Angie Medina

Angie Medina was a loving mother known for long goodbyes, always ignoring “don’t get up.” She was determined to squeeze in one more hug and kiss on the cheek. Figure 20 minutes from the kitchen table to driveway, where she stood waving as you drove off.

A devout Catholic, Angie passed at home surrounded by family and God on Oct. 20. She was 94.

Born Nov. 27, 1927, in Glendale, AZ, she was among eight children of Francisco and Dolores (Ramirez) Flores. She was raised in Madera and later moved with her family to a modest home on Tulare Street in Fresno. Angie was the eldest of three sisters – Dolores, Lupe and Carmen . They were a formidable quartet of beautiful, smart, opinionated women who were born with the gift of gab. Aunt Carmen Caldwell is the sole surviving sister.

The U.S. military played a significant role in her life. Her brothers, Tony and Felix, were killed in World War II. Both were awarded Purple Hearts. She was preceded in death by Tom Medina, a World War II veteran who – story goes – invested daily in toothpaste to woo her at a drugstore where she worked. They were married 65 years and raised a big family.

Laughter, music and dancing filled the home, with an underlying tone of discipline -- no foul language and chores were not an option. With the children grown, Angie pursued her passion for perfecting Spanish, graduating from Fresno City College and attending classes at Fresno State. She became a Certified Court Interpreter, becoming the first full-time Fresno County Superior Court translator and rose to supervise 11 interpreters.

She was also involved in VFW Post 8900, joining in 1964 and served one term as president of the Auxiliary. Tom also held various VFW 8900 positions, including Commander. Angie’s religious devotion extended to being a member of the Young Ladies Grand Institute (YLI) #127, a Catholic women’s organization, with stints as vice president and president over 67 years.

She is survived by her family: Pat and Keith Woodcock, Chris Medina, Tom and Diane Medina, Jim and Beth Medina, John Medina, and Barbara and Ron Mertzlufft, as well as five grandchildren, three great grandchildren and one on the way.

Services will be held at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair, 836 E. Nees, Fresno, CA., on Monday, Nov. 14. A viewing will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., followed by a Rosary at 6 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15, at St. Anthony of Padua, with interment at St. Peter’s Cemetery. Remembrances may be made to the Young Ladies Grand Institute #127, tax ID #23-7514566.