Mary Fernandes

Mary Fernandes passed away peacefully on August 12, 2026, at the age of 90, leaving behind a lifetime of love, faith, family, and cherished memories. Mary was born on September 24, 1935, in Fontinhas, Terceira, Azores. In 1953, she married the love of her life, Augustine Fernandes. Together, they built a life filled with love, devotion, and cherished memories. Mary was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She and Augustine built a beautiful family that became the center of her world, and caring for those she loved was one of her greatest joys. Mary is survived by her daughter, Dina (Tony) Esteves, her son Augustine (Gerri) Fernandes, and sister-in-law Ermelinda Leal. She was a proud grandmother to David (Diane) Esteves, Michael (Gina) Esteves, Angela (Steven) Boyett, Monica (Joe) Mendes, Melissa (Bryan) Lopes, Megan Fernandes, Kelsey Fernandes, Sara Hulsey and Tim Gentry. She was a loving great-grandmother to 15 great-grandchildren, who brought her great joy. Mary and Augustine were members of Saint Aloysius Catholic Church in Tulare, California. Their faith was an important part of their lives, guiding their devotion to God, family, and community. Mary faithfully served her church, serving as a Eucharistic minister and proclaiming the Liturgy of the Word. Her faith was not simply something she practiced; it was woven into the way she lived and cared for others. Mary carried with her a deep love for her Portuguese heritage throughout her life. She was an excellent cook and was known for making sopas for the Portuguese youth group CPEC. Family and friends looked forward to her homemade sweet bread and filhozes. Everything she made was made with love , and sharing food was one of the ways she shared that love with others. She took great pride in passing down her Portuguese traditions and bringing people together around her table. Her home was often filled with family and friends, good food, laughter, and conversation. She had a wonderful way of making everyone feel at home. She also enjoyed working in her garden and took great pride in caring for her home. Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years, Augustine Fernandes, her son Manuel Fernandes, and her siblings Francisco, Manuel, Theresa and Joao Leal. Although Alzheimer's disease took away many of Mary's memories in her later years, it could never take away the love she gave or the memories she created with those who knew and loved her. The faith, traditions, values, and love she shared will continue through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the generations to come. Mary leaves behind a beautiful legacy of faith, family, generosity, hard work, love, and Portuguese tradition. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered. May she rest peacefully in the loving arms of God, reunited with her beloved Augustine and her son Manuel. Visitation will be held Monday, August 24, 2026, 4-5pm at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Ave., Visalia, California, with the Rosary to be prayed at 5pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30am, Tuesday, August 25th, 2026 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 125 E. Pleasant Avenue, Tulare, California, with burial to immediately follow at Tulare Cemetery 900 E. Kern Ave., Tulare, California. Following the graveside, all are welcome to join us for a luncheon will at T.D.E.S. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and Condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Mary Fernandes

September 24, 1935 - August 12, 2026