Lillian Sousa

Our beloved sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Lillian Sousa, was called away from this life by our Lord and Savior on May 27, 2023.  She was 67 years old.  Although her passing was sudden and unexpected, her family finds comfort in their faith in God, and solace in knowing that in her final moments Lillian was surrounded by her family and friends. 

Lillian was born on October 28, 1955 in Doze Ribeiras, Terceira, Portugal, to Antonio and Cecilia Avila.  One of eleven children, Lillian was the middle child.  In 1966, her family immigrated to the United States, settling in Half Moon Bay, California. 

On September 25, 1976, at Our Lady of the Pillar Church in Half Moon Bay, Lillian married the man she would spend the rest of her life with, Manuel.  After several years in Half Moon Bay, the couple moved to Turlock and then later to Tracy.  They had four sons.  In 1994, the family relocated to the Escalon area, where they still reside today. 

Lillian enjoyed traveling, cooking, gardening, but most of all, spending time with her beautiful grandchildren.  Those who knew her would agree that she lived for her grandchildren.  She was a faithful, strong, loving and giving person.  She was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Ripon, was the current President of the Our Lady of Fatima Young Ladies Institute #179, and past President of the C.P.S.C. of Stockton and Our Lady of Fatima Celebration of Escalon.    

Lillian is survived by her husband of forty-six years, Manuel; four sons, Eric (Christen) of Stockton, Rick (Angela) of Stockton, Daniel (Raquel) of Escalon, Shawn (Tiffany) of Stockton; eleven grandchildren, Ethan, Ryan, Grayson, Jeremiah, Adelyn, Penelope, Isaiah, Katelyn, Everly, Noah, and Kylee; and eight siblings, Tony Avila of Tulare, Avelina Gil of Artesia, Jorge Avila of Tulare, Fatima Silva of Tulare, Gabe Avila of Tracy, Noemia Robinson of Texas, John Avila of Sweet, Idaho, and Mary Cole of Ripon. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Maria Humberta Avila, and brother Joe Avila. 

Visitation will take place on Thursday, June 8, 2023 beginning at 4:00 p.m., at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Ripon.  Recitation of the Holy Rosary to follow at 6:00 p.m. 

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, dedicated to Lillian’s memory and the repose of her soul, will be held on Friday, June 9, 2023 at 10:30 a.m., at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.  Burial to follow at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, also in Ripon. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Our Lady of Fatima Y.L.I. #179.