It is with great sadness, that the family of Connie Navarro announce her passing on April 8, 2023 at the age of 97.
Mom was born Consuelo Estrada on Jan. 31, 1926 in El Paso, Texas, to parents, Damian and Rosaura (Silva) Estrada. As a young child, her family moved to California and settled in Dos Palos, where she grew up with her mom and dad and six siblings. She graduated from Dos Palos High School and a short time later moved to Fresno to work at Luftenbergs Dept. Store.
Mom met our Dad, August Joseph (Augie) Navarro, a recently discharged WWII Army veteran while living in Fresno. They eventually married on May 1, 1949, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dos Palos. Mom and Dad then moved to Merced to establish their home and raise a family. Their children included Michael Navarro, Sheila Horta (deceased) and Lisa Viani. In Mom’s early years, she was a stay at home housewife, and relished in taking the very best care of her husband and children. She volunteered her time to various causes such as, Mother’s Club (Our Lady of Mercy School), the American Heart Association, Adoration (OLM and St. Patrick’s Parish) among others.
After her children were grown, she worked various part-time jobs, the first being at California Canners and Growers and the last being at Merced High School Cafeteria. In her retirement years, she was always there to help her family anytime help was needed. She enjoyed gambling, trips to Lake Tahoe and Reno, and she was always ready to hop in the car and head to Chukchansi or Table Mountain. She loved her slot machines! She also enjoyed a good game of rummy and solitaire.
Mom was a faith-filled woman. She was a longtime parishioner of Our Lady of Mercy Church and St. Patrick’s Parish in Merced. Her Love of God never wavered, and she passed that on to us kids.
Mom was preceded in death by her husband Augie Navarro in 2009, her daughter Sheila Horta in 1990, her parents Damian and Rosaura; and siblings Joe, Louisa, Annie and Louis Estrada, and Paula Tafoya and Lupe Bianes.
She leaves behind a son, Michael Navarro (Andrea), their daughters, Janette Tapetillo (David) and children Aaron, Layla and Michael; Melissa Kafka (Matt), and children Reed, Troy, Jolene and Beau; and Michelle Navarro. She leaves behind a daughter, Lisa Viani (Larry), and grandson Cody Beaman (Melissa) and a great- granddaughter, Maddie Lynn Beaman, born just three weeks prior to her passing in March 2023. Mom was so happy to meet her and hold her in her arms.
Additionally, survivors include Sheila’s two daughters, (Mom’s granddaughters) Shelli Simpson (Tom) and their daughter Taylor Simpson; and Aimee Lawry (Jeff) and their children Brittney Thurman and Logan Williams. Many nieces and nephews as well.
We would like to thank Dr. Nicolas De La Pena, her long-time physician, who took wonderful care of her. She truly felt his heartfelt concern for her. Additionally, our thanks go out to three wonderful caregivers who cared for mom while she lived in her home on West 23rd Street: Elsa Coronado, Anita Ramos and Maribel Ochoa. Her final year was spent living with Larry and Lisa in their home and loving care.
Mom’s life was full. She lived a long beautiful life, and we take comfort knowing she will have eternal life in Heaven. Mom was laid to rest on Friday, May 5, 2023 at Calvary Cemetery in Merced. Donations in her honor can be made to a charity of your choice.