Lucy J. Avila, 73, passed away Tuesday, January 5, in Manteca. She was born February 10, 1936 in Vila Nova, Terceira, Azores to the late Joao & Angelina Pereira. In heaven she joins her husband of 47 years, Walter Avila.

Together with Walter they owned and operated a dairy in Galt until the late 1970s. After closing the dairy they traveled and visited the Azores Islands. Their travels took them to Brazil where they settled for nearly 15 years before moving back to the Central Valley in 1996.
A devout Catholic Lucy was dedicated to St. Anthony’s Church and was very involved with the Catholic churches in Brazil. Lucy and Walter were founders of the Holy Ghost Festa in Passo Fundo, Brazil. She was also very involved with the Portuguese Halls; SES Hall in Elk Grove and FESM Hall in Manteca.      

Lucy treasured her family dearly and cherished the years she was able to spend with all of her grandchildren. She was an exceptional cook; and enjoyed catching fish and fully preparing them for dinner. She loved knitting, sewing and gardening. Over the last few years she discovered the amusement in gambling. She liked the penny and nickel slot, but only thought they were fun if they made lots of noise.

Mrs. Avila leaves behind her eight children, Christine Pires and husband, Manuel of Manteca; Ana Avila of Vacaville; William Avila and wife, Laurie of Missouri; Barbara Briganti and husband, Tony of Salida; Lucy Pires and husband Joe of Manteca; Walter Avila, Jr. and wife Millie; John Avila and wife Yurica and Robert Avila all of Manteca; siblings, Liana Raubach of Acampo; Lina Pereira of Elk Grove and Fernando Pereira of Montana; and 13 grandchildren; Monica Abrew, Jessica Dutra, Veronica Pires, Angel Ramirez, Amanda Bartolomeu, Nathan Avila, Aaron Avila, Holly Briganti, Jesse Briganti, Joe Pires, Jr., Bryan Pires, Adam Morgan, Katherine Avila, Isabella Avila, Lucas Avila and Preston Avila. She was also blessed with 5 great-grandchildren with one more due to arrive any day.

Arrangements are under the direction of P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home, 290 North Union Road, Manteca. Visitation is scheduled on Sunday, January 10, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. A Rosary and Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Monday, January 11, 10 a.m. at St. Christopher’s Catholic Church, 950 South Lincoln Way, Galt. Mrs. Avila will be laid to rest at the Galt Cemetery. Remembrances can be made in Lucy’s name to Sister Ann’s Ministry of Caring c/o St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, 505 East North Street, Manteca, CA 95336. An online guest book is also available at www.plfryandson.con for condolences