Velma S Marques

Velma Simas Quaresma Marques was peacefully called to the Lord on Monday, January 20, 2014, with the love of her family surrounding her. Velma was born in Lajes do Pico, Azores, on January, 28 1931, to Francisco and Nascimento Quaresma. She married Manuel Marques on November 14, 1957 in Pico. There, they began their family and Velma gave birth to her three precious children Orlando, Frank and Angelina (Angie Marques-Bones). In 1970, their family, including her parents, arrived in the United States of America in hopes of pursuing the American dream. They lived in Hopeton, CA before eventually moving to Stevinson, CA. After living in Stevinson for 13 years, the family made their final move to Turlock, CA. Velma was a homemaker who truly made her house a home by filling it with love, laughter and good food. She also provided childcare for her grandchildren and the children of family friends. Upon the passing of her husband, Velma lived with and was cared for by her daughter Angie, son-in-law Chad and their family. For the past year Velma was a resident at Turlock Nursing and Rehabilitation. Her smile was contagious, her heart was kind and good and she truly exemplified “happiness”. She is survived by her siblings, Manuel (Mary) Quaresma of Oakland, Celina (Manuel) Dutra of Pico, her children, Orlando Marques (Karen) of Atwater, Frank Marques (Lisa) of Hilmar, and Angie Marques-Bones (Chad) of Turlock, along with 9 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, all of whom will forever cherish their memories of her. Velma was preceded in death by her brother Antonio, her parents Francisco and Nascimento Quaresma, great-granddaughter Sydnie Freitas and husband Manuel Marques. The family of Velma Marques would like to extend their sincerest appreciation for her nurses, caregivers and friends made at TNRC as well as Covenant Hospice. In lieu of flowers the family requests donation be made to the Manuel & Velma Marques Memorial Scholarship fund P.O. Box 1288 Hilmar, CA 95324 or Covenant Hospice 1850 Colorado Ave, Turlock, CA 95382.

Services: Visitation; 2:00 to 8:00 PM, Friday, January 24, 2014 at Whitehurst, Norton & Dias Funeral Chapel, 286 W. Main St., Turlock, California, with Vigil & Rosary at 7:00 PM. Funeral Mass, 10:00 AM, Saturday, January 25, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church,20263 American Ave., Hilmar, CA. Burial following the mass to Turlock Memorial Park, 575 N. Soderquist Rd., Turlock, California.

Arrangements under the direction of Whitehurst, Norton & Dias Funeral Service, Turlock, CA. (209)634-4904, www.whitehurstnortondiasfunerals.com