Laurette Soares

Laurette Mae Lucia Soares passed away March 29, 2026 in San Jose, California. She was born in San Jose on March 7, 1930 to Evo and Nellie Hoover Cardella. Nellie was a direct descendant of early pioneers who settled in Santa Cruz and Santa Clara Counties. Laurette grew up in Gilroy, where she met George Cardoso Soares in high school. He was born in Niles, California to immigrants from the Azores. George and Laurette were married in 1947 and eventually moved to Santa Clara to raise their five children. Laurette was a stay-at-home mom, who enjoyed reading, gardening, and the sea shore. She was a terrific cook and usually worked from her collection of recipes – but she hung up her apron and retired from the kitchen about ten years ago. She is predeceased by George, her husband of 70 years; brother Richard Cardella; sons Andrew and Richard. Laurette is survived by sons Chris and Jeff (Annette), daughter Loree Soares Calderon (Art), 14 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, and one fur grand-pup.

Burial will be at Gavilan Hills Memorial Park, Gilroy.