Loretta Jimenez

Loretta was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in June of 2010, and spent the following eight months courageously battling this disease. While her illness eventually depleted her physical strength, it never defeated her spirit. From the moment of her diagnosis and up to her passing, Loretta's love for her Lord and her willingness to accept this cross, with its pain and suffering, only intensified. She firmly believed that even a disease such as cancer could be viewed as a blessing from God, as an opportunity to glorify him and continue the Lord's redemptive suffering for the salvation of souls. While Loretta prayed for healing, she prayed more intensely for God's will to be done and for His grace to bear her cross patiently and faithfully. She was in constant communion with her Lord, his blessed mother, and the angels and Saints. She knew that at the moment of her passing she would not be abandoned by her Savior and would find eternal peace and comfort in Heaven.

Loretta knew that news of her illness and untimely passing would come as a complete surprise to many of her relatives and friends. Aside from her immediate family and a few close friends, the majority of her relatives and friends were not aware that she was battling cancer. While most knew she had undergone surgery, they were only informed of the seriousness of her condition in late December, 2010. There were two reasons why Loretta chose to be private about her illness; she did not want people to feel sorry for her and she could not afford the emotional drain once the news of her condition became public. Her regimen of chemotherapy and related treatments were so taxing physically and emotionally that she needed to immerse herself completely in the love of her immediate family and focus on her faith and spirituality.

As the news of Loretta's condition spread, she received countless and constant prayers from family and friends and complete strangers who heard of her condition and were moved with compassion and love. For this, Loretta and her family will forever be grateful. Although, the miracle cure that we all prayed for never arrived, we believe God gave Loretta a greater miracle of eternal happiness.

Loretta was born on July 14, 1954, in Fresno California. Her parents were Pete and Esther Gomez. Loretta and her family resided in Malaga. She attended school in Malaga through the eighth grade and graduated from Fowler High School in 1972. Loretta attended Fresno City College immediately following high school and graduated in 1974 with an Associate of Arts Degree. She worked for the County of Fresno - Personnel Department, from 1974 to 1976. She began her career with the State of California in 1978 and retired in 2010, after 32 years of service. During her tenure with the State, she worked for four different departments - the Department of Motor Vehicles, Alcoholic Beverage Control, CALPers, and the Department of Social Services. She retired from the Department of Social Services on November 14, 2010. During her 34 years of public service, Loretta made countless friends and associates. Loretta was known among her peers and supervisors for her dedication, intelligence and professionalism. She received a number of awards and acknowledgements throughout her career and was both honored and proud to be a public servant.

In 1972, Loretta was introduced to Ralph Jimenez through mutual acquaintances. They interacted socially, on-and-off, for a year. Then, in the Summer of 1973, while attending a wedding reception, they discovered that their friendship had transformed into stronger feelings for each other and they began what would become a three-year courtship leading to their marriage on August 14, 1976. Throughout their 34 years of marriage, Loretta and Ralph experienced many happy and memorable moments, too many to summarize in this brief tribute. They made it a point twice a year, even after the birth of their two children, to get away on trips alone to the coast or to Lake Tahoe, to renew their love and commitment. While Loretta and Ralph had their share of personal tragedies over their 34 years of marriage, their love for each other nevertheless endured and they were looking forward to retirement and traveling abroad.

Loretta enjoyed life to the fullest. She was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, and friend and knew just how precious and short life could be. While she hoped to live a long life and to see her grandchildren, she also knew that each day was a blessing and she lived in the moment. She loved to dance and would look for any opportunity to take Ralph dancing, despite his protests. She enjoyed the company of close friends and preferred small intimate settings for dinner and socializing. She had a beautiful voice and was hoping to sing in the church choir after her retirement. While not many of her friends and relatives had the pleasure of hearing her sing, her immediate family did and will always cherish the memories of her beautiful voice. Loretta also enjoyed tending her garden and was particularly fond of her roses. They especially provided her inspiration and hope throughout her illness and she looked forward to seeing new blossoms in the Spring.

We love you Babe, Mama, Sister, Tia and Nina. We all miss you but know we will see you again in Paradise. Until then, may the Lord's perpetual light shine upon you and may you rest in peace. You are forever cherished and loved.

Loretta was preceded in death by her parents; and her brother, Larry Gomez.

She is survived and loved by her husband Ralph; her son and daughter-in-law, Adam and Vanessa; her daughter Elisa; her brother Leonard Gomez and his wife Lupe; six brothers -in-law and wives, Mitchell and Diane Jimenez, Andy and Felicia Jimenez, Fernando and Irene Jimenez, Bernard and Marilu Jimenez, Willie and Connie Flores, and Bradley and Lydia Whisenhunt; one additional sister-in-law, Elaine Jimenez-Obeso; 12 nephews; 11 nieces; seven great-nephews; seven great-nieces; and eight godchildren.

Visitation will be held at St. Lucy Catholic Church in Fowler, on Friday, February 25, 2011, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. followed by Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Lucy Catholic Church in Fowler on Saturday, February 26, 2011, at 11:30 a.m., followed by interment at St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery, in Fresno.