Alberta Wyvonne Gorostiza

1934 - 2024

Alberta Wyvonne Gorostiza

December 20, 1934 - December 19, 2024

Los Banos, California - Alberta was born in Brownwood, Texas, to Joseph and Esther Francis and passed away just a half hour before her 90th birthday. She grew up during the Great Depression, and as a teenager, worked with her father in a jewelry store where he was a watchmaker. She also earned her own money, ironing clothes for 10 cents apiece. Alberta used the money she saved to make sure she was always well dressed.

During her childhood, Alberta and her siblings entertained guests by singing while her mother played the piano. After high school, Alberta married her husband Victor Gorostiza in November 1954. They were married for 68 years until his death in 2022.

Alberta worked at the Los Banos Drugstore for over 50 years. During her time employed there she made many cherished friends and enjoyed helping and getting to know the customers. Many of them would return to Alberta for excellent customer service, suggestions on fragrances, advice on cosmetics, giftgiving, and gift wrapping (one of her many famous talents). Alberta was not only a pillar of Los Banos Drug but was also an active member of the Los Banos Basque Club, where she and her husband Victor participated in the club activities for many decades.

Alberta was also a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary and Saint Joseph's Catholic Church Altar Society. During her early retirement years, she continued to work part time at HealthTime downtown and volunteered at New Bethany's gift shop. Alberta always kept herself busy. In addition, she belonged to The Red Hat Club and enjoyed monthly social activities with her Red Hat friends.

Alberta is greatly missed and will be remembered for her quiet faith, love and devotion to her family, her kindness and generosity to others, her strength, and for always being a friend you could count on. In her free time she loved reading, sewing, and working on redecorating projects, and was happiest when her family was altogether.

Alberta is survived by her daughter Victoria Lynn Gorostiza-Camarillo (Francisco), grandchildren Damon Gorostiza (Elizabeth), Alexandra Sandoval, and Mia Sandoval, and great grandchildren Ethan, Dominic, and Audrey. Alberta was proceeded in death by her husband Victor Gorostiza, siblings Beverly, Mary Catherine, Nellie, and parents, Joseph and Esther Francis.

A memorial mass will be held Friday, January 24, 2025, at 10am at Saint Joseph's Catholic Church in Los Banos, and burial will be at San Joaquin Valley Memorial Cemetery in Santa Nella, California at 1pm.