Mary V. Lourenco, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother peacefully entered into rest on June 17, 2024, in Atwater, California. She was born on September 30, 1946, in Altares, Terceira, Aḉores, and was the daughter of João and Amelia Jacinto.
Mary married Joseph Frank Lourenco and together they moved to Cypress, California, where they resided for ten years before pursuing Joseph's dream of owning a dairy farm in Atwater, California. Mary has been a cherished resident of Atwater since 1972, dedicating herself to supporting her husband's dreams on the dairy for many years.
Years later, Mary found joy in her work with the Merced Union High School District, where she served as cafeteria staff for 18 years. She cherished her time at Atwater High School and Buhach Colony High School, and especially enjoyed her role in selling tickets for high school athletic events and getting to socialize with everyone she encountered.
Mary's greatest pride and joy were her family. She is survived by her three children and their spouses: Mary Ann Navarra (Kevin), Jo Ann Melo (John), and Joseph Agostinho Lourenco (Nivia). She adored her eight grandchildren: Jennifer Heredia (David), Joseph Medeiros (Dina), Justin Melo, Jeremy Melo, Jillian Allen (Wesley), Justine Navarra, Matthew Lourenco, and Olivia Lourenco. Her three great-grandchildren, Gracelyn Heredia, Rocklin Heredia, and Easton Medeiros, were the absolute light of her life.
Mary was a proud member of several community organizations including the Luso American Fraternal Society, Young Ladies Institute, Atwater Pentecost Club, Buhach Pentecost Inc., and St. Anthony's Portuguese Choir. She was a devoted parishioner of St. Anthony's Catholic Church.
Mary is survived by her sisters Dolores Coelho (Joao) and Lucia Pereira (Manuel). She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Frank Lourenco, her parents João and Amelia Jacinto, and her siblings Eliseu Jacinto, David Caetano, and Natal Loureiro.
Visitation will be held on June 30, 2024, from 4:00 -7:00 p.m. at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home in Merced, California, followed by a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on July 1, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Atwater. Graveside service to follow at Winton Cemetery District.
Mary's kindness, dedication to her family, and love for her community will forever be remembered and cherished by all who knew her.
