Eleanor Louise Zarate

Jan. 17, 1918-May 12, 2012

Eleanor Zarate was born on January 17, 1918 in Merced, CA to Martin and Trinidad Gomez and passed away on May 12, 2012 in Turlock, CA at the age of 94.

Eleanor was a lifelong resident of the Merced area. She enjoyed traveling, especially trips to Monterey and Carmel with daughter Mary. She enjoyed dining out, the unique times spent with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as large gatherings with all of her family and many friends. She loved gardening, plants & flowers, especially her roses. Eleanor had a great sense of humor and even at 94 years old had a great mind and a twinkle in her eyes. She will be greatly missed by all.

Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Joe, and sisters, Carmel and Mary; her loving husband Joe, infant daughter Gloria; grandson Ralph Zarate, granddaughters Kathryn Ortiz and Andrea Zarate.

She is survived by brother Edward (Dolores) Gomez; son, Robert (Henrietta) Zarate and his children, Elizabeth, Cindy and Trinidad, 17 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren; son, Charlie Zarate and his children, Richard, Ruben, Keith (raised by Eleanor and Joe as their son), Angelo, Carolann, and 9 grandchildren; daughter, Mary Duarte and her children, Mary Elena, Manuel, Lorraine, and 7 grandchildren; daughter, Juanita (Randol) Thrasher and her children, Marcus Ortiz, Eric Ortiz, Randi Thrasher, 6 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren; daughter, Eleanor Reinero and children, Eden, Peter, Desiree, and 1 grandson; son, Richard (Dawn) Zarate, daughter, Tina, and 2 grandchildren; and son, Raymond Zarate and children, Joe, Ray, and 2 grandchildren. Additionally survived by many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends-too numerous to mention.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 21, 2012 from 2:00pm-7:00pm at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, 1490 B St., Merced, CA with Recitation of Rosary to follow at 7:00pm. Services will be on Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at 11:00am at Merced District Cemetery, 1300 B St., Merced, CA.

Arrangements are under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home.