Isabel Mary Nunes DeFreitas

Isabel Mary Nunes DeFreitas passed away peacefully on June 5, 2025, at her residence. She was 84 years old. The family is deeply saddened by her passing but finds comfort in knowing she was surrounded by family, love and memories in her final days.
Isabel is survived and will be dearly missed by her daughter and son in law, Linda and Bryan Norman; her son, Robert Nunes; her grandchildren, Amanda Nunes, Kristine Boyett, Ashley Norman, and Alyssa Norman; and her great-grandchildren, Hunter Boyett, Cooper Boyett, Maya Nunes, and Carter Castaneda. She is also survived by her brother, Joe Corvelo, her sister, Alice Armas, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close family friends.
Isabel was preceded in death by her beloved husbands, Frank Nunes and Antonio DeFreitas; and by her parents, John Corvelo and Ana Corvelo.
Isabel was born in Flores, Azores and grew up in the Livingston, Atwater, and Merced areas of California. She moved to the Bay Area and started a family and was employed as a bank clerk for Wells Fargo. Following the passing of her husband Frank, she made the decision to move back to have the support of her family and friends in raising her family.
She was raised with a deep appreciation for hard work, family, and faith. She endured the toils of almond and cattle farming and was no stranger to long days on the land. Whether on the tractor raking and bailing hay, pruning trees, or harvesting almonds, she woke up early and always put in a full day's work. She took great pride in keeping a clean house, warm bread in the oven, and homemade Pomegranate jelly in the cupboards. Most importantly, teaching her family the values she held dear.
Outside of her work, Isabel enjoyed life's simple pleasures. She loved the excitement of visiting local casinos, usually with a van full of family that took many vacation trips together. She cherished her Portuguese heritage, where she proudly served as the outside guard for the Livingston Pentecost Club. Marching in parades and serving sopas were traditions she extended to her family. She found joy in baking for loved ones, sharing stories, tending to her roses, and offering help to anyone in need.
Above all, Isabel lived a life of service to others, always putting family first. She was a selfless mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend who taught her family the importance of love, loyalty, and resilience. Her home was always open, and her heart was always full. She believed in the power of kindness, and her gentle spirit touched everyone who knew her. She provided care for many of our family as their time grew short, never one to say no or delegate that responsibility. She did as she always did, rolled up her sleeves and did what needed to be done.
All of her family and friends will remember her laughter, her warm hugs, and the countless small moments spent together. Isabel's legacy will live on through the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and through every gathering where her spirit will surely be felt through all of us.
There are no words to fully express the family's gratitude to friends and neighbors who supported them during this difficult time. The family would also like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Isabel's caregivers and the many who offered comfort and kindness in her final days.
A rosary to celebrate Isabel's life will be held at Wilson Funeral Home on June 23th at 6pm. Mass and funeral service will be at St. Anthony's church and Winton Cemetery on June 24th at 10am. Her family invites all who loved her to join them in remembering her remarkable life and enduring legacy.
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