Marcolina Lourenco Lima

Marcolina was born and raised in Altares, Terceira Acores and was the eldest of five children born to Jose Cardoso Lourenco and Guilhermina Caetano Martins. Marcolina married Matheus Lima on February 24, 1957, in her hometown of Altares and shortly thereafter, the couple immigrated to the United States, arriving in May 1957. The couple made their home in Hilmar, California where Marcolina lived until 2011.

Marcolina was no stranger to hard work. Being the oldest of five, Marcolina was accustomed to working in the fields assisting her father on the family farm. Once in California, Marcolina learned the language, became a citizen and worked in various plants, the latest being Valchris Turkey Plant/Foster Farms Turkey Plant in Turlock where she worked for over 25 years and from where she ultimately retired. Marcolina was admired by many for her kind demeanor, welcoming smile, love of the musical arts and passion for life. Marcolina loved to travel, to experience new things and different foods. Marcolina sang in the choir at the Hilmar Holy Rosary Catholic Church and every family gathering and or social get together. Marcolina was always ready to sing, usually Portuguese folk songs.

Marcolina was not blessed with children of her own, however, was loved and adored by all her nieces, nephews, godchildren and friends of all ages. After being diagnosed with dementia and a short struggle with independent living, Marcolina moved to Tulare, California to live with her niece, Odete Alves Avila who, along with her husband Manuel Avila, cared for Marcolina for ten years until the hour of her death.

Marcolina was preceded in death by her husband Matheus, her parents and her godson Joe Lourenco. She is also survived by her siblings: Maria Irene (her husband Antonio Coelho), Odete Alves, Jose Lourenco, and Joaquim (his wife Benvinda Lourenco), many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, many godchildren, and cousins.

A visitation for Marcolina will be held Friday, December 17, 2021 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Whitehurst-Norton-Dias Funeral Service, 286 West Main, Turlock, CA 95380.

A rosary service followed by a funeral mass will occur Saturday, December 18, 2021 at 10:00 AM at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 8471 Cypress Street, Hilmar, CA 95324.

A committal service will occur Friday, December 17, 2021 from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM at North Hilmar Cemetery, 8744 Tegner Road, Hilmar, CA 95324.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstnortondiasfunerals.com for the Lima family.