Evelyn N. Rocha, 86, of Hilmar, passed away Saturday peacefully with her family by her side.

Born in Hughson to parents native of Portugal, Albano Cardoza and Mary B.(Morais) Cardoza-Perry,  Evelyn was raised and attended school in Hilmar.  As a child, her older brothers nicknamed her "Swede," at 19 she married her soul-mate Jerome Rocha.  They had celebrated 67 wonderful years together.  She was a homemaker and worked as a waitress for many years at Turlock Livestock.  Upon retiring, she and Jerome loved to travel with their trailer and camp out with friends knitting her slippers and blankets.  Evelyn loved visiting the casinos and paying her yearly dues to the them.  She was a member of YLI #223 Hilmar, SES #21 Newman, and American National.

 Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jerome J. Rocha; son, Jerome (Jerry) Rocha, Jr.; brothers, Edwin Cardoza, Frank Cardoza, Vern Cardoza, Christodio Cardoza, Manuel Cardoza; and sister, Tillie Santos.

 Evelyn is survived by her brother, Tony Cardoza, Modesto; daughters, Beverly Statzer (Jim) Modesto, Linda Lopes (Ed) Denair; grandchildren: Joe Enos, Jr., Sherri Myers, Tina Enos, Eddie Lopes, Robert Lopes, Bernadette Lopes, Nathan Rocha, Nicole Nordgreen, Valerie Rodrigues; 22 greatgrandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.

 In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Turlock Community Hospice.

Funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, July 20 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Turlock. Interment to be held at Turlock Memorial Park. 

The family would like to thank Turlock Community Hospice and granddaughter Tina Enos for their care and support. 

Service under direction of Whitehurst, Norton & Dias Funeral Service. www.whitehurstnortondiasfunerals.com