In loving memory of Kathy Santos, a beloved aunt, daughter, sister, cousin, godmother, friend and teacher, who passed away Friday, August 4, 2024, at the age of 84.
Kathy was born to Elvin and Katherine Santos on January 11, 1940, in Patterson, California. She attended Mt. View School, Turlock High School, and Stanislaus State and later received her master’s from USCF. Kathy was proud of her Portuguese heritage. She was a festa queen, showed dairy cattle in 4H, and won the coveted Betty Crocker Homemaker of the Year at THS.
Miss Santos started teaching at Yolo Junior High in 1962 and even though it was a hard year, she stuck it out. Kathy retired from the Newman-Crows Landing School District after 39 years. In addition to teaching at many levels, she coached both boys and girls sports, was a counselor, was a continuation and independent studies director, and wrote grants. Kathy served on the Chatom Mt. View School board for several years. She worked with generations of families during her tenure. Her address was Ceres, but her heart was in Newman!
And what a big heart it was! Throughout her life, Kathy was positive and happy, and left a good impression on all who had the pleasure of knowing her. She never backed down from a fight, especially if someone was being treated unfairly. Kathy had a heart for
the elderly and drove many to appointments and made sure they were being well cared for. She gave her time and her resources to anyone. If someone needed something, she handled it-many times, anonymously. Kathy took the role of counselor very seriously and long before it was official. Many confided in her for her great advice.
Kathy loved to travel, read and attend plays. She enjoyed sharing these loves with others. As a voracious reader, she always had a book with her. Her travels took her all over the world.
She did not have biological children, but she was a mother figure to many. Her own nieces and nephews benefited from her kindness, she was fun and had a great laugh. Miss Santos had many families in Newman that she adopted and many that adopted her!
Kathy is survived by her nieces and nephews, Debi (Jon) Fletcher, Tami (Mike) Plaa, Jennifer (Scott) Kokochak, Elvin (Amanda) Dick, Jimmy Dick, and sister, Deni Alvernaz, great nieces and nephews, cousins and godchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elvin and Katie, sisters and brother in-laws, JoAnn and Manuel Alvernaz, Karen and James Dick, George Alvernaz, and her nephew, Mike Alvernaz.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, August 18, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with a
recitation of the rosary starting at 6:00 p.m. The funeral mass will be Monday, August 19, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. All services will be at Turlock Funeral Home. Kathy will be laid to rest at Turlock Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Modesto Gospel Mission, PO Box 1203, Modesto, CA 95353, or the charity of your choice.
