"Almerinda always made us laugh with her funny memories! We could sit for hours listening to her, always told with a huge smile on her face. Her love for her family and "Mr. Gerald "was second to none. It was an absolute pleasure to be counted as one of her friends. This is truly Heaven's gain and our loss. We will see you again when God calls us home. We will be checking in on Mr. Gerald, so rest in peace sweet lady. Much love, Mike and Joan Paine"
In loving memory of
Almerinda Irene Crandall
November 28, 1938 - April 30, 2016
Almerinda Irene (Briozo) Crandall, 77 of Chowchilla, CA passed away surrounded by her family at Mercy Medical Center at 5:35 pm on Saturday, April 30, 2016 from an aggressive lymphoma cancer that was diagnosed shortly before her death.
Almerinda was born in Dos Palos, CA on November 28, 1938, to John and Livia Briozo, Dairy farmers and Portuguese immigrants from the Azorean Island of Terceira.
Almerinda graduated from Dos Palos High School Class of 1957 and was active in band Orchestra, Choir, Girl’s Athletics and the FHA. In her later years, Almerinda was also involved in the Alter Society of the Catholic Church.
On April 30, 1960, Almerinda married her lifelong partner, Gerald Crandall. The couple had three children before relocating to Portland, Oregon in 1969. The family lived in Oregon for a decade before returning to the San Joaquin Valley in 1979.
Throughout her life, Almerinda not only focused on raising her children and doting on her grandchildren, but she also assisted Gerald with business dealings, political fundraising, supporting a variety of causes and hosting community events. She was also a nature lover and longtime Gardner who enjoyed traveling, music, cats, collecting photos and spending time at the ocean.
Gerald and Almerinda celebrated their 56th and final wedding anniversary on April 30, 2016, the last day of Almerinda’s life.
Almerinda was preceded in death by her parents, John and Livia Briozo, sister Mayme Mello and husband Joe, brother, Joe Briozo and wife Mayme and baby brother John.
She is survived by her husband Gerald, daughters, Debbie Chaffin and Lori Scoggins and her husband Jeff, son Jeff Crandall and wife Jenny and grandchildren, Brian Martinez, Taylor Sapien and Shiloh Chaffin.
A visitation will be held at Whitehurst Funeral Chapel of Dos Palos on Thursday, May 5, 2016 from 5 to 7 pm followed with the Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7 pm. Funeral Mass at 10:00 am on Friday, May 6, 2016 at Sacred Heart Church of Dos Palos, CA. A reception will be held immediately following the Funeral Mass. Burial at Los Banos District Cemetery.
Tributes
"My thoughts are with your family. Love, Leslie"