Mrs. Rocha passed away Wednesday, October 1, 2014 at the age of 85. Filomena was born on the island of Terceira, Azores, Portugal. She immigrated to the US in 1969 with her husband and 7 children settling in Gilroy. She was a housewife. She took great pride in her large family and enjoyed seeing them gathered in celebration and holidays. She was a member of IFDES lodge, the Brotherhood of St. Anthony and the Our Lady of Fatima organization.
Filomena was married for 58 years to Manuel Rocha, who passed January 28, 2007. She is survived by her children Fernando (Lucia) Rocha of Gilroy, Joe (Vickie) Rocha of Aromas, Luis (Fiorela) Rocha of Gilroy, Alberto (Mary) Rocha of Gilroy, Maria (Henry) Rosa of San Jose and daughter-in-law Fatima Rocha of Gilroy. She also leaves 19 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren, as well as nephews and nieces in the Azores, Canada, Australia, Brazil, Argentina and the US. She was preceded in death by her son Val Rocha, daughters Filomena Rocha and Nilda Furtado and 8 brothers and 2 sisters.
All those lives she has touched are invited to attend services in her honor. Viewing to begin 1:00pm with a 7:00pm vigil service Friday, October 3, 2014 at Habing Family Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be held 2:00pm, Saturday, October 4, 2014 at St. Mary Catholic Church.