Mary Ann Rocha

Mary Ann Rocha, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on Sunday January 25, 2026, at the age of 97 in Hanford, California.

Mary Ann Rocha of Hanford, California, was born on April 28, 1928, in Tulare, California, to Manuel and Mary Nogueira. From a young age, Mary was known for her grace, warmth, and strong sense of family—qualities that shone brightly when she was crowned Queen of the Holy Ghost Festa in Tulare,CA in 1944. She graduated from Tulare Union High School on June 18, 1947.

Mary met the love of her life—and her only sweetheart—Edwin (Eddie) M. Rocha in 1946 at a family gathering at the John Machado homestead and dairy. Their love story began there when he asked her to dance and, after several years of dating and engagement, they were married on November 12, 1949. Together, Mary and Eddie shared 49 devoted years of marriage, building a life rooted in faith, family, and community.

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Edwin M. Rocha; her parents, Manuel and Mary Nogueira; and her brother, Manuel Nogueira Jr.

She is survived by her three children: daughter Bernadette and her husband Rick Miller of Visalia, California, and sons Tim and his wife Vickie, and Gary and his wife Cheryl, all of Hanford, California. Mary was a proud and loving grandmother to seven grandchildren and took immense joy in her ever-growing family of twenty great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren, each of whom she dearly loved.

Mary devoted her life to her family as a proud stay-at-home mother and homemaker. Family was always at the center of her world, and she especially cherished time spent together during holidays and birthday celebrations, moments filled with laughter, stories, and togetherness. She loved gathering with friends to play cards and shared many happy memories traveling with Eddie, particularly enjoying trips to the coast where she found peace in the ocean air and scenery. She also found special meaning volunteering alongside her granddaughter, Jennifer Miller Percival, as a classroom assistant in her kindergarten class at Roosevelt Elementary School in Tulare, the very same school Mary had attended as a child.

Those who knew Mary well knew she had a spirited nature - never afraid to share her thoughts. That spark was part of her charm and was always paired with her deep love and loyalty to those closest to her.

In her later years, Mary found joy in life’s quieter pleasures. She looked forward to visits from family and friends, treasuring every conversation and shared moment. She enjoyed working on puzzles, coloring, and keeping her hands and mind busy—simple routines that brought her comfort and contentment.

A woman of deep faith and strong community ties, Mary was a longtime member of the Catholic Daughters Association, the Portuguese Fraternal Society of America, and the Hanford Cabrillo Club, where she and Eddie proudly served as past officers. Together, they also shared a love of Portuguese culture as members of a Portuguese dance group that toured throughout California, performing traditional dances such as the Chamarita. Mary was also actively involved at McCarthy School, where all three of her children attended, always supporting and cheering them on.

Mary will be remembered for her devotion to family, her feisty spirit, and the love she so generously shared. Her legacy lives on in the many generations who were blessed to call her Mom, Vava, and Aunt.

Visitation for Mary will be on Wednesday February 4th, 2026, between 4 and 7pm, with a Rosary at 6:00pm. Funeral will be Thursday February 5th ,2026 at Saint Brigid’s Catholic Church in Hanford at 1:30pm, followed by graveside services at Calvary Cemetery in Hanford, and reception at First Baptist Church Hanford at 9125 13 ½th Ave. Hanford.

In lieu of flowers the family is asking that you donate to either your favorite charity, St. Rose-McCarthy School, or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

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