Carmina Marie Stepp

Carmina was born at home on February 1, 1932, the third child of Frank R. and Mary E. Souza. She passed away Tuesday April 24, 2018 at Stanford Hospital in Palo Alto, after a three-month battle with cancer. Carmina attended George McCann Catholic School, she graduated from Visalia Union High School in 1950. Carmina married Dan Airozo September 30th, 1951 and they were blessed with four children: Dan Airozo Jr., Renee Rocha (Alvin), Kenneth Airozo (Robin), Colette Mathewson (Eric) which all live in Visalia except Kenneth who lives in Juneau, Alaska. Carmina is survived by her four children, two granddaughters: Crystal (Ted) Wothe & Alicia Airozo and one grandson: Zachary Airozo, two great granddaughters: Natalie Wothe and Sydney Wothe. Also, two sisters, Margaret (Bill) Allen and Evelyn Jordan. In 1958 after the birth of their fourth child, Dan suggested she attend College of the Sequoias at night. All it took was that first class; she continued until she graduated with an Associate of Arts in general education. She continued her education at Fresno State and received her credential to teach Sewing and Nutrition. Carmina volunteered to teach sewing and cooking to seventh and eighth grade girls at Holy Family School in an after-school program. Four years later Visalia Unified Adult School needed an instructor for a sewing class in North Visalia and Goshen. This became a career that lasted 31 years. Carmina was very active at Holy Family Catholic School, PTA president for two years and past president of UPPEC, Portuguese lodge. Amid all her activities the Parish Priest asked if she would teach CCD (Catholic Christian Doctrine). She taught CCD until two years ago. A total of 37 years, doing what she loved most, teaching! Her husband, Dan passed away March 1986 and shortly after brothers-in-law, Bill Allen and Dwight Jordan talked Carmina into getting a Real Estate Salesperson License. When interviewing with broker, Rick Hartsell he told her he didn't hire part-time agents�but as she opened the door to leave he asked if she spoke Portuguese; she replied "yes both Portuguese and Spanish". He quickly hired her and she sold 6 homes her very first month! In December, 1988 she married Eddie Stepp. They traveled the United States; she was in every State of the Union except Maryland. Their marriage was annulled through the Catholic Church. Carmina continued to travel. She attended the Canonization of Saint Padre Pio in Rome, also went to Medjugorje where Our Lady appears. She loved Cruises, which took her to England, Scotland, Wales, Tanzania, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Canada, the Mexican Riviera, both North & South Caribbean, Hawaii and Alaska. In 2005, Carmina married Jim Cavalier in St. Mary's Catholic Church. He also loved traveling but God took him home just one day after their first wedding anniversary. Carmina has had a long real estate career of over 32 years, most recently with her daughter, Colette, by her side. Throughout her life she met and touched so many people whom she considered as family and close friends. In lieu of flowers please say a Rosary, light a candle or have a Mass said for her. Viewing, Rosary and Funeral Mass will all be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 608 N. Church St., Visalia. Viewing on Monday, April 30th 4:30 to 6:30PM Rosary on Monday, April 30th 6:30PM Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, May 1st 10:00AM

Carmina Marie Stepp

February 1, 1932 - April 24, 2018