obituaries

Cecilia V. Flores

In Loving Memory of Cecilia Victoria Flores
November 22, 1928 – June 27, 2026

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Cecilia Victoria Flores, who peacefully entered eternal rest on June 27, 2026, at the age of 97, surrounded by the love of her family.

Cecilia was born on November 22, 1928, in Ash Fork, Arizona. In her twenties, she made California her home, where she built a life defined by perseverance, selflessness, and unconditional love for her family.

Cecilia was a devoted mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, great- great-grandmother, and cherished friend. Her family was the center of her world, and she dedicated her life to ensuring they were always cared for. She was the kind of woman who quietly sacrificed her own comfort so that those she loved never went without. A remarkably hardworking woman, Cecilia often worked multiple jobs to provide for her family. Throughout her career, she was employed by American Standard Company, worked in janitorial services for PG&E and Mina-Tree Signs, and managed apartment complexes for Bank of Stockton. No matter how demanding her work schedule, she always found time to care for her family with love and devotion. Cecilia found her greatest joy in spending time with those she loved. She had a gift for bringing everyone together through her delicious home-cooked meals, creating memories around the family table that will be treasured forever. She especially loved traveling to watch her grandchildren and great-grandchildren participate in their sporting events, proudly cheering them on every step of the way. Being present for her family was one of her lifes greatest joys, and nothing meant more to her than being surrounded by those she loved.

Cecilia was preceded in death by her loving parents Samuel Flores and Soledad (Sara) Molina Flores, and her brothers Samuel Flores and Alejandro Flores.

She leaves behind a legacy of strength, resilience, kindness, and unwavering love. Cecilia is survived by her loving children, Jerry Flores, Robert Flores, and Cynthia Olmos; her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great- grandchildren; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.

Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort knowing that her love, wisdom, and example will continue to live on through the generations she so deeply loved. Her life was a beautiful testament to faith, hard work, sacrifice, and the importance of family.

In keeping with Cecilia’s wishes, there will be no memorial services. Her family will honor and celebrate her life privately, just as she requested.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Flores family.

Sandra Faye Appling

January 28, 1950 - June 26, 2026

VISITATION
 A visitation will be held from 4:00pm - 8:00pm on Tuesday, July 7th, 2026 in the Merlot Room in Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICE
 A service will be held at 10:00am on Wednesday, July 8th, 2026 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Appling family.

Luis A. Barba

August 8, 1978 - June 22, 2026

Luis was more than just a son, brother, uncle, and father, he was the heart and hero of our family, who was taken far too quickly from this lifetime. He was the kind of person who could light up any room the moment he walked in. His infectious laughter, warm smile, dancing, singing, and endless sense of humor had a way of making everyone around him feel welcome, loved, and at home.

Anyone who had the privilege of knowing Luis knew how hardworking, selfless, and caring he was. He dedicated his life to those he loved and never hesitated to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Whether it was offering words of encouragement, sharing a joke to make someone smile, or simply being there when it mattered most, Luis touched countless lives through his kindness and generosity.

MASS
Mass will be at the Cathedral of the Annunciation on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 10:00am at 400 W Rose St. Stockton, CA 95203.

BURIAL
Luis will be laid to rest on Wednesday, July 15th, 2026 at 12:30pm. Service will be held at the Cherokee Memorial Park and Funeral home. 14165 Beckman Rd. Lodi, Ca 95240.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Barba family.

Natividad Sanchez Rabadan

September 8, 1951 - June 20, 2026

VISITATION
 A visitation will be held from 2:00pm - 8:00pm with a rosary starting at 6:00pm on Wednesday, July 1st, 2026 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

MASS
 Mass will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, July 2nd, 2026 at St. Anne's Catholic Church  located at 215 W. Walnut St Lodi, CA 95240. The final committal will be follow at Cherokee Memorial Park, located off Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA, 95240.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Sanchez Rabadan family.

Nova Amera Boccia

April 10, 2025 - May 27, 2026

OBITUARY

With profound sadness and broken souls we announce the passing of Nova Amera Boccia on May 27, 2026. Born April 10, 2025, Nova filled every day of her life with joy, wonder, and unconditional love.  

Nova is survived by her loving mother Amanda Boccia, devoted brother Steven Gonzales, (SJ) grandparents Kim and Pete Boccia and Vera Quesada and Bernie Quesada. Nova is honored among many aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family members who will cherish her memory. She was preceded in death by her beloved father Zac Sebastian Boccia, who tragically passed before Nova was born. Nova Amera Boccia is now in the arms of her Daddy. 

Nova's beautiful smile, embracing demeanor and sweet spirit brought light wherever she went. She was a treasured daughter, sister, granddaughter, and beloved member of a family that adored her beyond measure. In her short life, she taught those around her the power of love, resilience, and the importance of presence in every precious moment.

We are forever grateful for every second we spent with Nova and the light she brought to our lives. Her memory will live on in every story, every smile and every act of love carried out by her family.

Nova will forever be our sunshine, our precious angel, and our greatest blessing. She will be deeply missed and always remembered for her perfect love. 

Nova Amera Boccia will symbolically be laid to rest on Thursday, June 25th, 2026, at 1:00 PM. Service will be held at Cherokee Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 14165 Beckman Road Lodi CA, 95240.

Forever our sunshine. Forever in our hearts. Forever loved. Forever Nova

SERVICE
 A memorial service will be held at 1:00pm on Thursday, June 25th, 2026 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Boccia family.

Mary Louise Mitchell

Mary Louise Mitchell
January 6, 1950 - June 18, 2026

Mary Louise Mitchell, born Mary Louise Frazer, passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord on June 18, 2026, at the age of 76.

Mary was born on January 6, 1950, in San Diego, California, to William Frazer Sr. and Katie Mae Robinson, who preceded her in death.

She was also preceded in death by her siblings, Robert Frazer, Juanita Henke, and William Frazer Jr.

Mary is survived by her devoted husband, Michael Mitchell; her children, Tammy Derichsweiler (Erik), Kati Bradshaw (Keith), Eugene "Robert" Courtemanche (Jennifer), and Michael James Mitchell (Michelle); her brother, Joseph Frazer; her beloved niece, Stephani Keith, whom Mary and Michael lovingly raised during the early years of her life; ten grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren.

Throughout her life, Mary worked in a variety of occupations, but she was best known for her years at Keystone Lanes in Norwalk, CA where she served as League Coordinator before later managing the coffee shop until her retirement. She made lasting friendships there and will be remembered by many whose lives she touched.

Mary found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved spending time outdoors, tending her garden, fishing, camping, and especially cooking. Nothing made her happier than preparing meals for family and friends. Her kitchen was often the heart of every gathering, and those fortunate enough to enjoy her cooking knew every meal was made with love.

One of Mary's greatest gifts was caring for others. Whether family, friends, or someone she had just met, she had a compassionate heart and was always willing to lend a helping hand. She was a natural caregiver who lovingly cared for several family members during times of illness. She never met a stranger, and her kindness left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered.

In 2006, Mary rededicated her life to God.  Her faith became the foundation of her life, bringing her peace, strength and hope.  In 2012, she and her husband, Michael, moved to Stockton, where she continued to grow in her faith and deepen her relationship with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Those closest to her witnessed the transformation in her heart and the unwavering trust she placed in God.

In the final days of her life, Mary faced her journey with remarkable courage and peace. Knowing her time on earth was drawing to a close, she shared with her family that she was ready. Her calm spirit and unwavering faith brought comfort to those around her and reflected the deep trust she had placed in her Savior.

Mary's legacy is one of unconditional love, compassion, generosity, hospitality, and unwavering faith. She will be remembered for the meals she lovingly prepared, the comfort she offered to those in need, the warmth she extended to everyone she met, and the deep love she had for her family.

In her final days, Mary simply said, "I'm ready. I've been waiting for the Lord." Those words now serve as a lasting reminder of the faith, courage, and peace with which she entered eternal life. Though her family will miss her beyond measure, they rejoice in knowing she is now at peace in the presence of her Savior.

Her family would like to thank everyone for the love, prayers, kindness, and support shown during this difficult time. Mary's memory will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Mitchell family.

Please leave your condolences below.

James Russell Burgess

James Russell Burgess
April 16, 1950 – June 16, 2026

James Russell Burgess passed away peacefully on June 16, 2026, following a brief illness.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Nancy A. Burgess; his sisters, Teresa Burgess, Debra Burgess, and Susan (Burgess) Gallardo; his nephews, Geoffrey Burgess, Benjamin Burgess, and Cameron Clegg; his nieces, Sarah (Burgess) Mateer and Genevieve Burgess; and eight cherished grandnieces and grandnephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Burgess and Frances (Murdock) Burgess, and by his brothers, Barry (Burgess) Hopcroft, Steven Burgess, and Brian Burgess.

Jim had a lifelong love of music of many genres, especially rock and roll. He also loved to travel with his wife, Nancy. Together they explored many far-flung destinations across Asia, Europe, Turkey and Egypt, as well as countless places throughout the United States. Jim was an excellent photographer and captured many of these destinations in beautiful slide collections which he often shared with family and friends. Through every adventure and every day in between, Jim was a loving, devoted, and steadfast partner to Nancy.

An avid gardener, Jim took great pride in creating a beautiful yard and thriving vegetable garden with Nancy at their longtime home in Lodi. In recent years, he enjoyed staying active at the gym, where he formed many valued friendships. Throughout his life, he could often be found tinkering, repairing, and fixing things, including cars—well at least until they became too damn complicated.

Jim dedicated more than 25 years of service to East Bay Municipal Utility District, where he worked as a Supervising Senior Hydrographer. He was respected by his colleagues for his knowledge, professionalism, and strong work ethic, and he developed several lifelong friendships during his career.

Jim will be remembered for his love of music, his passion for travel, his devotion to his home and garden, his ability to fix almost anything, and, above all, the love, kindness, and quiet strength he shared with family and friends. He will be especially missed by Nancy, with whom he shared a life filled with love, companionship, and adventure. Jim will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

In accordance with his wishes, Jim will be interred at Cherokee Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in his memory to a medical charity of your choice.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Burgess family.

Gwyn-Ella Florence

August 26, 1936 - June 16, 2026

"Gwyn-Ella Florence, 89, of Orangevale, California, went to be with her Lord on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. She was a cherished mom, Grammy and Great-Grammy.

Born in August of 1936, in Wagoner, Oklahoma, she was married to her sweetheart, Jack, in, 1953, at the age of 17. They were married 62 years. Jack preceded Gwyn in death in 2015. She dedicated her life to her family and happily made their home, and raised their two sons, in Stockton, California. After many years, in 1995, they moved to Rancho Murieta, California.

Gwyn was an accomplished musician and led her church choir at Harmony Baptist Church in Stockton for over 30 years. When Gwyn wasn’t leading music she was playing the piano and was often sought after for her beautiful singing voice.

Gwyn is survived by her son, Bryan (Carrie) of Modesto, California; her son Bart (Terri) of Orangevale, California; her grandchildren, Stacie (Todd), Jeffrey (Jessica) and Allison (Blake); and four great-grandchildren.

We’ll miss her infectious laughter and loving spirit and how she brightened the lives of all who knew her.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE
 A celebration of Gwyn’s life will be held at Cherokee Memorial Cemetery in Lodi on Monday, June 29, at 10:00 a.m., with a reception immediately following at the J. Charles Irwin Reception Center on site. The family invites all who knew her to attend and share their favorite memories."

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Florence family.

Marian Changco Mata

April 15, 1959 - June 14, 2026

ROSARY
 A rosary will be held from 1:00pm - 1:30pm on Friday, July 3rd, 2026 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICE
 A service will be held from 1:30pm - 2:30pm on Friday, July 3rd, 2026 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

VISITATION
 A visitation will be held from 2:30pm - 7:00pm on Friday, July 3rd, 2026 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Mata family.

Mary Ellen Rasmussen

February 8, 1929 - June 13, 2026

Mary Ellen Rasmussen (née Estepa) passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family, on Saturday, June 13th. Born on February 8, 1929, as a tiny but determined baby weighing just over two pounds, Mary Ellen demonstrated a strength and resilience from the very beginning that would define her entire life. Born a twin during the height of the Great Depression, she was the beloved daughter of Diego Estepa and Josephine Jurado, whose journey from Spain to America helped shape her lifelong values of hard work, faith, and family.

In her youth, Mary Ellen worked the canneries and prune orchards in Santa Clara, California, before marrying her beloved Donald J. Rasmussen in April of 1951. The pair shared 60 wonderful years of marriage before Donald’s passing in 2011. Her family takes great comfort in knowing that they are finally reunited.

Mary Ellen found immense joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved listening to the music of the 1950s and '60s, dancing the foxtrot, cooking fabulous meals, and baking the best desserts for her family. She was also a passionate traveler who successfully visited 49 of the 50 states—leaving Kentucky as the only one left unseen.

Above all, Mary Ellen treasured her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend whose guidance, wisdom, and unconditional love shaped generations.

In addition to her husband Donald, Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, ten siblings, and her beloved baby granddaughter, Dawn Marie Horst.

Her legacy of love lives on through her three daughters, Patricia (Jack) Arnold, Julie Getty, and Mary Primeau; her grandchildren, Kenneth and James Arnold, Daniel Horst, Kristin Upton, and Taylor Primeau; and her great-granddaughter, Bronte Upton. Mary Ellen also leaves behind her sister, Josephine “Jay”  Moore, whom she cherished deeply. She leaves behind a family who adored her and who will carry her memory forward through the vibrant stories she shared and the values she instilled.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all who cared for Mary Ellen throughout her life and during her final days. Her life was a true testament to perseverance, faith, and love. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

VISITATION
 A visitation will be held from 12:00pm - 1:00pm on Wednesday, June 24th, 2026 at the Evergreen Chapel  at Cherokee Memorial Park, located off of Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA.

SERVICE
 A service will be held at 1:00pm on Wednesday, June 24th, 2026 at the Evergreen Chapel  at Cherokee Memorial Park, located off of Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Rasmussen family.

Vieng Nasovann

September 5, 1946 - June 10, 2026

OBITUARY

Our beloved grandmother Vieng Nasovann, lovingly known as “Ma,” passed away surrounded by family and love.

Born in Cambodia, Ma later immigrated to the United States as a refugee in search of a better life for her family. She eventually settled in Stockton, California, where she became widely known in the community as “The Fried Chicken Lady.” From her apartment on Kentfield and later at Jill Circle, Ma spent many years selling her famous fried chicken wings and papaya salad, feeding generations of family, friends, neighbors, and loyal customers with love and care.

To her grandchildren, Ma was more than a grandmother—she was a mother figure, protector, best friend, and the heart of our family. She cherished time with her grandchildren and found great joy in bringing loved ones together. In recent years, some of her happiest moments were spent camping, traveling, taking road trips, visiting Thailand, tending to her garden, and enjoying spontaneous casino trips and adventures with family.

Ma’s kindness, warmth, generosity, laughter, and unconditional love touched everyone who knew her. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she nourished, cared for, and brought together. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever held in our hearts.

SERVICE
 A service will be held at 1:00pm on Sunday, June 21st, 2026 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Nasovann family.

Nhuan Thi Tran

January 1, 1948 - June 8, 2026

Nhuần Thị Trần was born in Sóc Trăng, Vietnam, on January 1, 1948. She was the eldest of four daughters born to her father, Can Trần, and mother, Chinh Thị Hua. She is survived by her sisters, Mùi Thị Trần, Tuyết-Nga Thị Trần, and Chu Thị Trần. She married Thuận Văn Huỳnh in 1968 and went on to have four sons: Thương Ngọc Huỳnh (Michael), Thanh Ngọc Huỳnh (Tony), Thính Ngọc Huỳnh (Johnny), and Lâm Tiến Huỳnh (Tim).

When the Vietnam War began, Thuận fought in the South Vietnamese Army alongside American soldiers. Following the end of the war, Thuận was placed in a re-education camp. Upon his release in 1979, he fled Vietnam for the United States, hoping to eventually send for his wife and four young sons.

After a couple of failed attempts to escape, Nhuần and three of her four sons successfully secured passage and fled Vietnam by boat in 1982. Due to unfortunate and heartbreaking circumstances, she had to leave Johnny behind, though he was eventually able to escape later with his aunt and cousins. Their boat ran out of fuel, lost course, and ended up in Malaysian waters, leading them to Bidong Island, Malaysia. They were later transferred to a refugee camp in Bataan, Philippines, where they spent most of their time before the processing center located Thuận.

In the summer of 1983, Nhuần, Michael, Tony, and Tim were finally on their way to America, where they reunited with Thuận in North Carolina. Johnny joined the family later in 1986. They stayed in North Carolina for a few more years, during which time they welcomed their fifth son, Valuable Trọng Huỳnh. In the summer of 1987, the family relocated to Stockton, California, which has been their home ever since.

Nhuần dedicated her life to her home and raising her five boys. Her love language was food; she always ensured a warm meal was waiting and that the rice cooker was full for her family. Outside of caring for her family, which occupied most of her time, she found great joy in volunteering at various Buddhist temples.

As the years passed, each of her sons married: Michael and Thắm, Tony and Mie (and his late wife, Tracy), Johnny and Như Ý, Tim and Noreli, and Valuable and Sonya. They began families of their own, and Nhuần cherished watching her grandchildren grow. In total, Thuận and Nhuần were blessed with 14 grandchildren: Richard, Anthony, Tiffany, Tyson, Joshua, Matthew, Nhu-Tien, Skylar, Jayson, Mickayla, Brayden, Natalie, Myles, and Mila. She is survived by all of her immediate family members, as well as a plethora of extended family in the United States, Vietnam, and China.

In Spring of 2025 Nhuần was diagnosed with cancer of the gallbladder. Choosing comfort over treatment, she decided to live out her remaining days embracing life, making each holiday and family gathering all the more precious. As her health slowly declined, Nhuần Thị Trần took her final breath on the evening of June 8, 2026, at 9:08 p.m., surrounded by the family who comforted her until she was at peace.

Nhuần Thị Trần was not only the matriarch of a large family; she was their quiet strength. She endured numerous hardships in Vietnam, managing a household of four young boys while her husband was away. She braved an escape by sea alone with three of her sons, enduring the agonizing pain of leaving one behind and the uncertainty of ever seeing her homeland again. She then immigrated to a foreign country and successfully raised five boys, making it her life’s mission to ensure her family was nurtured in the best way she knew how—with food. Her voice will fondly be remembered shouting, “Ăn cơm!” Her incredible fortitude is what kept her family moving forward, a legacy they deeply honor.

The family takes comfort in knowing that in the weeks leading up to her passing, she was surrounded by the friends and family who loved her so dearly. While their hearts are heavy and she will be profoundly missed, they are grateful that she is finally at peace and free from the burden of cancer. The family extends their deepest gratitude to Valuable and Sonya Huynh for opening their hearts and home, providing their Mom and Bà Nội with boundless love, care, and comfort until her very last breath.

Nhuần Thị Trần was deeply loved, and she will be missed forever.

VISITATION
 A visitation will be held from 11:00am - 7:00pm on Friday, July 10th, 2026 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICE
 A service will be held at 9:00am on Saturday, July 11th, 2026 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Tran family.

Cherokee Memorial Park is a 501(c)13 non-profit company, owned and operated exclusively for the benefit of the community, serving Lodi, Stockton, Galt, Manteca and the San Joaquin Valley since 1940.

Contact Us

CEMETERY OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Friday
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Saturday
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Sunday Closed

Mausoleums Daily
8:00 am - 4:30 pm


FUNERAL HOME OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Friday
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Weekends by Appointment
*Staff available 24/7
for immediate need