Nora Lola Dorothea Goulart passed away peacefully on February 26, 2026, in Lathrop, California, at the age of 88. She was born on February 10, 1938, in Thunder Bay, Port Arthur, Ontario, Canada, to parents Joseph and Nora Ward. Nora had been a resident of Lathrop for the past 15 years.
Nora was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend whose warmth and kindness touched everyone she met.
She is survived by her loving husband of 42 years, John Goulart; her step-sons, Ryan Goulart of Orlando, Florida, and Nathan Goulart of Santa Rosa, California; and her cherished grandchildren, Amanda Sorenson of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; Samantha Moir Hirts of England; Alexandria Moir of Denver, Colorado; Juliana Goulart and Ava Goulart, both of Santa Rosa, California; and Annabelle Goulart and Benjamin Goulart, both of Orlando, Florida. She was also blessed with four great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Steve Moir, who passed away in 1996; her parents, Joseph and Nora Ward; and her sisters, Glenna Gillis, Shelby Campbell, Joan Wolsk, and Pam Love.
Nora worked as a clerical typist until the age of 50, after which she dedicated herself fully to being a homemaker for the next 38 years. She lovingly cared for her family, her home, and the boys she helped raise, finding great joy in creating a warm and welcoming household. Known for her sweet nature and gentle spirit, Nora was truly loved by all who knew her. She maintained lifelong friendships that began when she was just 18 years old, a testament to her loyalty and loving heart. Nora was always cheerful, with a warm smile and a kindness that never wavered. She took pride in the little things in life, including the fact that she was never late on a bill—not once in her entire life—a detail she carried with great pride.
Her grandchildren meant the world to her, and she never missed an opportunity to celebrate them, especially their birthdays. Nora’s love, generosity, and unwavering kindness will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her family and friends.
Funeral services will be held at P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home, 290 N. Union Rd., Manteca, CA 95337, on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Nora will be laid to rest at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella, California.
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
