Dawna Maria Jonte, age 74, of Patterson, California, passed away on Saturday, March 8, 2025. She was born in Parsons, Kansas, and her family later moved to Sunnyvale, California, where she grew up and lived for most of her life. In the last few years, Dawna made her home in Patterson, where she continued to be a vibrant force of nature.
Dawna was a force to be reckoned with. A hardworking single mother who wore her resilience like armor, she demonstrated what it meant to hustle, to dream, and to never back down. She was an entrepreneur long before it was trendy, running her own businesses with the grit of someone who refused to let life’s challenges define her. Dawna didn’t just build businesses; she built a legacy of determination.
And oh, could she cook. Proudly calling herself the "whitest Mexican in the room," as she would joke, her kitchen was a portal to Mexico itself. Her enchiladas, tamales, and salsas were legendary—proof that love and stubbornness make the best recipes. She nourished everyone who walked through her door, offering both food and unwavering support. No matter how wild the dream, she was there, cheering louder than anyone.
Dawna had a love for Dr. Pepper that was unmatched. It had to be Diet or Cherry Dr. Pepper—nothing else would do. It was a small but telling detail of her personality: steadfast in her preferences and unapologetically herself.
During the summers, Dawna would drop her children off at Great America, trusting the world to keep them entertained while she worked. She would take them to BMX races across the state, turning pit stops into adventures with her friends. And who could forget the chihuahuas—those tiny, chaotic “ankle-biters” that kept the house lively?
Dawna loved her game shows, like The Price Is Right, Let’s Make a Deal, and her soap operas. She was not to be disturbed between the hours of 9 a.m. and noon, as that was her sacred time with her precious shows.
Dawna was fiercely devoted to her family—her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchild. She would do anything for them, always putting family first and showering them with love and support. Her love was unconditional, her loyalty unwavering. She was a constant source of strength for all who knew her.
Dawna is survived by her children: Candia Ocanas (Frank "Poncho"), Juanita Ocanas and son Juan Ocanas Jr.; her sister, Myrtle "Micki" Lopez (Ledrun); grandchildren: Frank Povoor III (Maria Vidal), Rebecca Povoor, Julian Povoor, Angelina Garman (Jesse), Nichole Ocanas, Mia Ocanas, Lindsey Ocanas, Silas Ocanas, River Ocanas, Larissa Ocanas, Khristopher Ocanas, Catrina Ocanas, Angeli Bucio and Paris Bucio; great-grandchildren: Olive Sawyer, Liana Trevino, Alyna Povoor, Jossalyn Povoor, Delane Povoor, Leilani Povoor, Nathaniel Povoor; and her great-great-grandson, Calogero Trevino.
Dawna was preceded in death by her son-in-law Richard Ocanas; her father, Frederick Jonte; her brothers, Bob Jonte and Fred Jonte; and her grandson, Joshua Povoor.
Dawna's legacy will live on in the hearts of her family, whose lives she touched deeply. Her strength, her unwavering love, and her enduring spirit will continue to inspire and guide them every day. She may no longer be with us, but the memories she created and the love she shared will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Dawna, knowing that your family will forever carry you in their hearts.
