Kathleen "Kate" Nunes

If you were ever at a restaurant or local winery, and met a fun-loving, hilarious red head and walked out with a new best friend, then you probably met Kate. Kathleen “Kate” Martin Nunes passed peacefully at home surrounded by her family praying the holy rosary on January 28, 2018 in Lodi, California at the age of 70.

Kate is survived by her loving husband, Alvin Nunes, with whom she shared 48 years of marriage; her sons, Brandon (Jennifer) of Carmichael and Christopher Nunes of Sacramento. Kate is also survived by her sisters Margaret “Peggy” Olson, of Capitola, Susetta Perez of Stockton, Frances Flemming of Grover City, Sr. Merlynn Jane Martin C.S.J. of Concord, Judith Letourneau of Gilbert, Arizona, brothers John “Tom” Martin of Phoenix, Arizona, Jerry Martin of Gilroy, Timothy Martin of Modesto, as well as many nieces and nephews. Kate was preceded in death by her parents, John and Margaret Martin, brother Michael Martin, and sister Joan Berner.

Before moving to Lodi, Kate and Al lived in Stockton where they raised their two sons. In 1978, Kate and Al, in partnership with Mike and Pat Nicholls, opened Thornton House Furniture. She loved people, and relished her role as the “hostess with the mostess”. If you ever attended one of the downtown Lodi wine strolls, and enjoyed the food, music, and atmosphere in their store during the event, that was all Kate.

Kate was an accomplished bowler and amazing cook. She loved ladybugs, birds, and was a talented gardener. Kate came from a large Irish Catholic family, was very proud of her heritage, and adored her family. She was vivacious and described by all as “The life of the party.” She was an active and dedicated member of Saint Anne’s Catholic Church in Lodi, California.

A Rosary will be held at DeYoung Memorial Chapel in Stockton on Wednesday, February 7th, at 6:00pm. A Catholic funeral Mass is scheduled for Thursday, February 8th, at 10:00am at Saint Anne’s Catholic Church in Lodi. Graveside services will follow at San Joaquin Catholic Cemetery and a reception will be held at the Waterloo Gun and Bocce Club in Stockton, California. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Kate’s life.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Catholic Charities or Saint Jude’s Hospital.

Kate kept a prayer journal which included a long list of prayer recipients. Chances are you were on it. In that journal, Kate wrote a passage that illustrates just how strong her faith was: “You know better than I, Lord, what each person needs to gain heaven. I wish them all Your love and peace, and that they feel happiness and strength when they call on You.”