Marge Nunes, 92, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2012, at her home in Keyes after living with Parkinson's disease since 2008. Marge was born Margaret Irene Souza on January 6, 1920 to Tillie and John Souza at their home, also in Keyes. She attended Keyes Elementary School and graduated from Turlock High School in 1938. Marge married George Nunes in 1939. Two years later they moved into the home they would share until his death in 1993 and where she would continue to live on her own until her own death.
Marge and George enjoyed many joyous times together in their 54 years of marriage including traveling to Europe and to annual Knights of Columbus conventions. They spent their honeymoon in Lake Tahoe and returned often to South Shore with their children. The beach and boardwalk in Santa Cruz was another of Marge's favorite places. Her children have fond memories of family trips to Los Angeles for the USC/Notre Dame football games (with a side trip to Disneyland), to Victoria, British Columbia in 1959 to see the young Queen Elizabeth II, and to the 1965 World's Fair in New York City, driving cross-country in their first air-conditioned Ford.
Marge was a charter member of Young Ladies Institute (YLI), Antoinette Institute #193, in Hughson-Ceres and recently celebrated 62 years of fellowship with these women. Over the years, she participated in many YLI activities, including the flag team, volunteered regularly for its community projects, and modeled her bridal gown in a fashion show, still trim enough to wear it more than 50 years later.
After many years devoted to being a wife and mother, Marge entered the business world at age 53 when she and her daughter, Cathy Richardson, opened The Bookworm in Turlock, the city's first independent bookstore. Marge developed her own love of reading, which she continued for many years. Marge renewed friendships with her high school classmates after they celebrated their 50th class reunion. She took pleasure in meeting them for lunch each month and sharing stories about children, grandchildren, and the joys and challenges that come with growing older.
In addition to daughter Cathy and her husband Arlen Richardson of Mi Wuk Village, Marge is survived by three other children: Cynthia Motsinger of Novato, Jane Ales of Modesto, and George Nunes of Seattle; and six grandchildren: Chris and Carrie Motsinger, John Ales, and Annie, Cady and Cassandra Richardson.
Marge's family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers at Arcadia Home Care, Interim HealthCare, and Community Hospice. Their devoted kindness made it possible for Marge to live with dignity at home until the end of her life.
Viewing will be held at Allen Mortuary on Thursday, June 21st from 3:00 -7:00 p.m. with a rosary and vigil service to follow at 7:00 p.m. also at Allen Mortuary. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m, Friday, June 22nd at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Remembrances may be made to YLI Antoinette Institute #193 to establish Mary's Garden, a memorial garden to be constructed at St. Anthony's Church in Hughson (c/o Pat McGuire, 4243 Tully Road, Hughson, CA 95326). Please share your memories at www.allenmortuary.com.
Turlock Journal
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
