Mary Emma Gertrude Faleiro Swope, age 86 passed away at Brandel Manor in Turlock on Thursday, October 5, 2017.  Mary Emma was born November 15, 1930 in Goa, India to Camilo and Artimisia Faleiro.

As a young nun and teacher Mary Emma immigrated to the USA.  In addition to being a nun, she also had a 25 year career as a Catholic School teacher.  She was extremely independent and not afraid to live life authentically.  To that end, in her mid-fifties she made a life changing decision and left her convent life.   She then married Nevin Swope.  Mary Emma continued to be a dedicated, faithful follower of the Catholic Church.  

She lived her life in service to others.  Her generous nature has left a profound impact on many nieces and nephews, and all who knew and loved her.  She sponsored and helped her sister, as well as her nieces and nephews immigrate to the USA.  She leaves behind a legacy of changing the lives of others.

Mary Emma is survived by her sister Telma Quadros, 23 nieces and nephews, and many more great nieces and nephews.  

Mrs. Mary Emma Faleiro Swope was preceded in death by her husband Nevin Swope, her parents Camilo & Artimisia Faleiro, brothers Roque and Norbert Faleiro; as well as her sisters Lucilia Soares, Filomena Rodrigues, and Zamira Faleiro.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, October 15, 2017 from 2-8PM at Whitehurst-Norton-Dias Funeral Service: 286 W. Main Street Turlock, CA 95380.  Recitation of the Rosary will begin at 6PM.

Funeral Mass will be held 11:30AM on Monday, October 16, 2017 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church: 1200 Lyons Avenue Turlock, CA 95380.  Mary Emma will be laid to rest privately.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to be made in Mary Emma’s name to: United Samaritan’s Foundation

220 S. Broadway

Turlock, CA 95380

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