Mrs Mary Gomes

Mary Jesus Gomes
June 12, 1949 – November 16, 2023


Mary was born in San Jose, CA on June 12th, 1949 to Frank and Maria Salvador. She was one of 3 children, she had one brother, Frank and one sister, Bernadette. As a child she and her family moved from San Jose, California to Corona, California. There she was raised on her family’s egg ranch where her work ethic was instilled at a young age. She attended an all-girls Catholic school where she enjoyed learning. From there she attended Western High School and graduated in 1966. In 1973 she married the love of her life Edward Gomes. Their first child, a daughter, Carolyn was born in 1974 in Corona, CA. In 1976 they moved their young family north to Lodi to begin their new lives as dairy farmers. In 1979 they moved again to purchase their first property, 80 acres and built the Shultz Road dairy. In 1980 they welcomed their second child, a son, Eddie in Merced, CA. Through-out the next 20 years they raised their family and built their American dream by working hard. In 1987 they purchased the ranch property where they farmed crops for the dairy.

Mary was known for her no non-sense attitude and extremely hard work ethic. If her eyes didn’t tell you what she was thinking, her mouth sure did; she was a woman working in a man’s world and wouldn’t let anyone push her around. She loved her family and her faith immensely. In 2011 she was diagnosed with Inclusion Body Myositis. Through-out the next 12 years, life’s daily tasks became harder, but her faith never wavered, she prayed daily and was thrilled when a grandchild or visitor came by to see her. Mary will be remembered for her love of family, devotion of faith and straight forward approach to life.

In her last few years, she was very fortunate to have amazing caregivers that helped her live life to the fullest and for that we will be forever grateful to Gloria and Yuliana for the love, compassion & support they showed to her.

Mary is survived by her husband Edward; her children Carolyn (George) Xavier of Stevinson, CA and Eddie (Cassie) Gomes of El Nido, CA; 8 grandchildren Seth, Tabitha, Gracie, Bradley Xavier & Eddie, Dillia, Ellie and Will Gomes; and her sister Bernadette Vitoria.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents Frank & Maria Salvador and brother Frank Salvador.

There will be a visitation for Mary at St. Columba Catholic Church, 213 Orange St, Chowchilla CA, on Tuesday, November 21st, 2023 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday November 22nd, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Columba Catholic Church, 213 Orange St, Chowchilla, CA. Mary will be laid to rest at Chowchilla District Cemetery, 23359 Road 14 ½, Chowchilla, CA.

In remembrance of Mary, memorial contributions may be made to The Myositis Association, https://www.myositis.org/donate/ or to the charity of your choice.