Lurdes Costa Espinola, age 70, of Hilmar, California, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 4, 2025, at Doctors Medical Center in Modesto. A vibrant and loving woman, Lurdes brought joy, generosity, and warmth to all who knew her.
Born in Porto Judeu, Terceira, Açores to Maria de Lourdes Costa and José da Rocha de Melo, Lurdes was deeply proud of her heritage and embraced it throughout her life. She was known for her energy, her smile, and her unwavering commitment to faith, family, and culture.
A faithful parishioner of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Hilmar, Lurdes was deeply involved in the Portuguese community. She was a member of P.F.S.A., loved to dance with the local Folklorico groups, and generously volunteered at festas and community events. She was the heart of every gathering, always ready to host a party with enough food to feed the entire town. In her garden, she found peace and joy, tending to her beautiful flowers, and in her life, she found purpose through helping others, always offering a hand to those in need.
She was larger than life, full of laughter, spirit, and love. She enjoyed her margaritas, but nothing brought her more happiness than spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her love for her family was fierce and unconditional.
Lurdes is survived by her children: Lisabel Sperry (Rusty) of Visalia, Susie Espinola of Turlock, Dorothy Espinola of Turlock, Marlene Ramos (Jose) of Riverbank, Jessica Stevens (Josh) of Stevinson, Melanie Espinola of Turlock, and her son Xavier Espinola of Hilmar. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Christopher Espinola, Samantha Ramos, Dominic Ramos, Sky Sperry, Briane Pimentel, Honorato Pimentel, Emily Stevens, Zander Guerra, Maiya Guerra, Brooklynn Guerra, Ave Benitas, Darion Pimentel, and Adamaster Pimentel.
She is also survived by her siblings Josefina Martins of Hilmar and José Mello (Amelia) of San Jose, as well as a large extended family and many dear friends.
Lurdes was preceded in death by her husband Alberto Espinola, her father José da Rocha de Melo, her mother Maria de Lourdes Costa de Melo, and her brother Manuel Luis Melo.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Whitehurst-Norton-Dias Funeral Service, located at 286 West Main Street, Turlock, California. A Recitation of the Rosary and Funeral Mass will follow on Friday, July 18, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 20263 American Avenue, Hilmar, California. Following the Mass, a committal service will take place at North Hilmar Cemetery, 8710 North Tegner Road, Hilmar, California.
Lurdes leaves behind a legacy of love, community, and celebration. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who were blessed to know her.
Lurdes Costa Espinola, de 70 anos, de Hilmar, Califórnia, faleceu no Doctors Medical Center em Modesto, na sexta-feira, 4 de julho de 2025. Viveu os últimos 23 anos em Hilmar.
Nascida em Porto Judeu, na ilha Terceira, Açores, filha de Maria de Lourdes Costa e José da Rocha de Melo.
A Sra. Espinola deixa de luto os seus filhos: Lisabel Sperry (Rusty), de Visalia; Marlene Ramos (José), de Riverbank; Jessica Stevens (Josh), de Stevinson; Xavier Espinola, de Hilmar; Susie Espinola, Dorothy Espinola e Melanie Espinola todas de Turlock. Também deixa os seus irmãos Josefina Martins, de Hilmar, e José Mello (Amélia), de San Jose, sete netos, seis bisnetos, além de outros familiares e amigos.
A Sra. Espinola foi precedida na morte pelo seu esposo Alberto Espinola; seus pais José da Rocha de Melo e Maria de Lourdes Costa de Melo; e o seu irmão Manuel Luís Melo.
Era paroquiana da Igreja Católica do Santo Rosário em Hilmar, Califórnia, e membro da P.F.S.A.
O velório será na quinta-feira, 17 de julho de 2025, das 4 às 8 da noite na Whitehurst-Norton-Dias Funeral Service, 286 West Main, Turlock, CA 95380-4814.
A recitação do terço e a missa de corpo presente serão na sexta-feira, 18 de julho de 2025, às 10h da manhã na Igreja Católica do Santo Rosário, 20263 American Avenue, Hilmar, CA 95324 seguindo-se o enterro no Cemitério North Hilmar, 8710 North Tegner Road, Hilmar, CA 95324.
Que sua alma decanse em paz.
