Helena Melo, 89, of Turlock died April 5 at Emanuel Hospital in Turlock. She was a resident of Turlock and lived in Stanislaus County for 44 years. She was a homemaker, a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Turlock and Our Lady of Fatima Society of Turlock.  She loved to cook for everyone and enjoyed her garden with many plants and flowers.  She also loved to read and crochet.  Her family was her joy. She was always full of wisdom and good wishes of advice that filled their hearts with prayers and laughter.  God was always first and her strength.

She is survived by her sons, Manuel Melo and his wife, Helen, of Patterson, John Melo and his wife, Inez, of Tracy, Tony Melo and his wife, Bernedette, of Modesto, Jim Melo and his wife, Brenda, of Patterson; daughters, Mary Helena Avila and her husband, Manuel, of French Camp, Connie Ferreira and her husband, Manuel, of Hayward, Magaret Parsons and her husband, John, of Union City, Edwina Rocha and her husband, David, of Turlock and Mary Jo Talbot and her husband, John, of Turlock; 21 grandchildren; and 31 great grandchildren. 

Their mother was their spiritual guidance, their support and their family rock.  Her wit and great sense of humor kept them smiling and gave them life.  The memories they have will forever be kept in their hearts, she will be missed everyday of their lives.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, John P. Melo on June 5, 2005; four children; one great grandchild; eight brothers; and three sisters. 

Services have been held. Burial was at Turlock Memorial Park, 575 N. Soderquist. 

Services are under the direction of Whitehurst, Norton & Dias Funeral Service of Turlock, www.whitehurstnortondiasfunerals.com.