Maria Elza Linhares

Maria Elza Linhares was born on March 9, 1931 Terceira, Açores. She passed away February 19, 2026, in Hanford, California.

Maria Elza  immigrated to the United States with her husband Francisco V. Linhares and her son from Terceira, Açores, Portugal, in 1977, at the age of 46, and made her home in California. She lived a long and fulfilling life, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, warmth, and unwavering devotion to those she cherished.

Maria’s life was a testament to the power of love and resilience. She touched the lives of everyone who knew her and a deep dedication to God, family and friends. 
She will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of her loved ones. Her spirit lives on through the family and friends she leaves behind, who will carry her memory with them always.

Maria Elza  was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. 
She is survived by her son Frank Linhares, grandchildren Jared & Emily McMahon, Spencer Linhares, Audrey Linhares, sisters Maria Annunciacao Monteiro and Irene Valadao of Fontinhas, Terceira; her brothers, Dimas Valadao and his wife Maria Eugenia Valadao of Tulare, California, and Eduardo Valadao and his wife Maria Fatima Valadao of Hanford, California; her sister-in-law, Eulalia Valadao of Fontinhas, Terceira, Açores.

Maria Elza was preceded in death by her parents, João Leal Valadao and Maria do Carmo Monteiro; her sister, Maria Fatima Avila; her brothers, João Leal Valadao, Manuel Valadao and stepdaughter Maria Natal Linhares

Maria Elza will be remembered with love by her family and all who knew her.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 4, 2026. Rosary and Mass will begin at 10:00 a.m. at St. Brigid Catholic Church, located 1001 N Douty St. Hanford, Ca. followed by burial, Tulare Public Cemetery District 900 E Kern Ave., Tulare Ca, 93274.

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