Claudia Ann Cotta Machado, age 67,
passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday June 24, 2014.  She was born on December 3, 1946 in French Camp, California.  She was a lifelong resident of Manteca and a graduate of Manteca High School. In August of 1965, Claudia married her high school sweet heart, Joe Machado.  Together they built the dairy business, JM Dairy, and enjoyed raising two daughters.  Claudia enjoyed life on the ranch and spending time with her many friends and five grandchildren.  She remembered the birthdays and special occasions of all her friends and family, going out of her way to make others feel special.
   Claudia leaves behind her devoted husband of nearly 49 years, Joseph V. Machado; her adoring daughters, Claudette Machado and Joanna Machado Perez, and loving son-in-law, Fidel Perez; adored grandchildren, Fidel Joseph, Sofia, Ana, Lucia, and Emilio Perez.  She also leaves behind her loving sister, Kathleen Cotta of Hayward, brother John Cotta of Stockton and sister-in-law, Mary Ann Dias of Stockton.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Lucille Porter Cotta and Anthony Cotta, as well as her brother Tony Cotta.  She also leaves behind many adoring nieces, nephews, and godchildren.
    All who encountered her admired Claudia; her grace and presence was an inspiration.  Her recent recovery from breast cancer revitalized her passion for life and further revealed her strength of character.  She welcomed all into her home and made everyone feel like a long time friend.  All that knew her experienced her warmth and generosity; she always had fresh coffee and homemade treats for any who visited the ranch.  She worked tirelessly for the many organizations to which she belonged and enjoyed making lifelong friends of fellow members.  The following organizations proudly called her a member and friend: St. Dominic’s Auxiliary, Manteca Historical Society, Manteca Ripon Pentecostal Society (MRPS), Fiesta de Espirito Santo Manteca (FESM), Portuguese Fraternal Society of America (PFSA), Senior Center Tap Dance Group, Bunco Club, Atlanta Women’s Club, Master Gardener’s Organization, and Modesto Garden Club.  Her love for her family and friends was unconditional.  She will be remembered as a devoted wife, inspirational mother, generous and loving grandmother, and faithful friend.
   P.L. Fry & Son is honored to be serving the Machado family. A visitation will be on Tuesday, July 1, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. held at P.L. Fry & Son, 290 N. Union Rd., Manteca. A  rosary/vigil service will follow at 7:00 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 19399 Hwy 120, Ripon. Mass will be on Wednesday, July 2, 2014 10:30 a.m. also held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. She will be laid to rest at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to The Manteca Historical Society, P.O. Box 907, Manteca, CA. 95336 or the American Cancer Society, 207 E Alpine Ave., Stockton, CA. An online guest book is available for condolences at www.plfryandson.com. (Search obituaries).

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Saturday, June 28, 2014