Maria Durvalina Noia

“MARY”

4/2/1951-2/18/2013

Maria Durvalina Noia was born April 2, 1951 in Flores, Azores and passed away February 18, 2013 peacefully surrounded by her family at the age of 61.

Maria was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She cherished her family and friends. Her love was unconditional; she would walk the ends of earth and would do anything for them. Her love was reciprocated by all.

Maria was a warrior who fought the good fight. She survived many health adversities, including an 8 bypass heart surgery. She lived well and long past the sentence imposed by her Dr.’s. She defied them armed with her undying faith and love for life she lived long beyond her sentence. On her very last bout at Stanford Hospital, she was told she had 2 months to live and to everyone’s surprise she lived happily for a full year after that. There were those who said she had 9 lives like a cat. She lived her life filled with happiness, hope and love; always with a smile.

Maria is survived by her son, Marco Noia; sisters, Eva Robero and Leonilda Cardosa; and brothers, Joe, Jose and Tony Noia.

She has now joined her son, Antonio Manuel Noia; brothers, Angelo and Frank Noia and parents, Maria Alves and Jose Caetano Noia in heaven.

Maria will be missed by all who shared in her love, especially by her son, Marco Paulo Noia!

Visitation will be held Monday, February 25, 2013 from 10:00am-2:00pm at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, 1490 B St., Merced, CA. Graveside services will be held right after visitation hours at Merced District Cemetery. Maria will be buried right next to her son, Antonio Manuel Noia.

Arrangements are under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home.