Nina Lois Faria

Mom passed peacefully on April 28, 2022,  lovingly surrounded by family in her final days.  Our mother was a remarkable, talented woman who told us often: “Know you are loved.” Her smile lit up the room. She joins her loved ones: husband Edward T Faria, Sr., sons Ronald Edward Faria and Kenneth Lee Faria, daughter Laura Gail Pearre, her parents and 7 sisters at God’s table. Her faith in God never wavered.  She was a devoted member of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church.

Nina was born in Ozark, Arkansas to Greene Lee and Arminta Rich Pennington.  The fourth of 10 children, she was a determined child propelling her throughout her life.  Her mother brought her with 6 siblings to California when she was 14 years old. She enjoyed roller skating and dancing.  She began her career as a telephone operator for Pacific Bell until her marriage to Ed Faria in 1947.  They began their life together working their dairy in Turlock, CA. They later ran the Fairview Market in Hilmar where their family was complete with 6 children. While raising 6 children and working, Nina earned her GED, joined the Mothers of Note Choir- who performed at the 1962 World’s Fair where the Space Needle was introduced and often helped others less fortunate. Nina ensured her children always had music in their lives. She and her sisters singing brilliant harmonies was a highlight of family gatherings.

When the family moved to Modesto, Nina worked at The State Hospital as a Psych Tech in Modesto, Stockton then San Jose until its closing.  Determined as always, Nina returned to school earning an AA in Early Child Development while in her 50’s, in the midst of grieving the loss of her son Kenny.  She was an inspiration to all of us. She began her favorite career as a Preschool Teacher with Modesto City Schools, where she formed close bonds with many coworkers, parents and children. She retired in her late 70’s.  She also sang in the St. Stanislaus Church Choir throughout this time and attended Bible Study meetings, forming many close friendships.  She was a member of California State Retirees, Chapter 5, actively attending their meetings until she was unable. When she retired from teaching, she and Dad enjoyed traveling with their Free N Easy RV club, dancing at the Senior Citizens hall, gardening and their grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Nina is survived by her children Judy Kenyon, Sandy Nesmith (Tim), and Ed Faria, Jr. (Joan), her grandchildren Amy Dragoo (Mark), Suzanne Kopecki (Dave), Kassandra Douglas (Blair), Matthew Kenyon, Rachel Pearre, Blake Faria, Dustin Nesmith (Chelsea), Max Nesmith and Logan Nesmith, her great grandchildren, Katie, Xander and Sam Kopecki, Caden and Shae Kuntz, Bennett Douglas and Sylas Nesmith, her sister Ruby Ward, brother Wendell Pennington, and many beloved nieces and nephews. “Know you are loved.”

Services will be held on May 13, 2022 with a Rosary at 10:00 am, followed by a funeral Mass at 10:30 am. at the St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 1200 Maze Blvd., Modesto. Burial will be St. Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery 1141 Scenic Dr., Modesto, CA.

In lieu of flowers, you may donate in her memory to the Alzheimers’ Organization https://www.alz.org/research

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.