DOLORES MARLENE (COSTA) MENEZES
Dolores Marlene (Costa) Menezes August 6, 1934 – March 7, 2026
Our loving mother, Dolores Menezes, peacefully left this world on March 7, 2026, surrounded by family, to join our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. A long-time resident of Tulare, she lived a full and vibrant life until her passing at the age of 91.
Dolores, the oldest of three children, was born to Manuel Costa and Maria (White) Costa on August 6, 1934, in Visalia, California. She and her twin brothers, John and Manuel, were raised on the family dairy in Visalia. She attended George McCann School and Redwood High School in Visalia, and Immaculate Heart High School in Los Angeles. After the passing of her mother, Dolores gained seven additional siblings when her father remarried: Erma Jean, Mary Ann, Fred Jr., Alan, Robert, Annette, and Renee.
In 1955, Dolores married the love of her life, Joe Menezes, and they settled on his family farm in Tulare, California, where they welcomed six children. They shared 52 wonderful years together before Joe’s passing. Dolores cherished traveling with Joe—whether visiting family or enjoying time with friends in places like Las Vegas, Hawaii, Alaskan cruise, South Dakota, and Florida. Most memorable were the countless joyful family vacations at Pismo Beach and Avila Beach.
Faith and family were woven throughout Dolores’ life in the way she lived day to day. A devout Catholic, she was deeply involved at St. Aloysius and St. Rita’s Churches, participating in the Altar Society, Catholic Daughters, fundraising events, and the choir. She also attended Portuguese festa activities rooted in Catholic faith and tradition.
Dolores was a beloved bus driver for over 30 years, first at St. Aloysius School and later at Palo Verde, and found great fulfillment in her leadership with the Palo Verde 4-H Club. She cherished every opportunity to make a difference in a child’s life and was often greeted around town by one of “her kids” from the bus. Her competitive and creative spirit shone at the Tulare County Fair, where she earned blue ribbons for her lemon meringue pies and various plants. Her rice pudding was a favorite among family and friends. Gardening was more than a hobby—it reflected her creativity and love of life. Her passions for gardening, baking, and caring for animals live on as a lasting legacy within her family.
Known for her exuberant laugh, Dolores delighted in anything that tickled her, often laughing so hard she was brought to tears. She was always a good sport when it came to the many jokes and pranks orchestrated by her children and grandchildren—often with Joe leading the antics. She rarely missed an event for her children or grandchildren and never missed a birthday, faithfully calling to sing to her loved ones. Regardless of what Dolores was doing or whom she was doing it with, kindness, love, and beauty were always involved. No doubt she left seeds of these virtues behind to continue growing.
She was a woman of strong character—tenacious in her convictions yet possessing the rare grace to deliver the “sweetest no” one could hear. Dolores maintained an open-door home, welcoming friends, neighbors, and anyone in need of a listening ear and a hot cup of coffee, especially during the holidays. She never missed a chance to visit with her sisters-in-law, hair salon confidants, or other dear friends. Even in her golden years, she remained vibrant and curious, taking college and workout classes and making new friends along the way.
Dolores is survived by her children: Dan Costa; Joe (Teresa) Menezes Jr.; Darlene (Rick) Winfree; Sandra Ormonde; Tanya Menezes; and daughter-in-law Judi (Jack) Loper. Her son Eddie Menezes passed unexpectedly at a young age but had blessed her with her first grandchild. She is survived by her sixteen grandchildren, who lovingly called her “Vava”: Eddie (Stephanie) Menezes Jr.; Michaelene (George) De Boer; Brandon (Shannon) Ormonde; Stacia Enos Bettencourt; John (Erika) Menezes; Tyler Loper; Jessica (Jared Scharfetter) Winfree; Jeffrey Menezes; Daniel (Desiree) Costa; Shannon Costa; Maeve Enos; Jaclyn (Brennan) Hogan; Kirsten Menezes; Spencer (Ashley) Enos; Jennifer (Matt) Le Page; and Miya Menezes Cooper; as well as 22 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and godchildren.
The family is grateful for the compassionate care, comfort, and dignity provided by Armida, Anna, Monique, Glory Days Assisted Living, and American Quality Hospice during her time of need.
Visitation will be held at Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Chapel in Tulare on Thursday, April 9, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with the Recitation of the Rosary at 6:00 p.m.
A Mass of Resurrection will be held at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Tulare on Friday, April 10, at 10:30 a.m., followed by burial at Tulare District Cemetery.