy and beauty to everyone she met. Ethie truly lived life to the fullest— always thinking of King and me and those she loved,” George said in a statement issued by his office on Feb. 4.

The congressman and his wife were married at St. Joseph’s Church in Mariposa in November of 1996. In 1998, they welcomed their only son, King. Weaver Radanovich was diagnosed with Stage IV ovarian cancer in January, 2007, and had undergone a difficult three years of treatment.

“King and I so appreciate all the kind words and prayers from everyone—they kept our spirits buoyed throughout. She was a most wonderful wife and mom— we’ll miss her every day,” George said in a statement following her death.