November 26, 1936 - December 26, 2020 — Fresno, California
Our beloved wife, mother & nani Grace Avilez went on to be with the Lord in the early hours on the 26th of December. She left peacefully surrounded by her family as she succumbed to her private three year trial with cancer.
Born on Thanksgiving in 1936 in Sanger, Grace Evelyn Franco was the second child of Sarah Garcia (Carrasco) and Librado (Leo) Franco. Her humble beginnings instilled in her a grateful heart, and she cherished her family & friends, as well treasuring the memories of growing up in a small town.
Evelina graduated a Sanger Union High School ‘Apache’ in 1954, attended 4Cs College, and soon after began her 33 year medical career in a “one girl office” with Dr. Earl Meyers Sr. in Fresno, then with Dr. Benjamin Ponek in Sanger. She was a dedicated employee and never missed an opportunity to learn something new. On her time off she enjoyed the ‘ballroom days’ of the 1950’s & 60’s, and she was a beautiful & graceful dancer. It was at El Prado in 1963 where she met the love of her life Ralph Avilez. They complemented each other in every way and creating a loving, faithful and hard-working family over the next 56 plus years.
Grace & Ralph married the 2nd of May 1964, and set up their first home in Fresno, then followed his career with the State of California to Visalia, Bakersfield and then to Los Angeles living in the city of Lakewood, having four children along the way. She continued in the medical field working in doctor’s offices, health insurance administration, and as an office management consultant, before retiring and returning to Fresno in 1987 to care for her mother.
Grace joined ABWA (American Business Woman’s Association) in Bakersfield and later held a variety of positions in the Candlewood Charter Chapter of Lakewood where she enjoyed many meetings aboard the Queen Mary in Long Beach. She also enjoyed the theater, concerts, traveling, loved her dogs, collecting dolls & her “Dopeys”, and was always ready to capture a special moment with a camera.
Mom was the epitome of her name — Grace. She had a wonderful smile, loved to be silly, and enjoyed reminiscing with family and friends. Everywhere life took her, her warm personality and loving nature garnered her life-long friendships, and her meticulous business sense, style, and professionalism earned her respect and successes throughout her life. She was a devoted friend and mentor to many, always made you feel special & loved and will forever be remembered for her goodbye ‘blessings.’
Grace was preceded to heaven by her fourth child infant son Robert René, her father & mother, brothers Manuel Franco, George Robert Carrasco, Richard Franco, Raymond Franco and sister Rosa Mercado, as well as her best friend of more than 50 years Margie Igou.
She is survived by her husband Ralph, children Matthew, Louise, and Richard & his wife Kathy, grandson Malachi, sisters Ruth Gonzales and Magdalena Franco, brothers Edward & wife Mela Carrasco and Hector & wife Darlene Franco, sister-in-law June Avilez, as well as many nephews & nieces, beloved extended family & numerous cherished friends.
Special thanks to Dr. Christopher Perkins and staff at California Oncology and Shawna and staff at Optimal Hospice for their dedication to mom’s health and comfort.
Rosary & Mass to be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sanger on Friday, 22nd January, 2021 at 10am. Services by Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, Fresno, CA.
