Mrs Gina Marie (DeCesare) Fernandes

Mom grew up in a tightknit Italian community that lived on Kearney Boulevard. She was so proud of that and loved sharing stories about her Kearney Boulevard. She attended Fresno schools, graduated from San Joaquin Memorial High School in 1955, and worked in the insurance industry for over 40 years and retired from Dibuduo & Defendis Insurance in 2009. She married Anthony Fernandes in 1977 and resided in Madera with him and their two sons. Mom was a devoted member of St. Joachim Church, was a member of ICF, and Catholic Professionals organization. She volunteered for Valley Children’s Hospital. She was a devoted wife and a loving mother. She loved her family with all her being and you knew that when she would greet you with her arms open and kisses, and if you were lucky, a pinch on the cheeks. She has a spirit that would light up a room, mom enjoyed cooking and loved to travel, she loved to attend silent retreats in the mountains above Santa Cruz. Easter was the family highlight for many years for her until Alzheimer’s took that away.

Gina was preceded in death by her parents Luigi and Guiseppina Decesare, her brother, Joe DeCesare, sisters Lena Lopopolo, Lucy Martinazzi, and Grace Walker. She is survived by her husband Anthony Fernandes, son Brent Fernandes and his wife Dynette of Madera and Eric Fernandes and his wife Arlyn of Vancouver, Washington. Grandchildren Meredith and Kristina Fernandes along with numerous Nieces, Nephews, and godchildren.

A rosary service will be held on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 at St. Joachim Church at 10:30am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday, June 15 at 11:00am at St. Joachim Church.

I love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Hinds Hospice of Fresno or to Holy Family Table in Madera or to the Alzheimer’s association, 550 W Alluvial Ave #106, Fresno, CA 93711.