She was born on October 24, 1946, in Biscoitos, Terceira, Azores Islands, Portugal to Joe and Carmen Vaz. She immigrated to the United States when she was 16 years old. She worked in the cotton fields, dairy, and in the home to help her family. Dorothy was a wonderful, beautiful, loving, and caring individual. She was a dedicated daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother to five, and great-grandmother to one. She helped no matter what for anything at anytime. Her gift of herself was never ending and shall forever be treasured. Her smile, laughter, and fun personality always brought joy to all she knew, especially to her kids, grandkids and great grandson. She loved to cook and give comfort to everyone.
She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Joe F. Dias, her son Tony J. Dias and his wife Yolanda, her daughter Naomi C. Dias-Romero, her grandchildren Sydney Romero, Tony J. Dias Jr., Noelle Romero, Sofia Dias, Josie Dias, her great-grandson Liam Johns, as well as her nephews Christopher Vaz, Manuel Vaz, her nieces Crystal Vaz, Kimbir Vaz, and many other relatives and friends.
She is predeceased by her beloved mother, Carmen Vaz, her father, Joe Vaz, her baby brother, Manuel Vaz and her three sisters who died before age 2.
She had an amazing spirit to overcome anything by using all her love and rose up many, many times. Her dedication to taking care of the family and being a homemaker made her proud. She learned to read, write, and speak English as her second language right away. She used that to complete a certification and license program as a Certified Nursing Assistant. She loved to help her patients. She always helped her husband in running the farm, then worked in the family's grocery store for many years, and returned to her beloved home to help raise her grandchildren, as well as travel with her husband in his positions, to represent UPEC for multiple years.
In her free time, Dorothy enjoyed crocheting, art, playing with her grandchildren, dancing, attending Portuguese celebrations, gardening, watching soap operas in four languages, bullfights, and cooking.
A visitation for Dorothy will be held Tuesday, April 23, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at St. Jude Catholic Church, 208 W Jefferson Ave, Fresno, CA 93706 followed by Recitation of the Holy Rosary and a Mass of Christian Burial.
Immediately following the funeral mass, a Committal Service will take place at St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery, 264 N Blythe Ave, Fresno, CA 93706.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstsullivan.com for the Dias family.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.5