Mrs. Mary C. Souza, age 64 “Entered into Rest” on Monday, May 6, 2013 at her home in Stevinson, CA with her family by her side.  Mrs. Souza was born in Salão, Faial, Azores, a resident of Merced County for 45 years and she was a homemaker for 43 years. She is survived by Her Husband John S. Souza of Stevinson and they were married for 43 years; Two Sons – Johnny Souza and His Wife Rebecca Souza of Stevinson and Daniel Souza and His Wife Lisa Souza of Hilmar; Three Daughters – Bernadette Collier and Her Husband Jeff Collier of Hilmar, Mary Anne Dores and Her Husband Frank M. Dores of Atwater and Diane Relva and Her Husband Marcio Relva of Hilmar; Ten Grandchildren – Joseph Collier, Jared Collier, Sarah Collier, Breana Souza, Gabriel Souza, Miranda Dores, Audrey Dores, Evelyn Dores, Natalie Dores and Emily Relva. Mrs. Souza was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church of Hilmar, S.P.R.S.I. of Stevinson, Y.L.I. “St. Patrick” of Holy Rosary Catholic Church of Hilmar and a Director of the Stevinson Pentecost Association. She loved gardening and always looked forward to trips to the coast with her loving husband. She was devoted to her faith and was an active parishioner, often serving as a lecture at St. Mary’s in Stevinson. She was active in the Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group of Hilmar and found great solace in the power of prayer. Her family was her pride.  She was patient, kindhearted, supportive and comforting to her husband of 43 years, five children and ten grandchildren. There will be a Visitation at the Whitehurst, Norton & Dias Funeral Chapel, 286 W. Main St., Turlock on Sunday, May 12, 2013 from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. and Vigil, Rosary will be that evening 7:00 p.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 20263 American Ave., Hilmar.  The Funeral Mass will be on Monday, May 13, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Hilmar and Interment to follow at Turlock Memorial Park, 575 N. Soderquist Rd., Turlock.
Arrangements are under the direction of Whitehurst, Norton & Dias Funeral Service
(209)634-4904 www. whitehurstnortondiasfunerals.com