Julia Contreras

Julia Torres Contreras was born on Sunday, April 24, 1932, in El Paso, TX, to Maria Medina and José Torres. Julia passed away peacefully in home care in Newman, CA, on January 3, 2025, at the age of 92.

Her family moved to Le Grand, Ca where she graduated from Le Grand High School in 1950. Julia worked at Merced Community Medical Center in the billing department for 20 years and later retired.

Julia had a passion for gardening, attending and watching San Francisco Giants and 49ers games, cooking, and sewing. She was an incredibly strong and dedicated single mother who raised seven children and found immense joy in watching her grandchildren grow up. Julia was a member of the Merced Beta Sigma Phi, sorority Eta Mu. She also enjoyed bowling and was a proud member of the Koffee Keglers League, where she and her Casa Contreras Tile Team won Championships in 1973-74.

Julia is survived by her two siblings Elena Lovato, Gene Martinez, five children Theresa Andren (Jeff Teverbaugh), Steven Contreras, David Contreras, Edward Contreras, and Elizabeth (Bill) Azevedo. Thirteen grandchildren, Leonard Contreras, Lillian Martinez, Lucas Contreras, Ivan Andren, Julie Kellum, Robert Contreras, Amber Contreras, Carmen Garcia, Adrienne Johnson, Eric Contreras, Haley Azevedo, Laci Azevedo, Dylan Azevedo; nine great grandchildren and their respective spouses. Followed by numerous nieces and nephews. Julia is preceded in death by parents Maria Martinez, José Torres; Juan (Uncle)

Medina; sisters Josphine Mejia, Conchita (Nickie) Bagwell; brother Antonio (Tony) Martinez Jr.; and sons Leonard Contreras, Richard (Dickie) Contreras.

A visitation will be held on Monday January 27, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home 1490 B Street Merced CA. A funeral mass will be Tuesday January 28, 2025 at Sacred Heart Church Planada at 10:00 a.m.. Burial to follow at Plainsburg Cemetery.