Maria Lidia Borges

She was born in Loural, São Jorge, Azores to Manuel and Maria Madalena Cardoso. She was a resident of Modesto for 58 years. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Mariano M. Borges, her infant daughter, Wilhemina Borges and son, Leonard Borges. She is also predeceased by brothers, Mario Cardoso, Manuel Ernesto Cardoso, Jose Vasco Cardoso and Manuel Macedonio Cardoso. She will be sadly missed by her children Edward Borges of Fresno, Mabel Borges-Gomes (Frank) of Modesto, Lionel Borges of Modesto and William Borges of Modesto. She leaves her grandchildren Elizabeth Borges-Herzog (Andrew), Johnny Borges-Herzog (Rachael), Matthew Herzog (Amanda), Rachel Muhlenberg, Emily Purser (Ryan), Sheryl Rouse (Chuck), Katie Payne (Blake), Brandon Nunes, Chynah Anderson and eight great grandchildren. Surviving siblings are brother Manuel Armelim Cardoso (Maria) of Delhi, sisters Beatriz Matos (Flaminio) of Modesto and Maura Lino (Manuel) of Turlock. Other family members include sister-in-law, Maria Ricardina Cardoso and many nieces and nephews.

In 1946, Maria Lidia met her husband, Mariano, in Loural, when he was there visiting his mother and probably looking for a wife. He invited her to come to America and on December 12, at age 18, she married him in their village church. Soon after, she left for the United States, her dreamland of opportunity and a better future. She subsequently set in motion, the pathway for her family to follow, eventually seeing all of them here in California. She placed a high value on education, quickly learning English herself and gradually learning to navigate life in her new country. For her children, she emphasized the importance of an education and pursuing the opportunities she never had. Maria was known for the bountiful generosity of her time, money and skills, especially involving others trying to make a start in this country. Together, Maria and Mariano raised their children on the family dairy while she worked hard as a homemaker, seamstress and was also employed by Haig Berberian and Tri-Valley. She was a member of St. Jude’s Catholic Church in Ceres and Portuguese organizations, S.P.R.S.I., Luso-American Society and PFSA. She enjoyed her family, her Catholic faith, her Portuguese heritage, sewing, cooking, and playing cards. In recent years, she loved to recount stories of her youth to whoever would listen.

The family would like to thank Lucia Silva for her devoted and loving care, Fr. David Gentry for his spiritual support and also Optimal Hospice Care.

Services:Visitation will be Thursday, December 29 from 2-8 PM at Whitehurst-Norton-Dias, 286 West Main St., Turlock, CA., with the vigil and rosary at 7 PM. The funeral Mass will be at 10 AM on Friday, December 30, at St. Jude Catholic Church, 3824 Mitchell Rd, Ceres. She will be laid to rest at St. Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery, 1141 Scenic Drive, Modesto.

Memorial gifts may be made to St. Jude’s St. Vincent de Paul Society or Optimal Hospice Foundation.

Arrangements under the direction of Whitehurst-Norton-Dias Funeral Service, 286 W. Main St., Turlock, CA. (209) 634-4904

www.dignitymemorial.com/whitehurst-norton-dias-funeral-service