Deolinda Maria Freitas

6/25/1924 – 1/31/ 2018

Deolinda Maria Correia Freitas, 93, born in Fenais da Ajuda, São Miguel, Azores, passed away peacefully January 31, 2018 at her daughter’s home in Tracy after many years battling Alzheimer’s .

Deolinda and her husband, David, immigrated to the United States along with their family. They bought their home in 1975 and settled in Hilmar. They specifically wanted a better education for their children and grandchildren. She was a wonderful cook; she enjoyed working in the garden especially with her roses and azaleas; she always dedicated time to write letters to her family and friends; she made many amazing works with embroidery and several types of needlework; she was an avid reader and knitter and she could do both at the same time; she played the Portuguese guitarra as a young woman. Her two greatest loves were her family and God.

Deolinda was a devout Catholic. She was a parishioner of Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church (OLA) of Turlock. Deolinda and her husband were members of Teams of Our Lady Turlock 3 for over twenty-five years. She sang in the choir for most of her life, and she was a member of the SPRSI of Hilmar.

The family would like to thank Deolinda’s caregivers, especially, Antonia Valle, Maria Crespo, and Patricia Zapien who helped care for her while she was at her daughter’s home the last few years. Thanks to nurses, health aids, and staff of Optimal Hospice Care that provided attentive care and comfort in the last year of her life.

Deolinda was preceded in death by her husband, of fifty-two years, David; her parents, Antonio and Maria das Neves Correia; her siblings, José Correia, Lourdes Correia, and Armada Carreiro e Silva.

Deolinda is survived by her four children and spouses, Antonio & Zelia Freitas of Hilmar, Maria & Robert Merritt of Wilmington, Delaware, Ana & Luie Nunes of Tracy, and Luis & Liliana Freitas of Stevinson; her nine grandchildren and spouses, Jonathan Merritt, Benjamin Merritt, Andrew & Yi Lin Nunes, Daniel Nunes, Lexa Freitas, Zachary Merritt, Peter & Catherine Freitas, Logan Freitas, and Christina Nunes; and her great-granddaughter Nancy Nunes.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 6, 2018 from 2-6 PM at Whitehurst-Norton-Dias Funeral Service: 286 W. Main Street Turlock, CA.

Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 7PM on February 6, 2018 at Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church: 2602 S. Walnut Road Turlock, CA.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10AM on Wednesday February 7 at Our Lady of Assumption: 2602 S. Walnut Road Turlock, CA.

Deolinda will be laid to rest following the Mass at N. Hilmar District Cemetery: 8710 N. Tegner Road Hilmar, CA.