A proud member of the Portuguese community, Maria was deeply involved with the Portuguese Festas, particularly MPPA Modesto and Our Lady of Fátima Festa in Thornton. She cherished her Portuguese heritage and expressed it through her love for cooking, baking, and hosting her family. Maria’s home was always a gathering place where delicious meals were shared and cherished family moments were made.
She had a special relationship with her siblings, filled with laughter and playful teasing. Her wit and vibrant personality brought joy to everyone around her. She had so much love for her daughter and grandchildren, with whom she had an especially close bond. Maria will be remembered for her love of family, her generosity, and the warmth she brought to all who knew her.
Maria is survived by her daughter, Alexandra Serpa Lourenço of Modesto, her brothers António Alberto Ávila (Eugenia) of Faial, Germano Ávila (Dina) of Stockton, João Ávila (Debbie) of Escalon, and Paulo Ávila (Stephanie) of Stockton, her sisters Tininha Soares of Modesto and Evangelina Tavares of Hilmar. She also leaves behind her grandchildren Peyton Vincent, Grace Lourenço, and step-grandchildren Zachary Sandoval, Makaila Lourenço, Sam Lourenço, Mikie Lourenço, and Emily Lourenço. Maria is also survived by 15 nieces and nephews, 20 great nieces and nephews, and 2 great-great nieces.
Maria was preceded in death by her beloved husband, António F. Serpa; her father, João Ávila; her mother, Maria Matilde Sousa; and her sister, Maria Fátima Mayer.
A Recitation of the Rosary and funeral mass for Maria will be held Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Old St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 709 J St, Modesto, CA 95354. A committal service will follow at St. Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery, 1141 Scenic Dr, Modesto, CA 95350.
Serving as pallbearers are Peyton Vincent, Jason Rocha, Jaycob Rocha, Kyle Rocha, Keith Hart, Justin Ávila, Josh Vincent, Paul Tavares and Phillip Soares.
Maria will be deeply missed by her family and friends, but her memory and the love she shared will live on forever.
