Antonia G. Santos

Dec. 11, 1917 – Jan. 3, 2012

“Tonita” as she was known to many has returned to our heavenly father to be reunited with her husband and three sons to become another one of the Lord’s Guardian Angels.

Tonita was born in the remote village of Las Cruces, Jalisco, Mexico to Margarito Gomez Medina and Viviana Barba Santos.

As a young mother, she immigrated to the U.S. in 1953 with her husband and six children.

Family and faith were extremely important to her and she believed in the power of prayer. She was an active and devoted member of Sacred Heart Church, its choir and prayer groups. She dedicated her daily prayer of the rosary for all who were ill, departed and lost in this world. For many years she worked as a farm worker, packing shed sorter and cannery worker. She loved to crochet, sew, cook and garden.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Esteban Santos, and her sons: Benito I, Benito II and Francisco. Survivors include her children: Maximo, Efren, Jesus, Jose, Soledad (Rubio) and Margaret (Lambert). Also surviving are her sisters: Maria, Carmen and Luz Gomez of México. She is also survived by 18 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

The family of “Tonita” is especially thankful to the nursing staff of Anberry Rehabilitation Hospital for the loving care and support given to us and our mother. It was truly appreciated. In addition, we would also like to thank the staff of Hinds Hospice.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 5, 2012 from 3:00 P.M-7:30 P.M. with Recitation of Rosary to be at 6:00 P.M. at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home. Services will be on Friday, January 6, 2012 at 10:00 A.M. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 552 W 13th St., Merced, CA. with burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations made to Hinds Hospice, 410 W Main St., Ste. A, Merced, CA., (209)383-3123.

Arrangements under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, Merced, CA.