Maria Amelia Simoes

1929 ~ 2017

Maria Amelia Camilo Simoes, 88, of Terceira, Azores passed away November 3, 2017 in Turlock, CA after a long-term illness. Maria emigrated from Terceira, Azores at 19 years of age. She was a hard worker, and when she arrived home tired from work, she didn’t stop there. She cooked dinner for the family and made sure we finished our homework every night before bed. For many years, the family attended mass on a daily basis at Sacred Heart Church in Turlock and then at Our Lady of Assumption Church (OLA) when it was in its infancy as the Portuguese Cultural Center. Maria and Antonio Simoes were instrumental in supporting the establishment of OLA along with other co-founders in this community. For many years, Maria sang in the church choir, and she especially loved it when the choir traveled to neighboring churches for Christmas performances.

After her husband, Antonio Ribeiro Simoes passed away unexpectedly, it was a struggle for her as a young widow at the age of 42. She forged ahead working full-time to support her family including helping her aging mother and younger brothers when they needed her the most. Soon after losing her husband, she lost one of her brothers, Antonio Camilo, when he was just 39 years of age. She endured two major losses in a short period of time, and it was her faith in God and the support of her family and church community that helped her survive such heart-wrenching loss.

She was a generous person willing to help others including co-workers and needy families. Her last employer was Foster Farms where she worked for over 25 years. Upon her retirement, she received many accolades from her supervisors and co-workers. They also talked about how they would miss her Portuguese sweet bread that she often took to work. I could go on and on telling stories about her. Needless to say, Maria lived a full life with the support of her family and friends. She was most proud of her children and grandchildren encouraging them all to do well in school and go to college. And, any chance she got, she would brag about their accomplishments.

The family would like to thank Maria’s caregivers, especially Andreia, who helped care for her when she was at home. Special thanks also to Antonio, Virginia, David, Antonia, Monica, Mary, Elvira and Linda who helped ensure there was always someone with her at every meal while she was in the hospital and in the nursing home. Thanks to all the caregivers at Brandel Manor who ensured her comfort the past year. We’d also like to thank family and friends who visited her as her health gradually declined.

She is survived by her children, Emilia Simoes and Mary & Tony Borba; five grandchildren and spouses, Joseph & Antonia Borba, Daniel & Michelle Borba, David & Alexis Borba, Monica & Tony Salvador, Alex Simoes-McArtor & Danielle Roske; and, nine great-grandchildren, Anthony, Ava, Ty, Lia, Antone, Patricia, Luke, Annalise and Mary Catherine.

Rosary and Funeral Mass will be held 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 10th at Our Lady of Assumption Church in Turlock, CA. A private burial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a non-profit organization, which supports four homes for orphans in Brazil. Mail donations to: Spirit of Fr. Mata, P.O. Box 3718, Turlock, CA 95381.

Arrangements under the direction of Whitehurst-Norton-Dias Funeral Service (FD504), Turlock, CA.