José Nelson de Sousa was born on March 24, 1941, in the village of Fajã dos Vimes, Calheta, São Jorge, Açores. He peacefully passed away at home on November 10, 2025, at the age of 84. José built a life filled with faith, love, strength, and sacrifice.
A devoted parishioner of Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church in Turlock, José’s faith was the cornerstone of his life. He prayed the rosary daily, finding comfort and strength in his beliefs. As a proud member of Teams of Our Lady, Turlock #5, and Grupo Etnográfico Pérolas do Atlântico, Casa dos Acores, Hilmar, José joyfully celebrated his Azorean heritage, sharing traditions and culture with friends and neighbors.
José’s hands were never idle - he was a talented woodworker, able to craft or build anything with skill and care. He found joy in fishing, crabbing, dancing, singing and his laughter filled every room. Family gatherings were his greatest delight, where he would share stories, play cards and tell jokes that lifted spirits and created lasting memories. His garden was a source of pride, and he loved sharing its bounty with loved ones.
José was a kind, humble, simple man whose generosity and warmth touched everyone he met. He was genuinely loved by all who had the pleasure of knowing him and gave his love wholeheartedly.
José leaves behind his devoted and beloved wife of 58 years, Maria Fátima de Sousa, and his cherished children: Joe De Sousa, Jr. (Lucy), Dana Da Rosa (David), Emanuel De Sousa (Marilyn), and Nancy Lourenço (Frank). His legacy continues through his grandchildren - Alison De Sousa, Kayla Shields (Patrick), Madysen Da Rosa, Ethan Lourenço, Alaina De Sousa, Erica Lourenço, Jax De Sousa, and Leah Lourenço, and his precious great-granddaughter, Parker Shields.
He was preceded in death by his parents, José Joaquim Azevedo and Isabel Conceição de Sousa, and his siblings, João Bernardo Sousa, Luís Hermínio Sousa, and Maria Olímpia Gomes.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at the visitation on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Whitehurst Norton Dias Funeral Services, 286 West Main Street, Turlock, CA. The Recitation of the Rosary and Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, 2602 S. Walnut Rd, Turlock, CA. Committal service will follow at North Hilmar Cemetery, 8710 N. Tegner Road, Hilmar, CA.
José will forever be remembered for his unwavering faith, profound humility, and boundless love for family, friends, and community. His legacy of joy, craftsmanship, and devotion will continue to inspire and live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
May his soul rest in peace.
José Nelson de Sousa, de 84 anos, residente em Hilmar faleceu na sua casa no dia 10 de novembro de 2025.Viveu em Hilmar, Califórnia durante os últimos 35 anos.
Nasceu a 24 de março de 1941, na Fajã dos Vimes, São Jorge, Açores, filho de Isabel Olímpia Azevedo e José Joaquim Azevedo.
O Sr. de Sousa deixa de luto a sua esposa,com quem foi casado 58 anos, Maria Fátima de Sousa, de Hilmar. Deixa também os seus filhos: Joe De Sousa Jr. (Lucy), de Turlock; Dana Da Rosa (David), de Hilmar; Emanuel De Sousa (Marilyn), de Hughson; e Nancy Lourenço (Frank), de Delhi. Os seus netos Alison de Sousa, Kayla Shields (Patrick), Madysen Da Rosa, Ethan Lourenço, Alaina De Sousa, Erica Lourenço, Jax de Sousa e Leah Lourenço e sua bisneta, Parker Shields.
Foi precedido na morte pelos seus pais, José Joaquim Azevedo e Isabel Conceição de Sousa, e pelos seus irmãos, João Bernardo Sousa, Luís Hermínio Sousa e Maria Olímpia Gomes.
O Sr. de Sousa, era paroquiano da Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Assunção, em Turlock, membro das Equipas de Nossa Senhora n. º 5 em Turlock, e integrante do Grupo Etnográfico Pérolas do Atlântico de Hilmar.
O velorio será na quarta-feira, 19 de novembro de 2025, das 4h às 7h da noite, no Whitehurst-Norton-Dias Funeral Service,286 West Main, Turlock, CA 95380.
A recitação do terço e a missa de corpo presente na quinta-feira, 20 de novembro de 2025, às 10h da manha, na igreja, Nossa Senhora da Assunção 2602 S Walnut Rd, Turlock, CA 95380, seguindo-se o enterro no cemitério North Hilmar Cemetery, 8710 N. Tegner Road, Hilmar, CA 95324.
Que sua alma decanse em paz.
