Minnie Pereira, loving Wife, Mother & a friend passed away on December 12, 2025, at the age of 85. Minnie was born on March 15, 1940, in Espalhafatos, Faial Island; Azores Portugal to Manuel and Florinda Freitas Medeiros of Espalhafatos, Faial Island Azores Portugal.
She came to the United States in 1959. In February of 1963, she married her loving Husband Joe Pereira. They shared 60 years of marriage together. They had three children, Michael Pereira who passed away in 1966, Cecelia Marie French, and Frank Joseph Pereira. Minnie was raised in the Azores Islands. She was part of a large family of 8 siblings.
Minnie worked as a homemaker, baker, and rice farmer among many other things. She first worked in Lodi, CA babysitting for the Bettencourt’s. She then worked cleaning homes in Maxwell, CA as well as for Gunnersfield Ranch in Delevan along with Duck Clubs in Colusa County where she would also cook for the hunters. She started her own cake making business, Touch of Elegance Cakes with her focus being Wedding Cakes. During this time, she also worked in the rice fields along with taking care of our garden, grapes, fruit trees, and chickens. She loved making ceramics, which many she gave away as gifts. After retiring, she rice farmed for Pierre Etcharren in Delevan. She was part of the Sodality Club & YLI member and always loved to stay busy helping the community. She also was a big part of the Portuguese Holy Ghost Festas volunteering her time and also making dresses for the Queens in the parade. When anyone needed anything, she was there for them with a smile. Anyone who was blessed to know her knew she was an amazing friend and Mother.
She is survived by her Daughter and Son-in-Law, Cecelia and Thomas French, and his Son and Daughter-In-Law Frank and Melissa Acevedo Pereira along with Grandchildren, Sarah French, Kirsten Pereira, Renzo Acevedo Salvador, Vince Acevedo Salvador, and Dale Acevedo Salvador.
A Rosary & Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 10AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 45 Elm St, Maxwell, California.
Following the Mass, the burial will take place at the Maxwell Cemetery at 5329 Maxwell Sites Rd, Maxwell, CA.
Family & Friends are invited to attend a reception at American Legion Hall located at 250 Oak St, Maxwell, CA.
Friday, December 19, 2025