08/04/2026
Obituary For Francis Dinis Couto
Frances Dinis Couto, 79, of Willows, California, passed away peacefully at her home on July 23,
2026, surrounded by her loving family.
Frances was born on March 9, 1947, in Vila de São Sebastião, Terceira, Açores, to Alfredo and Maria Neves. She was one of seven children. In 1968, she immigrated to the United States and settled in Glenn, California. She worked in the tomato fields and sorted walnuts at a local processing facility.
On June 14, 1969, she married the love of her life, Joe Couto. Together they made their home on
the family dairy outside of Willows and were blessed with two children, Lorene and Joey. Once her children were both school-aged, Frances began her housecleaning business, a career she faithfully dedicated herself to for more than 40 years.
Frances' greatest joy in life was spending time with her family. She loved being “Va” to Emily,
Jared, and Karmella, cheering them on at their sporting events and celebrating every milestone,
big and small. She was endlessly proud of her grandchildren and children.
She also enjoyed playing cards and traveling with her husband and their longtime travel companions, her sister Mary and brother-in-law George. Together they shared many cruises, several trips back to their homeland in the Açores, and countless visits to the beach.
Frances was deeply proud of her Portuguese heritage and loved attending Portuguese Holy Ghost Festas
throughout the area and the Central Valley. Above all else, Frances cherished her Catholic faith. She was a devoted member of St. Monica Catholic Church, faithfully prayed the Rosary each day, and had a deep devotion to Our Lady of Fatima. It was her unwavering faith that carried her through her brief illness. She was a dedicated member of St. Monica Young Ladies Grand Institute (YLGI) for 50 years and treasured working alongside her fellow sisters at their many events, funerals, and fundraisers. She was also a
member of SPRSI, PFSA, Our Lady of Fatima in Thornton, and Our Lady of Miracles in Gustine.
Frances will always be remembered for her beautiful smile, warm heart, and kind spirit. She had
a wonderful sense of humor and made everyone she met feel welcome. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. The hole her passing has left in our hearts can never truly be filled.
Frances is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Joe Couto; her daughter, Lorene (Joe) Silva, and her son, Joey (Kristi) Couto, all of Willows; and her grandchildren, Emily Silva, Jared Silva, and Karmella Couto.
She is also survived by her brother, Jose (Ana) Neves of Terceira, Açores; her sister, Mary (George) Leonardo of Gustine, California; her sisters-in-law, Irene Neves and Eugenia Neves of Canada; and many beloved nieces and nephews throughout
California, Canada, and Terceira, Açores.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Alfredo and Maria Neves; and her siblings, John Neves, Francisco Neves, Lucia Cunha, and Antonio Neves.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who reached out during Frances' illness. Whether through a phone call, text message, visit, flowers, food, or desserts—which she especially loved—your kindness brought comfort to both Frances and our family. There are no words to express how grateful we are for each and every act of love and
support. Your generosity and compassion will never be forgotten.
A special thank you is extended to her hospice nurse, Jan, and her social worker, Vanessa, for
their exceptional care, kindness, and support.
The Rosary will be recited at St. Monica Catholic Church on Monday, August 3, 2026, at 7:00
p.m.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Monica Catholic Church on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at
10:00 a.m., followed by graveside services at Willows Catholic Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Parish Hall.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Monica YLGI, P.O. Box 2002, Willows, CA 95988,
or to the charity of your choice.