On Wednesday, November 29th our beloved Mother claimed her place in heaven after 86 delightful years on earth. Maria Luisa (Soto) Franco passed away at Regional Medical Center with loved ones by her side.
Maria treasured and cared for her 16 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. With a keen fondness for birds, Maria continuously added a parakeet, finch, or cockatiel to her large family. In her spare time Maria enjoyed knitting and crochet. Numerous mittens, beanies, and outfits were fashioned by her dainty hands. She earned additional money for the family while working as a seasonal employee at California Cannery Growers during the 1970’s and 80’s.
Born on a small farm in Canatlán, Durango, Mexico, she moved to San Jose, California in 1975 with her husband Ignacio “Nacho” who preceded her in heaven. Maria is survived by her son and daughters: Blanca Melgar (Tino), Johnny Franco (Susan), Bertha Fernandez (Manuel), Gloria Gaxiola (Keith) and Olaguivel Figueroa (Victor); Grandchildren: Vanessa, Luis, JC and Alex Melgar; Nayelli, Monique, and Ariel Franco; Manuel Jr., Steven, Michelle and Christian Fernandez; Giovanni and Andre Gaxiola, and Victor Jr., Brianna and Anthony Figueroa; and Great-Grand Children: Jacob, Ayden, and Liam Melgar, James Dean Franco and Azriel Rocha Franco.
A devout Catholic, she instilled the love of God in all her children. Several friends and family received a heavenly blessing from Maria prior to their departure.
A viewing will be held at Lima Family Erikson Memorial Chapel (710 Willow Street, San Jose CA 95125) on Wednesday, December 13th from 5:00 pm -7:00 pm (Rosary begins at 6:00 pm). On Thursday, December 14th an afternoon mass will take place at Five Wounds Portuguese National Parish (1375 East Santa Clara Street, San Jose CA 95116) at 1:30 pm. Maria will enter her final resting place at Oak Hill Funeral Home & Memorial (300 Curtner Avenue, San Jose CA 95125-E. Portal Drive) at 3:00 pm.
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