God welcomed our Mom to heaven on March 28, 2025. She battled and put up a good fight, especially the last few years after our Dad, her "one and only" passed. Mom was a 26-year liver transplant survivor which in itself is amazing. Mom showed us the true meaning of strength, courage, and determination.
Mom was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, always putting everyone first above her own health and needs. She always used to say "not to worry". Mom loved her family unconditionally, spoiling us, caring for us, and wanting only the best for us. Inside her small frame was a huge heart, always buying things for us and her grandchildren for every occasion, paying attention to detail to get everybody what they liked. Mom bought cards for birthdays and holidays that had to have shiny stuff on them and just the right sentiment on the inside. I'm so happy we were able to celebrate Mom's 91st birthday this past February with all her family in attendance.
She was a huge Fresno State Bulldogs fan and would decorate the house in red on game days. Mom was unique in that she had what could only be described as a "feisty" spirit at times. That's also what gave her that incredible strength and will to carry on despite her various ailments. Mom, you showed and taught us so much, especially the true meaning of family and perseverance.
Mom overcame so much growing up, but together with our Dad, laid the foundation for my brother and I to carry on the Del Real legacy.
My brother and I are so thankful God allowed Mom to have all her final wishes, to pass in her home and have last rites given while she was still able to participate.
Mom, there will always be a void in our hearts. You are irreplaceable and will be forever loved and missed. We take comfort in knowing you have been reunited with Dad and no longer are in pain. You are at peace, Mom. Enjoy Heaven with Dad, you deserve it. As I always used to tell you, whether you believed me or not, you had a reservation waiting for you in Heaven. You now know what I was talking about. Thank you for everything, our precious Mom. God be with you and Dad eternally.
Catalina is survived by her son Ralph Michael Del Real, Jr (Marlene) of Clovis, California; and her son Andrew Patrick Del Real, Sr. (Wendy) of Clovis, California; her grandson Michael Del Real, III, her granddaughter Stephanie Marie Arteaga (Robert), her grandson Andrew Patrick Del Real, Jr., her great granddaughter Aunika Iris Del Real, her great granddaughter Trinity Vue Del Real, her great grandson Nathaniel Garcia Del Real, her great granddaughter Elliana Antonia Arteaga and her great granddaughter Ariella Katherine Arteaga.
Catalina was preceded in death by her husband Ralph Michael Del Real, Sr.; her parents Demetrio and Helena Veloz; her brothers Silvero Veloz; Martin Veloz; Demetrio Veloz; Jesus Veloz; Joseph Veloz; her sisters Josie Veloz and Lucy Veloz and her brother Ricardo Veloz.
A visitation for Catalina will be held Tuesday, April 15, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Boice Funeral Home, 308 Pollasky Ave, Clovis, CA 93612, followed by a prayer service at 6:00 PM.
A mass of christian burial will occur Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 10:30 AM at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 929 Harvard Ave, Clovis, CA 93612, followed by a committal service at St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery, 264 North Blythe Avenue, Fresno, California 93706.
Serving as pallbearers are Ralph Michael Del Real, Jr., Andrew Partick Del Real, Sr., Andrew P. Del Real, Jr., Ralph Michael Del Real, III, Vincent Rosiles, Silvano Romero and Jimmy Garcia.
