Alice Joanne Coito

1931 - 2025

Alice Joanne Coito

November 25, 1931 - May 3, 2025

Modesto, California - Alice was born on Nov. 25, 1931 at her first home which was on Woodland Ave, in Modesto. Alice was the middle daughter of parents, Joe and Laura Andrade. Her older sister Betty; and her younger sister Lorraine, who mom called "Babe". Alice passed away peacefully at her home after a brief illness on May 3, 2025, exactly 50 years to the day of her Dad's passing on May 3. Alice went to Bel Pasi Schools for 1st and 2nd grade. Her and her family then moved their dairy to the Westport Community (Modesto) where she attended Jones School (before Westport school was Built). She attended and graduated from Ceres High School in 1950. Alice was a great athlete in high school and in her later years. She played fast pitch soft ball and later slow pitch for the Sequoia Market Bob Cats for nearly 30 years who Bob Earl coached. During this time "Big Al" hit hundreds of home runs and excelled in her Left Field position (although she played several positions) earning many awards.

In 1950, Alice met a very handsome Portuguese fellow named Manuel Coito at a Portuguese Fiesta in Modesto. Manuel and Alice started their dairy in 1951 after they married on Vivian Road in the Westport Community. They were married for nearly 50 years before Manuel's passing. Alice lived in the Modesto area most of her life. After Manuel's passing, Alice moved to Oakdale for the past 15 years.

Alice was a teacher's aide at Westport Elementary School for several years before moving on to becoming a school bus driver for the next 30 years at the Westport Community for Ceres Unified Schools. It is on her record that she has driven over a million miles. She did all this while also helping Manuel on their dairy and ranches daily.

Alice loved to work! She had a beautiful yard and garden area where she maintained everything only until recently when she had to stop. Her 40 plus rose bushes have bloomed and are beautiful this spring. Over the years Alice had many animals. Aside from all the dairy cattle she had; a variety of birds and chickens; alpacas, sheep, goats, emus, cats, dogs, and raised many miniature horses, and mini donkeys over the years. She also enjoyed painting, doing crafts, going to yard sales, and of course, the casino! Her neighbors enjoyed her huge yearly yard sales. She enjoyed wheeling and dealing but she mostly gave a lot of good deals! She loved wearing "bling" and leopard print clothing.

Alice is preceded in death by her parents Joe and Laura Andrade; her husband Manuel Coito; her son Dennis Coito; her only grandchild Mike Coito; her sister Betty Coit; and several other family members. Alice is survived by her daughters Cathy and Cheryl Coito; her sister Lorraine Freitas; and a number of nieces, nephews, and other family members.

Alice brought warmth to every room, much like the smell of something sweet rising in the oven. Her love extended into the kitchen when she made her delicious apple pies and especially when the holidays came around and she made her famously mouthwatering cinnamon dough cookies. Her love of baking and cooking was just one of the many ways she showed her love – nourishing not only our bodies but also our hearts. Whether at home, in the community, or at her job, Alice poured herself into every task with dedication and heart. Her tireless spirit and strong work ethic touched countless lives and set an example of perseverance and passion we will always carry with us.

A rosary will be held at St. Stanislaus Church on J Street Modesto on May 14 at 9:30 am with mass to follow at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you donate to the Westport Volunteer Fire Department (5160 S. Carpenter Rd Modesto, CA 95358), Stanislaus County Animal Services (3647 Cornucopia Way Modesto, CA 95358), or to any charity of your choosing.