She faithfully attended Mass and regularly prayed to the Virgin Mary in her home, she was a devoted Catholic. She loved any opportunity to attend a festa near and far where she caught up with old friends. In her younger years, she was very involved in the Portuguese Fraternal Organizations (even holding State Supreme Titles).
She loved music, dancing, sewing and gathering with family and friends as often as possible, including several trips abroad to Canada and the Azores for family reunions, weddings and vacations!
Although she suffered dearly her entire life with mental illness as well as other complications, she always found comfort in cooking and baking. Probably her greatest joy in life was learning she was a grandmother to Patrick. She has been able to watch him grow from infancy to kindergarten.
Our family misses her and prays she is finally resting her mind peacefully and is rejoicing with Jesus Christ. Thank you God for a peaceful and truly calm “Good Bye” on her last day living (spent with her daughter and grandson).
“I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die”. John 11:25-26 NLT ~ Through God we know she is resting from earth but living in eternal glory in Heaven.
Julie is survived by children; Theresa & Rusty Robinson and her grandson Patrick Steven Robinson of Hanford, CA and Steven Dias & Christy Martinez and her daughter Natasha Martinez of Albuquerque, NM. Julie also leaves behind her siblings and their families to cherish her memory; Ronaldo Rocha, Maria Aldira Rocha and Anna Teresa Rocha all of Terceira, Açores, Honoria Rocha Nunes of Canada and Francisco Manuel Rocha of Massachusetts.
Julie was preceded in death by her father Aniceto Rocha and mother Rosa Mel.
A Rosary and Funeral Mass for Julie will be held on Thursday, October 28, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Brigid Catholic Church celebrated by Fr. Joseph Govindu and Deacon John Sousa; 1001 N. Douty St, Hanford, CA. Graveside Service will be held the following day on Friday, October 29, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at North Hilmar Cemetery District by Fr. Isaque Meneses of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Hilmar; 8710 N. Tegner Rd, Hilmar, CA.
Serving as pallbearers are Steve Dias, Rusty Robinson, Patrick Robinson, Luke Robinson and Jacob Robinson.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.peoplesfuneralchapel.com for the Dias family.
