Evelyn Jimenez

August 8, 1955-October 13, 2011

Evelyn Jimenez was granted her angel wings after a courageous 6 year battle with cancer on October 13, 2011.Her final days were spent surrounded by family and friends that Evelyn had touched in some way throughout her very memorable life.

She was born in Merced California on August 8, 1955. At the age of 21,Evelyn was blessed to meet her soul mate, Miguel “Mike” Jimenez. Mike and Evelyn were married on May 21, 1977 and would tirelessly spend the next 34 years loving and caring for one another. They continuously illuminated the meaning of marriage, family and love. Evelyn also was blessed with three daughters Geneva Samuelson, Jennifer Jimenez Manzo, and Natalia Jimenez, as well as seven grandchildren, Eric and Mateo Samuelson, Dominique, Julian and Topanga Manzo,Sebastian Jimenez and Gianna Rich, and her greatest joy was her family. She shared her pride and love with all about them, and considered herself blessed each day to be a part of their lives. Evelyn was a wonderful mother and best friend to her daughters. When it came to her grandchildren, she managed to blend honesty, respect and actions, with an incredible amount of love to become an unforgettable person in their lives and heart. Evelyn also enjoyed going to the beach with family and friends, and crocheting in her spare time.

In July 2005, Evelyn was first diagnosed with cancer and shortly after that news she would make a decision that would change lives. Evelyn elected not only to fight the cancer with grace and dignity, but also request additional test and research to be done for the development of preventative cancer treatments and possible cures for the disease. On her 33th wedding anniversary she spent her entire day in the kitchen for a fundraiser for Hinds Hospice Angel Babies Program, and since her diagnosis, Evelyn managed to attend every Relay for Life, regardless of how ill she was. Evelyn’s six year battle was nothing short of awe inspiring.

Evelyn is survived by her husband Miguel Jimenez, her daughters,Geneva Samuelson, Jennifer Jimenez Manzo, and her spouse Jose Manzo, and Natalia Jimenez; her grandchildren, Eric and Mateo Samuelson, Dominique, Julian and Topanga Manzo, Sebastian Jimenez; her mother Lucy Guerrero; her sister Susan Jimenez; her brothers Raymond, Daniel, Robert, Eugene Guerrero and nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her granddaughter Gianna Rich, her brother James Guerrero, and her father Severo Guerrero.

Evelyn Jimenez brought great joys to all those around her. She will be missed, but never forgotten.

Visitation will be held at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home on: Thursday, October 20, 2011 from 2:00pm-5:00pm.

Rosary Services will be held at: St. Patricks, 671 E. Yosemite Ave, Merced, CA, Thursday, October 20, 2011 at 7:00pm.

Mass will be held at St. Patricks Church at: 10:00am on Friday, October 21, 2011.

In lieu of flowers family is asking donations be made to the American Cancer Society, 301 W. 18th Street, Suite 101, Merced, CA or Hinds Hospice, 410 W. Main Street, #A, Merced, CA.

Arrangements under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, Merced, CA.