Nair is preceded in death by her parents, Joao and Idalina Melo, and brothers Joao Melo and Jose Melo.
She was born on March 17, 1943 in Porto Judeu de Baixo, Terceira, Azores, to Joao and Idalina Melo. Nair married at the age of 24 in 1967. Nair and her husband came to Corona, California the same year. They welcomed their first child, Marlene, in 1969 and shortly after they had their second child, Frank. Eventually they moved to Hilmar and started their dairy business, and in 1980 purchased their first ranch in Stevinson, California.
Nair became a parishioner of Our Lady of Assumption and a member of the church choir, which she greatly enjoyed, along with attending weekend retreats. Nair will be remembered for her unwavering faith and commitment to the Lord and her family.
Along with being an active member of Our Lady of Assumption, Nair loved to spend time with her family. Her kitchen was her domain and she was happiest cooking her family and friend’s favorite dishes. As the matriarch, she hosted family events and was known to stay up all night to prepare a feast.
In 2002, Nair began her long battle with cancer, first being diagnosed with breast cancer. She was proud to be a Survivor and would wear pink every chance she got. In recent years, she was faced with continuing cancer reoccurrences and faced each diagnosis with strength and faith that the Lord would provide for her.
Nair will be forever remembered for the kind person she was, one to always make everyone feel loved. She lived out the true definition of unconditional love.
As difficult as it is to have lost our Queen, we feel peace knowing that she is no longer suffering and now in Heaven surrounded by her family. We know that she has taken us all on her journey with her and that her love will live forever in our hearts.
Xoxo
Nair is survived by: son Frank Gomes of Hilmar; daughter Marlene S. Bettencourt (Greg) of Atwater; sister Nilza Dias of San Jose; sister Maria Costa of San Jose; sister Jeanie Stemple of Atwater; grandchildren Alyssa Xavier, Brandon Xavier (Jillian), Erica Xavier, Hattie Gomes (Thomas), Bo Gomes, Bailey Gomes; Brandon Bettencourt and Amy Gilbreath (Luke). Nair leaves behind three great-grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews.
A Visitation for Nair will be held from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Tuesday, June 29, 2021 at Whitehurst-Norton-Dias Funeral Service, 286 W. Main Street, Turlock, California.
A Recitation of the Rosary followed by Funeral Mass will occur at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, June 30, 2021 at Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church, 2602 S. Walnut Road, Turlock, California. A Committal Service will follow at Turlock Memorial Park, 575 N. Soderquist Road, Turlock, California.
