Carolyn Mendes Dias

Surrounded by her family, our beautiful and beloved mother and grandmother, Carolyn Mendes Dias, age 83, was called to our Lord on Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2017 in Clovis, CA. She died as a result of medical complications. Carolyn was born on July 27, 1935 to Tony and Rose Mendes of Hanford, CA who preceded her in death. Carolyn was a retired educator who taught for more than 25 years at Kings RiverUnionSchool District (Kingsburg, CA). She was a 1954 graduate of HanfordHigh School and continued her education at CSU Fresno as an Art Major until obtaining a credential in Teacher Education. Carolyn was a socially active woman who had a variety of personal hobbies and talents. She was an avid bowler and frequently participated in the winter bowling league for the Kings County USBC Bowling Association for more than five years. Last year, her team won the 2016 League Championship in which she bowled a personal best. Carolyn's other special talents included playing piano, drawing and painting, especially watercolor.

Throughout her life, she enjoyed painting a variety of family portraits as well as natural landscapes. As a resident in FresnoCounty for more than 60 years, she was deeply involved in Central Valley church and Portuguese civic associations. Carolyn was a member of Saint Joseph's Parish in Selma, CA. Other civic memberships include UPPEC Selma, SPRSI Hardwick, and the Portuguese Fraternal Society of America (PFSA). Carolyn was an active and long-standing member of the Selma Portuguese Azorean Association in which she served in office as Secretary and Treasurer. On behalf of the Selma Portuguese Azorean Association, she helped cater and stage a multitude of social events at the Selma Portuguese Hall. Carolyn was a dedicated mother and grandmother. She especially enjoyed cooking and baking for her grandchildren. She also made sure to personally knit and gift each grandchild with an heirloom blanket. During her retirement, Carolyn traveled across California and the U.S. She made at least four trips abroad to Europe and the Azores Islands until her last trip in 2013. Carolyn was a dedicated Portuguese Festa follower and enjoyed attending various Festas throughout California, especially the Central Valley and CentralCoast. Finally, she was also an avid football fan of the Fresno State University Bulldogs and the University Southern California Trojans. Whenever they played, she made sure to cheer them on to beat their opponent.

She is preceded in death by her parents, and great granddaughter. Carolyn is survived by her husband of 63 years, Lawrence V. Dias of Del Rey, CA; her six children, Larry Dias, Jr of San Jose, CA, Rosemarie Dias of Hayward, CA, Denise Dias Callahan of Sacramento, CA, Dennis Dias of Del Rey, CA, and Theresa Dias of Atascadero, CA. She is also survived by her four grandchildren, Daniel and David Callahan, t; one great granddaughter, and her three brothers, Richard, Robert (Bob), and Anthony (Tony) Mendes of Hanford, CA.

A Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held Monday, December 4, 2017, at 6:00 p.m. A Mass of the Christian burial will be held on Tuesday, December 5, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. Both Services will be held at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 20855 S Fatima Ave, Laton, CA. Internment will follow in Calvary Cemetery in Hanford, CA. Arrangements under the direction of Whitehurst-McNamara Funeral Service 100 W Bush St, Hanford, CA (559) 582-0251.

Prayer Service
Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima Church
Monday, December 04, 2017
6:00 PM
20855 S. Fatima Ave
Laton, California 93242

Recitation of the Rosary

Funeral Service
Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima Church
Tuesday, December 05, 2017
10:00 AM
20855 S. Fatima Ave
Laton, California 93242

Funeral Mas

Graveside Service
Calvary Cemetery
Tuesday, December 05, 2017
11680 S. 10th Ave
Hanford, California 93230

Following Funeral Mass

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carolyn Mendes Dias, please visit our floral store.