Kathleen Baptista, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2024, at the age of 78, surrounded by her family in Denair, CA. Born on December 18, 1945, in San Leandro, CA, Kathleen lived a life filled with love, faith, and dedication to others.
Kathleen had a one of a kind soul whose nurturing spirit touched everyone she met. A proud graduate of Hughson High School, she went on to earn an Associate degree from Modesto Junior College. In 1967, she married her high school sweetheart, Stanley Baptista, beginning a journey of more than five decades of shared adventures and unwavering love.
Her passion for education and helping others led her to develop one of the first Head Start programs in her community, a testament to her commitment to giving every child a head start in life. But if you asked Kathleen about her greatest achievement, she’d surely beam with pride talking about her family, especially her cherished grandchildren. Her love for them knew no bounds, and every moment spent with them added joy to her life.
Kathleen’s faith was the cornerstone of her life, providing her with peace and strength. She was actively involved with her church, Valley Hope, where she regularly attended services, participated in Bible study groups and worked in the children’s nursery. Her faith led her to a life of service, and her generous spirit was a blessing to anyone who crossed her path.
She is survived by her loving husband, Stanley Baptista; her daughters, Shawna Martella (Aaron) and Stacey Baptista White (Sam); her son, Jason Baptista (Leslie); her 6 grandchildren Caleigh, Giana, Jillian, Reese, Camryn, Hudson; and her sister, Sandy Boucher (Harry). She is preceded in death by her daughter who became an angel at birth, her parents, Elmer and Elsie Anderson, her sister, Doreen Reich (Jerry), and her grandson, Blake White. Kathleen leaves behind a legacy of kindness and compassion that will be cherished by all who knew her.
Friends and family are invited to honor Kathleen’s life with a celebration on November 23 at 11 a.m. at Valley Hope in Turlock, CA (610 W Hawkeye Ave). The family finds solace in God’s word, John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Covenant Care Hospice ℅ LoveLight 125 Broadway, Ste 1B, Turlock, CA 95380 in memory of Kathleen Baptista.
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