Mateus R. Vargas, age 92, of Santa Clara, California passed away on Thursday, May 6, 2021. Mateus was born September 8, 1928 in Silveira, Pico, Azores, Portugal. He is the loving son of the late Manuel and Maria Rodrigues Vargas. Beloved and adoring husband of Edalina Bettencourt Vargas for nearly 70 years, and a devoted father to Ana Vargas-Smith, and his son-in-law Darry Smith. Mateus was the youngest and is preceded by his 11 siblings: Maria, Mariana, Carolina, Manuel, Joao, Jose, Germina, Isilda, Alice, Loriana, and Antonio. He was a proud uncle, cousin and friend to numerous beautiful nieces, nephews, extended family and lifelong dear neighbors--many who have passed on.
Mateus loved Santa Clara California, as his second home for over 58 years, and was a proud American Citizen, but his love of Pico, the family, the farm, and Portuguese traditions were firmly embedded in his heart. Upon moving to Santa Clara, Mateus quickly went after his American Dream and built a life for his beloved wife and daughter. He bought two homes, joined St. Clare’s Parish, supported his daughter through Catholic school to University graduate--one of the firsts in his family. He was a member of the Santa Clara Our Lady of Fatima, St. Anthony and the SES (Society of the Holy Spirit)—a 125-year-old historic nonprofit with deep roots in Santa Clara since 1896. He was also a founding member of the Portuguese Social Hall in Silveira, Pico. Mateus loved community, festas and parades—a real people person and relished giving back his time, love and attention generously. Its often said that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, and Mateus shared with all that listened the joys of community like his Dad before him. Mateus fearlessly chose to start a new life in America and made the most of the land of opportunity. He believed anything was possible with faith, family, a plan, and hard work in America. Mateus believed his biggest accomplishment was his family whom he loved and was so loved in return.
The visitation will be held Monday May 24, 2021 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM at Lima Family Mortuary located at 466 N. Winchester Blvd., Santa Clara California with the Rosary starting at 3:30 PM.
On Tuesday May 25, 2021, a preview at Lima Family Mortuary will be held at 10 AM followed by his funeral mass from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at St. Clare Church, 725 Washington St, Santa Clara, CA 95050. After the funeral mass will be an entombment at the St. Joseph Mausoleum from 12:15 PM to 12:45 PM at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery, 490 Lincoln St, Santa Clara, CA 95050.
Flowers may be ordered and sent to Lima Family Mortuary directly for either day of Services. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for Mateus Vargas may be posted at www.limafamilysantaclara.com for the Vargas family. The site may be visited indefinitely in his memory.
Thank you and God Bless you all for being a part of our lives
The Vargas Family
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