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BORN
1915
DIED
2011
Joe Souza Obituary
Joe was born in Visalia on August 16, 1915 to Joe and Maria Souza. On July 24, 1938, Joe married Mary P. Nunes and they have enjoyed 73 years together.
He owned and operated a family dairy in the Porterville area for 34 years. Once retired from dairy farming, Joe and his wife Mary traveled and enjoyed a home in Shell Beach. They moved to Tulare for 15 years and then settled back in Porterville for the last 6 years. Joe had been a member of the Knights of Columbus, T.D.E.S., S.P.D.E.S., Tulare Cabrillo Civic Club # 12, and the U.P.P. E.C. He loved his large family and enjoyed life. Joe never met a stranger; he enjoyed talking to everyone.
In addition to his wife, Mary, Joe is survived by his six children. Lena (John) Almeida, Tulare; Jean (Carl) Codorniz, Grover Beach; Joe (Bea) Souza, Porterville; Larry (Ann) Souza, Laguna Woods; Kathy (Nick) Canata, Earlimart and Dina (John) Labandeira, Porterville. He also leaves 15 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren. He leaves his brother Melvin (Georgia) Souza, Porterville, uncle Manuel Azevedo, Porterville and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Donna, Gennifer and Stacey from Odyssey Hospice for their loving care and the home caregivers, Geltrudis, Lovelyn, Lupe and Veronica.
Celebration of Joe's life and final farewell will be held with a rosary and mass on Thursday, December 22, 2011, at 12:30 p.m. at St. Aloysius Catholic Church with burial at Tulare District Cemetery. The family asks that donations be made to Odyssey Hospice, 5001 East Commer Center Dr., Suite 140, Bakersfield, CA 93309-1687
Arrangements are entrusted to Miller's Tulare Funeral Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joe Souza
Mary, Jim & Stephanie Hanrahan
January 3, 2012
Kathy and family, May the love of your family and friends surround you at this sad time. We send you our heartfelt sympathies and prayers.
Alice Buckley
December 30, 2011
Dear Mary and Family,
73 years together. What a beautiful, long life you and Joe shared. I am fortunate to have enjoyed you with Breakfast Lions events and through St. Anne's. May God comfort you as only he can.
Shelly Snow
December 28, 2011
Kathy, and to all the family, Im very sorry to hear about this. My deepest sympothy goes out to you and all your family. Kathy stay strong like you always do.
Shelly Snow
Susan Fawkes
December 23, 2011
Dear Dina & John: I am so sorry to read of your Dad's passing. Your Dad and Mom always made me feel so welcome, when I'd come to visit you at the dairy. Those are very fond memories. I know you will be a great comfort to your Mom, as she will be to you. -Susan Fetzik-Fawkes
Vicki Clark
December 22, 2011
Mary and Family; I am so sad to hear of Joe's passing. I so enjoyed spending time with the two of you at the Ag Expo when we worked together in the International Visitors Center. There are very few like him in this world anymore. The two of you always made me feel like I was one of your kids!
Kenneth Joaquin
December 22, 2011
Dear Family, Aunt Mary I am so sorry of my Godfathers passing. So sorry I could not be there with all of you at the funeral. I have to be back today to take care of my son. Hopefully I will have more time next time to come and visit. Love to all of you, Ken Joaquin
December 21, 2011
Dear Kathy, Nick and all of your family. I am so sorry for your loss. I know that your father's spirit and love will be with you always. May God's grace get you through these difficult times. Love, Jane Darpinian
Dennis & Leslie Rebelo
December 20, 2011
Dina, Bethany and family-
We'd like to express our most deepest and sincere sympathies. May God grant you the strength and serenity you need during this difficult time. (Each time I see little Adalyn I see Mr. Souza) Bless you all.
December 20, 2011
Dina --I have so many fond memories of you and your ENTIRE family.!! Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you during the coming holiday. Pam Kessler
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