Obituary of Maria Vais

Maria Vais was surrounded by her family on 12/16/24 as she peacefully exhaled her last breath and was carried off by angels to reunite with her beloved husband, Fernando after a long battle with dementia. Her parents Jose and Maria Leal welcomed her to this world on 12/16/34 in Pico, Acores exactly 90 years ago on the day of her return home. She was the youngest of three siblings. She married the love of her life, Fernando Vais on July 9, 1969, in Faial, Acores. Maria immigrated to San Juan Bautista to make a life with her husband on New Year's Eve, December 31, 1971, with not much more than the belongings in her suitcase and the love of her life on her arm. She had one daughter, Katherine, her pride and joy in 1972. Maria and her husband moved to Hollister in 1980 just around the corner from Sacred Heart Church in their forever home on Tiffany Drive. Maria worked for Guerra Nut Shelling for over 30 years. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She lived for her family and loved them dearly. Her life was complete with the addition of grandchildren. Her home was conveniently located by their school and she would tend to their every loving need. Maria loved to tend her garden, up until she was 80, she would try and sneak her lawnmower to still mow her own lawn. She was very proud of her beautiful roses and loved to plant kale, tomatoes, and many other vegetables and fruits. Maria loved animals and our family pets would keep her company, she always had a soft spot for kitties. Maria was a member of S.D.E.S Portuguese Lodge and Sacred Heart Parish. She was the matriarch of the family and was dedicated to teaching her daughter and grandchildren a catholic upbringing and Portuguese traditions that tied hand in hand. She loved to listen to Portuguese music and reminisce her time in the Acores. After the passing of her husband in 2018 she was immediately immersed into the daily lives of her daughter and grandchildren. She would attend all their school functions and sports when she could. She would be there for the drop-offs or pick-ups from school. She was fondly called Grandma by many of her granddaughter’s friends and they loved teaching Maria the current slang and she would teach them Portuguese. She loved Sacred Heart Parish School and Church; she was always welcomed with kindness and love from many families there. Maria’s dedication and love for her family will never be forgotten and will be carried on in her memory. “May the winds of heaven blow softly, and whisper in your ear, how much we love and miss you, and wish that you were here” Maria is survived by her only daughter, Katherine Bedolla, and son-in-law Charlie Bedolla. Her grandchildren are Abigail Bedolla, Makena Bedolla, Graycen Bedolla (great-granddaughter Josephine), CJ Bedolla, and wife Kailani (great-grandchildren Elias and Mason). She is also survived by her sister-in-law and brother-in-law. She is preceded in death by her husband Fernando Vais, her parents, and siblings.