NAIDA WARREN Obituary

Warren, Naida Alliene

Naida Alliene Warren, 87, formerly of Huntington Beach, died December 27, 2015 at the Oceanside home of her son Todd Warren, where she had resided. She had been hospitalized prior to coming home under hospice care. Mrs. Warren was preceded in death in 2014 by her husband of 68 years, Donald Horace Warren.

Born Naida Alliene McLure on April 26, 1928, in Los Angeles, CA, she was the oldest of two daughters of Marion Francis McLure and Delores Etoile (Wood) McLure. Naida and her late husband Don were high school sweethearts in Montebello, CA, where the two were married on April 28, 1946. She graduated from Montebello High School in June, 1946, as Mrs. Donald Warren.

She shared with her husband a lifelong career in the restaurant business, beginning with the former Tops Drive-In in Montebello, which the couple eventually owned. In 1964, in Monrovia, they opened the first of what would be the original group of franchised Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurants in Southern California. Naida and Don were partners in business and life, working side by side during their 68 years of marriage and enjoying many of the same activities, including league bowling, golf, and travel.

She is survived by two sons, Todd (Elizabeth) of Oceanside, and Tony (Julie) of Greenville, SC; two daughters, Tracie Warren of Monroe, WA, and Tina (Richard) Warren-Diaz of Tehachapi; 19 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a sister, Barbara Warren of Cambria, wife of her late husband's brother William, who also survives; a brother-in-law, Harry Warren of Arizona; and a cousin, John (Marie) McFadyen of Vancouver, BC.

Naida was well known for her tamale pie recipe, infectious giggle, irreverent wit, and keen mind for mathematics (she was a bookkeeper). She loved games - especially Yahtzee, Aggravation and cards. She was also a voracious reader, with a special appreciation for the well-crafted mystery, and always had a book by her side, often reading two at once.

An exceptionally loving mother, grandmother and friend, Naida always found time for her extended family, never forgot a birthday or special occasion, and found special joy in her dogs, who were at her bedside in her final days.

Mrs. Warren was cremated, and her ashes will be scattered privately by her children.

A brief memorial for family and friends will be held at the Huntington Beach Pier at 12:00 PM on Saturday, February 6, with lunch to follow at a nearby restaurant. Contact her children for details.