Leocadia Dias, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2025, at the age of 89. Born on March 31, 1936, on the island of São Jorge, Azores, Portugal, Leocadia carried with her a deep love for her family, her heritage, and her faith throughout her life.
In 1966, Leocadia and her husband, Jose Dias, immigrated to the United States, eventually settling in Manteca, California, a place they would call home for 56 years. Together, they built a life rooted in hard work, faith, and family. A devoted wife to Jose for over 65 years, Leocadia took great pride in raising her five children; Jorge Dias (the late Linda Dias), Mary Ferreira (Lino), Joseph Dias (Caroline), Paul Dias, and John Dias (Adriana). Her home was always filled with warmth, love, and the comforting aroma of home-cooked meals. She was happiest when surrounded by her children and grandchildren, who were the light of her life.
Leocadia was the proud grandmother of Shaun (Evelia), Nicholas (Miryam), Jorge Jr., Elizabeth, Sarah (Jacob), John "Alex", Regina, Lucas (Avery), and Suzette (Chris), and cherished her role as great-grandmother to Miguel, Brooke, and Jameson. She is also survived by her brother, John Bettencourt and extended family members who deeply loved her.
She is preceded in death by her brother; Jorge Bettencourt, her father Antonio Silveira Bettencourt, her mother Adelaide Nunes Bettencourt, and daughter-In-law, Linda Dias.
She was a longtime member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Manteca and was a faithful supporter of her husband's endeavors, often volunteering alongside him for various community and church events. Leocadia lived a life of quiet strength, selfless commitment, and unconditional love for her family. Leocadia's legacy is one of devotion, generosity, and the simple joy of caring for others. Her nurturing spirit will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
P.L. Fry and Son is honored to be serving the Dias family. The visitation, rosary, funeral, and burial will all occur on Monday, August 18th. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at P.L. Fry and Son Funeral Home, 290 N. Union Rd., Manteca, CA. A rosary will follow at 10:30 a.m. at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, 525 E. North St., Manteca, CA, with Mass starting at 11:00 a.m.. She will be laid to rest at St. John's Catholic Cemetery, 17871 S. Carrolton Rd., Escalon. CA. For direct condolences to the family visit www.plfryandson.com
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
