ALBERTINA PETER "Alberta" ROCHA

Alberta Rocha passed peacefully to be with the Lord surrounded by her loving family on the morning of Friday, October 19 , 2018 . She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Alberta the youngest of seven children, and the daughter of Manuel and Clara Azevedo was born in Sao Jorge, Azores, Portugal on June 29, 1935.

Alberta was 15 years old when she came to this country in 1951, and appreciated the opportunities that America gave her. Five years later in 1956, she married dairyman John Rocha, and would soon give birth to her first child John, proceeded by Jim and Mary. Soon six grandchildren would be born, followed by a great-granddaughter. Together they achieved their "American Dream" when they purchased a home in Clovis, CA in 1976. Alberta had boundless energy, and worked tirelessly to provide for her family. Alberta worked for Belmont Farms, Wawona, and ultimately for Clovis Unified School District as a baker for over 25 years. Upon retiring, Alberta, who was affectionately called "grandma" by all, could not stay away from her love of baking and began serving the students and staff of Clovis Unified as a substitute, baking her famous cinnamon rolls, breads and strawberry pizzas that were just as sweet as she was. Her dedication and tremendous work ethic to Clovis Unified earned her a 2000 Crystal Award, which she treasured. Meanwhile, she enjoyed meticulously attending to her flower and vegetable gardens, spending time and helping family and friends, and enjoying outings to Pismo Beach with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchild and sister Germain.

Alberta lived a simple life, never complaining, and was a pillar of strength and kindness. Although small in stature, her presence was larger than life. A woman with a heart of gold and a caring spirit, who touched the lives of many. She had fire in her soul and grace in her heart. She considered everyone family, and welcomed them with open arms, and was the first to reach out to those in their time of need. Our hearts are forever broken, but she left us with wonderful memories that we will always cherish. Just as with the garden she planted and nurtured she leaves us with seeds of love, selflessness, human kindness, and the value of hard work. Her strength and passion for helping others, lives on as a shining example and a guiding light for all who have had the privilege of knowing her. Though we will no longer see her beautiful smile or feel her warm embrace, we know she will always be at our side.

Alberta was preceded in death by her loving husband, John Rocha, of 58 years; her parents, Manuel and Clara Azevedo; her brothers, Agostinho, Manuel, and Frank Azevedo; and her sister, Mary Silveira.

She is survived by her son, John Rocha and wife Dawnette, and their three children, Jonathan and his wife Michelle, and daughter Morgan, Jared, and Jennifer; her son, Jim Rocha, and daughter, Mary Mayorga and her husband Mauricio, and their three children, Nicolas, Dominic, and Nathaniel, all from Clovis, CA; as well as her sisters, Teresinha Silva, and Germain Rocha; and numerous nieces and nephews, and god-children who all loved her dearly.

A Viewing will be held at Clovis Funeral Chapel in Clovis, CA, on Tuesday, October 23, 2018, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

A Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, on Wednesday, October 24, 2018, at 9:30 a.m., with a Mass of Christian Burial immediately following at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow the Mass at the Clovis Cemetery.

Remembrances may be made to Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, 836 Dewitt Ave., Clovis, CA 93612.