Dolores A "Dee" Carreiro

It is with heavy hearts and profound gratitude for her life that we announce the passing of our beloved Dolores A "Dee" Carreiro on March 10, 2026. Born on February 5, 1935, in Lemoore, California, Dee left this world peacefully, surrounded by her loving family. She was 91 years old. Dee was the cherished daughter of the late Frank and Marie Lopes and was predeceased by her dear siblings, John and Frank Lopes, and sisters, Mary, Alice, and Julia. She is survived by her devoted children, John (Karl Uri) Carreiro, Karen (John) Coghlan, and Kevin (Liza) Carreiro. Her legacy of love continues with her treasured grandchildren, Justin (Melissa) Mendes and Holly (Kenneth) Serpa, and her adored great-grandchildren, Alexander, Dominic, and Teddy Mendes, Caleb Serpa, and a precious great-granddaughter due to join the family in July. Dee is also survived by her sister, Lena Carreiro, and numerous nieces and nephews who enriched her life. Dee shared a beautiful marriage with her beloved husband, Louie Carreiro. Married on September 22, 1962, they spent nearly 25 wonderful years together until Louie's passing in 1987. Together, they built a life grounded in family, faith, and civic duty, raising their three children in Riverdale, California. A proud graduate of Riverdale High School, Class of 1952, Dee embarked on a career that began as a gin clerk in the 1960s. She later became a bookkeeper for her husband and his brother at Carreiro Brothers Union 76 Station. Following a period of working for various farmers in the Riverdale area, Dee retired in the mid-2000s. However, her dedication to work and community didn't end there; she spent several years working part-time at a local accounting office and St. Ann's Catholic Church, retiring permanently in 2018. Dee's heart belonged to St. Ann's Catholic Church, where she was a lifetime member. Alongside Louie, she organized countless dinner-dances and BBQ events. Her love for music led her to be a member of the choir for over 50 years, and she also served as a lector and Eucharistic Minister. Dee was deeply involved in numerous Portuguese fraternal societies and was an active member of the Riverdale Chamber of Commerce and Spring Festival Committee. Honored as the first female Grand Marshal for the Riverdale Spring Festival and Rodeo in 2017, Dee's trailblazing spirit was an inspiration to many. In her leisure, Dee found joy in simple pleasures. She was fond of playing solitaire, transitioning from a deck of cards to digital games on her smartphone. Her love for word search puzzles and reading books was well known among those who cherished her company. Dee's character was a beacon of light and love. Her kindness, strength, and unwavering faith were felt by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her warm smile and exemplary way of living were a testament to her belief in treating others with dignity and respect. In her final days, she faced her illness with unmatched bravery, patience, and grace. A service to celebrate Dee's life will be held on March 19, 2026, at 10:00 AM at St. Ann's Catholic Church, 3047 W. Mt. Whitney Ave, Riverdale, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the St. Ann's Catholic Church Building Fund in Dee's memory. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the compassionate nurses and care providers, especially the rock star nurses from 3WEST at St. Agnes Medical Center, the dedicated staff at Nancy Hinds Hospice House, and our devoted home caretakers, Kevin, Liza, Liezl, Lina, Ailyn, and Elvie. Your love and support will forever be remembered. Dee's life was a beautiful testament to love, faith, and service, and she will be dearly missed by all who knew her. May her soul rest in eternal peace, embraced by the love she so freely gave.