Nativa Simoes

Nativa Simoes, age 96, passed away peacefully on Wednesday July 15, 2025 at Nazareth House in Fresno, California. Leaving behind a legacy of resilience, a worldly perspective and a deep connection to her Portuguese roots and her Goshen ranch.

Our beloved Tia Nativa was born on Friday, October 12, 1928, to Francisca Meneses Mancebo Simoes, and Frank Machado de Rocha Simoes. She was the second of five siblings- Maria, baby Joseph, Raulina (Sanchez) and Frank, Jr. She spent her entire life in the Delta View Community, proudly holding the town’s oldest active PO Box - a symbol of her deep roots and quiet pride.

A gregarious young and bright girl, she spent her childhood riding horses and working alongside her father on the family dairy farm, developing a lifelong connection to the land.

Born with an independent spirit and unwavering determination, she forged a distinguished career with the U.S. State Department Foreign Service, as a budget officer. A career where few woman could attain such a dignitary position. Her talents also included speaking three languages. All the while living in and contributing to communities across the globe - including Quito Ecuador, Athens Greece, Mexico City, and Tijuana with a home office in Washington DC. However, no matter how far she traveled and as long as her career took, her heart was at the family dairy ranch in Goshen, CA. She would evidently sacrifice her career and travel goals and retire early to come back and assist on the ranch.

A farmer at heart, she found joy in caring for the animals, fixing corrals, laying irrigation pipes and even at the ripe old age of 80, we would find her on an orchard ladder trimming fruit trees. Through every chapter of her life - marked by global adventure and homestead pride - she remained a constant source of strength and resilience.

She was the last of the “greatest generation” of our Simoes family. Born in 1928, her formative years were through the Great Depression. A time that left a lasting imprint on her values and way of life. Raised in an era marked by hardship and resilience, she learned at an early age the importance of resourcefulness, gratitude, and hard work. These lessons stayed with her for the rest of her life.

She was never one to waste - every item had a use, every scrap held potential. She found joy, not in spending, but in saving, preserving and making do, often with remarkable ingenuity. Whether she was caring for livestock, tending to the orchard, or managing her ranch, her Depression-era upbringing shaped a woman who knew the value of both thrift and tenacity.

Her long-life spanned continents, careers and countless memories. There were of course the challenges, including the trials of illness and the isolation of the pandemic. But through it all - she came through with unfounded resilience.

She will be deeply missed and warmly remembered. She now joins her beloved family in heaven, her life defined by her deep faith and unwavering Catholic devotion. 

She is survived by her nephews and nieces: Greg (Barbara) Sanchez, Denise (Kirk) Hansen-Gilkey, Tim (Tami) Sanchez and Fran (Chad) Martin. And many Great nieces and nephews.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to Nazareth House in Fresno, CA, that lovingly cared for Nativa for the last six years. A deeply spiritual place, it became a sanctuary of dignity, kindness and peace - and the family is profoundly grateful for the incredible care provided.

Services will be held Monday, August 11th St.Brigid’s Catholic Church in Hanford, Ca. 9:30am viewing, 10am Rosary, 10:30 Mass. Burial and reception to follow.

Remembrances donations to: Nazareth House of Fresno,Ca. 2121 N. 1st St., Fresno, Ca. 93703

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