Amelia Equinoa

Stockton, CA

September 9, 1922 - April 19, 2006

Amelia "Mollie" Equinoa passed away Thursday April 19, 2006 in Stockton at the age of 83. Born in El Paso, Texas to Cruz Zarate and Juana Esparza, she moved as a young child to Tucson, Arizona where she attended public schools. She first met her future husband, Mathew Equinoa, while working in Tucson. They were later married on April 30,1942. In 1943 she moved to Stockton while her husband was in the military service during WWII. After the war, Mollie returned to work as a Clothing Purchaser for Smith & Lang in order to help support her family while her husband pursued his teaching credential at College of the Pacific. She was active in sewing circles, her children's PTA and was untiringly supportive of all of her sons' activities, school and sports. She loved sports and was an avid fan of University of the Pacific's athletic programs, the Dodgers and was herself an avid golfer. She was a woman of great faith, and will be especially remembered and cherished most for her love and devotion to her family; always putting their needs first. She is survived by her beloved husband of 63 years, Mathew Equinoa of Stockton; her loving sons, Ron Equinoa of Stockton, Richard Equinoa and wife Sally of San Luis Obispo and Chris Equinoa and wife, Susan of Albany, Oregon; grandchildren, Christine Blank, Amy Equinoa, Kim Parent, Heather Equinoa, Kristen Ikeda-Jones, Kati Kimball, Matthew Equinoa and great-grandchildren Amaya and Pablo. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 26, 2006 at Annunciation Cathedral, at the corner of Rose and Van Buren in Stockton. Visitation will take place from 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 25, at the Evergreen Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, Hwy 99 at E. Harney Lane in Lodi. Donations are preferred to the American Heart Association, St Jude Children's Hospital or a charity of your choice. Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.