Lina Diniz

Loving and Devoted Wife, Mother and Friend passed away peacefully July 8, 2017 in the presence of family in Ripon, CA at the age of 90.  Lina was born in Cinco Ribeiras, Terceira, Acores, Portugal on January 16, 1927. At the tender age of 10, Lina lost her beloved mother and assumed the responsibility of caring for her father and younger brother including the maintaining of their home. She completed her education in the same freguesia (village) where she lived; although a top student in her class, her ambitions were limited due the circumstances of life. 

She met and dated Jose Caetano Diniz (Jose Carlos), whom she married in September of 1950.  Lina had five wonderful children; Carlos, Val, Fatima da Conceicao, Paul and Joe.  Lina was blessed with her second child; Val on her 30th birthday; however, the unique joy of that happiness was marred just a few years later when she held her baby girl, Fatima as she slowly passed away in her arms at the age of four months.  Lina and her family immigrated to California in December of 1968 and settled in Tracy.  She stayed home in the early years raising her children; later, she worked for Heinz as a seasonal worker until she retired. In 1998, Lina and Jose moved to Escalon to be near their two youngest sons. 

Lina lived a selfless life caring for her father, brother and children. She helped many people immigrate to the United States and promoted the Portuguese heritage by participating in organizations including the IPFES, UPEC, LUSO American and Society of Our Lady of Fatima.

Lina is survived by her sons and daughter in laws; Carlos & Noemia Diniz, Val & Maria Diniz, Paul & Kathleen Diniz and Joe & Annabel Diniz. She also leaves behind eleven grandchildren; Melanie Birdsall, Matthew Diniz, Brian Diniz, Christopher Diniz, Andru Diniz, Krysten Lial, Brittany Reyneveld, Jason Diniz, Amanda Rose, Craig Diniz, Thomas Diniz and six great- grandchildren, John Paul, Ryker & Emersyn Lial, Eli & Annika Diniz, Asher Rose and Lina’s sibling, Pete Vaz.  Lina was preceded in death by her daughter Fatima da Conceicao, her husband, Jose Carlos, and her sisters Maria Sousa and Florinda Melo.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Deegan Funeral Chapels.  A visitation is scheduled for Sunday, July 16, at 4:00 PM with a vigil and rosary service beginning at 5:00 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Escalon.  Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, July 17 at 10:30 AM at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Tracy with committal to follow at Tracy Public Cemetery. To sign her online guestbook please visit; www.deeganfuneralchapels.com

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