Maryann Frances Souza

Maryann Frances Souza was born to Frank Vierra and Delphina Frances Noya in Merced, California on October 26, 1935, and passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 7, 2016 in Merced after a brief battle with cancer at the age of 80.

Maryann grew up on the family farm in the Franklin area and graduated from Merced High School in 1953. She was an office manager for 15 years at C&S Motor Service, the family business founded by her husband and love of her life, John Joseph Souza. Married for 58 years, she was a devoted wife to her husband and homemaker to her family. A member of St. Patrick’s church, she had a keen sense of fashion and design and great love of music.

Maryann enjoyed cooking, gardening, and RV camping. She cherished family vacations to Pismo Beach and cruises with her loved ones. She also loved dogs, and was exceedingly proud of her children, her home, and her 2001 Toyota Camry. She will forever be in our hearts.

Maryann is preceded in death by her parents; Frank Vierra and Delphina Frances Noya, husband; John Joseph Souza and daughter; Carol Ann Souza.

She is survived by her daughters; Sandra Lynn (John Sowers) Souza of Newark, CA, Mary Souza (Jeff) Erramouspe of Austin, TX, brothers; Roland Paul and Marvin Frank Noya, sisters; Ruth Marie Belcher, Lola Frances Dutra and Frances Della Noya,

and grandson; Michael Preston Sowers.

The family would like to thank Crissy Warnock and the staffs at Bristol Hospice and Mission Gardens for their loving and kind care. Additionally the family thanks Dr. Sidhu, Dr. Lam and their respective staffs for providing years of attentive medical care. The family would also like to thank Dr. Choulakian and the team at Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno, and Dr. Mahmoudieh and his partners and staff for their

care over the past three months.

In lieu of flowers the family is asking for donations to be made in Maryann’s name to: Bristol Foundation (Hospice Care), 374 East Yosemite Ave, Suite 200, Merced, CA 95340; or The American Brain Tumor Association, 8550 W. Bryn Mawr Ave, Suite 550, Chicago, IL 60631; or to the charity of your choice.

On Saturday, May 21, 2016 the Souza family will be formally receiving guests and family from 10:30 A.M. - 11:00 A.M., with a memorial to begin at 11:00 A.M. at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home located at 1490 B Street Merced, CA. A reception with light lunch will follow at the Stratford Evans reception hall.