It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Rosa Avila Leonardo, who passed away surrounded by her family at Mercy Medical Center in Merced on December 12, 2024. Rosa was born in Urzelina, São Jorge, Açores to Maria de Fatima de Gloria Luis and José Sabino Luis.
Rosa was an amazing mother who was deeply devoted to her daughters, Melissa, Melcy, and Malyn. She cherished her role as a mother and was overjoyed by the recent arrival of her granddaughter, Mariellah, to whom she gave all her love and affection.
In addition to being a loving mother and grandmother, Rosa was an extraordinary friend, sister, and aunt. She will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and unwavering support. As a sister, she was a constant source of love and strength, and as an aunt, she nurtured and cared for her nieces and nephews with great affection. Her friendships and family bonds were a testament to the love and loyalty she shared with others.
She is survived by her daughters, Melissa Sousa (Moses Garcia) of Turlock, Melcy Sousa, and Malyn Leonardo both of Atwater; her sisters, Maria Fatima Oliveira Avila of Atwater, and Ermilinda Maria Oliveira Avila (Paul Sousa) of São Jorge, Açores; her nieces and nephews; Carina Avila, Luis Ourique, Marcio Silva (Delfina Silva), and Hildeberto Ourique; her great-nieces and great-nephews, including Ruben Ourique, Emma Silva, Carlos Ourique, Daniel Ourique, Diogo Ourique, Nicole Silva, Marissa Silva, Adrian Silva, Gisele Ourique, and Leandro Leonardo, along with her God daughters, Carina Avila (Manuel Leonardo) and Viviana Sousa.
Rosa was preceded in death by her mother, Maria de Fatima de Gloria Luis; her father, José Sabino Luis; her brother, José Silveira Oliveira; and her great niece, Sara Ourique.
Rosa was a member of Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church in Turlock, California.
Rosa will be laid to rest at North Hilmar Cemetery 8710 Tegner Rd. Hilmar, CA 95324.
Rosa's family and friends will miss her deeply, but her memory will live on forever in their hearts.
Serving as pallbearers are:
Cathlena Teixeira, Moses Garcia, Luis Ourique, Manuel Leonardo, Marcio Silva, and Matthew Azevedo.
