Nedra Voorhees November 2, 1938 - September 2, 2026

November 2, 1938 – September 2, 2026

It is with great sadness that the family of Nedra Voorhees announce her passing on September 2, 2026. Nedra was born in Turlock, California on November 2, 1938 and lived in Turlock all of her life except for the years when she was away at college. Nedra married Al Voorhees and they were married until his death in 1991. Nedra and Al had three sons, Paul, Kevin, and also Jonathan Voorhees who proceeded her in death in 2018. Nedra has two daughters-in-law including Jennifer, who is married to Kevin, Voorhees and Amy, who was married to Jonathan. She has two granddaughters, Althea and Beatrice. Nedra has two sisters Janet Sahlstrom, and Beryl Simkins. She has two brothers including Jef Sahlstrom, and Stephen Sahlstrom who is deceased. Nedra also has two nephews, Mark Kirkes and Zachary Sahlstrom, and one niece, Lynn Kirkes.

Nedra was a very capable student who attended Turlock High School, Modesto Junior College, UC Berkeley, and CSU Stanislaus. She received her BA in English and teaching Credential at CSU, Stanislaus. Nedra taught for thirty years at Sacred Heart Elementary School in Turlock California, and then took a teaching position at Sylvan School District where she remained for fifteen years until she retired.

Nedra has been a member of St. Francis Episcopal Church for over 50 years, She has been a Sunday School teacher, and she served on the Vestry and Bishop’s Committee numerous times. She also served at the Diocesan level as Diocesan Eucharistic Minister Administrator, and she served on the Diocesan Standing Committee.

Nedra was integrally involved in her community and attended numerous city council meetings and always had an opinion about the decisions being made. She was a member of the Turlock Democratic Club and served on the Board of Directors. She also was an active member of her local AAUW, the Turlock/Modesto Branch.

Nedra loved reading. She has purchased thousands of books over the years and was always talking about the recent books she had read and new authors she had discovered. She loaned her books to others and frequently gave them away. If she thought a friend or relative should read a given book, she would buy it and send it to them. There are probably four or five books on her bookshelf right now that she has yet to read. Nedra loved playing bridge and was always available to play at the last minute if needed.

Nedra loved her family and was generous, loyal, and loving, even when we least deserved it. If she was angry, we would hear about it and we would know the problem, but that never discounted her love for us. She took in numerous foster children over the years who became part of her family as well. Her generosity also extended to the church and to community groups that provided for those who were hungry, and to any friends and acquaintances who were in need. Nedra had a very large heart and she will be missed by many.

Funeral services will be held at St. Francis Episcopal Church on Tuesday September 15, at 10:00 AM.

Remembrances in Nedra’s honor can be made to the American Association of University Women (AAUW), Turlock/Modesto Branch or St. Francis Episcopal Church, Turlock California.