Dolores Isabel Medrano

Devoted wife and loving mother, Dolores Isabel Paulo Medrano, 89, was called home by God on November 28, 2023. She was a lifetime resident of Hanford, CA. Dolores is survived by her sisters Marian Gregario and Isabel Camera and her 10 children Dan Medrano Jr. (Sara Medrano), Douglas Medrano, Ernest Medrano, Susan Rinehart (Tim Rinehart), Cindy Medrano, Loretta Hall (Ron Hall), Anthony Medrano (Monica Medrano), David Medrano (Cindy Medrano), Delores Lencioni (Marshall Lencioni) and Catherine Zurlo (Mark Zurlo). She is also survived by 18 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Danny Medrano, her parents Jose "Joe" D. and Adelina Paulo, her sisters Adeline Oliveira, and Louise Cardoza, and her brother Joe Paulo. Dolores was dedicated to her husband, her family, and her faith. She met the love of her life, Danny, in high school, although she didn't know it at the time. A chance encounter after she graduated from high school was the impetus for Danny to ask her out. Their first date eventually led them to a 68-year marriage. They were inseparable best friends and soul mates. Together they built a life based on faith and love and they were grateful for the many blessings they received. Before marrying Danny, Dolores worked at Sears in Hanford. She continued to work briefly after she was married although once she had her first child, she became a full-time homemaker. Her family grew rather quickly and eventually, Dolores became the mother of 10, five boys and five girls. During that time, she also managed the billings for her husband's gardening business and volunteered as a room mom at Pioneer Elementary School. She attended mass regularly at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and St. Brigid's in Hanford, CA, and eventually Our Lady of Fatima in Laton, CA. Back in the day, the family took up an entire pew at church. It was quite a site to watch them file in. As a mother, Dolores modeled patience, instilled the importance of family in her children, and ran a rather efficient kitchen. She learned to cook from her mother-in-law and made homemade tortillas, much to her family's delight, almost every night for the family dinner. She truly made her house a home and was the foundation of the family. As a married couple, Danny and Dolores enjoyed dancing (initially the jitterbug and eventually swing) and were often known to dance the night away at weddings, local clubs, or any event at which there was music. In her younger days, she and Danny would often go out dancing with his older brother and his wife or his sister and her husband. Later in life, they often wore matching shirts and brought joy to those who watched them dance in synch so perfectly. Dolores will be remembered as a faithful wife, a loving and patient mother, a beloved grandmother, a great-grandmother, and a good cook. She was also a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a cousin, and a friend. She will be missed by those who knew and loved her. The Medrano family takes comfort in knowing that their parents were reunited and are dancing together in heaven. Services will take place on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at St. Brigid's Church in Hanford, CA. Rosary at 10 a.m. and the funeral mass at 10:30. Reception to follow at La Fiesta restaurant. Arrangements under the direction of Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel in Visalia. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Dolores Isabel Medrano

October 6, 1934 - November 28, 2023