Alma Pereira, 91, a longtime resident of Los Banos, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 10, 2017. Alma was born in Christine, Texas on January 23, 1926 to loving parents, Samuel and Ida Melinda West. She was the youngest of eleven children. She attended local Christine, Texas schools and later graduated from a San Antonio business school. She met her future husband, John Pereira, while he was stationed there in the United States Army.
They were married on June 2, 1948, and moved to Los Banos where they established their home. Prior to starting a family, Alma was employed by Miller and Lux. She raised six children. Alma later decided to work within the community, being employed at Sprouse Reitz, Grant’s Department Store, Fisher Research Lab, and as a teacher's aide at Miano and Charleston Elementary Schools. Alma and John often enjoyed taking trips together to Lake Tahoe. She was a member of the Young Ladies Institute (YLI) for a number of years, a member of the Our Lady of Fatima Parent's Club, and the Our Lady of Fatima Society.
Alma is preceded in death by her husband, John, and ten siblings. She is survived by six children: Sam Pereira (Susan); Barbara Dutra (Tony); Diane Pini; John Pereira; Sharon Sawyer (Randall); and Alan Pereira. Alma also leaves behind six grandchildren: Giovanna Pini; Keith Pini; Toni Ann Dutra- Pricolo; Zachary Sawyer; John Dutra; and Jacob Sawyer.
In addition, Alma is survived by five great - grandchildren: Madison and Isabella Pricolo; Nicco and Niya Pini, and Aubrey Sawyer.
Visitation will be held on Monday, October 16, between 5 and 7 p.m. at Whitehurst Funeral Chapel of Los Banos followed by a Rosary at 7 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, October 17, 2017, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church at 10 am. Burial will follow at Los Banos Cemetery District. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Los Banos Nursing and Rehab or to any charity of the donor's choice.
Funeral services are under the direction of Whitehurst Funeral Chapel-Los Banos.