Oneal Santos Lourence

Onesimo "Oneal" Santos Lourence was born on May 6, 1929, in the village of Porto Judeu on the island of Terçeira in the Azores of Portugal. He was the youngest son of José Maçhado Lourenço and Maria da Conçeição Pereira Lourenço. His brothers José and Dolore and sister, Viulmina, and Oneal, all grew up in a tight-knit community where hard work was simply part of childhood. He often spoke about the lessons he learned in his early life, the neighbors who helped raise each other's kids, and the kind of resourceful, make-do upbringing that stays with you for life.

At the age of 20, he made his way to the United States with little English and a lot of determination and dreams. He arrived in Snelling, California in June of 1949, reunited with family, and immediately stepped into the rhythm of early mornings, long days, and steady work. He worked milking cows for others, but his dream was to own his own dairy farm. As soon as he knew of Maria Rosa Pires having arrived in California, he pursued her and would not take 'no' for an answer. They were married in 1953 and began their long life together.

Oneal and Maria started small, but eventually made their way to Galt, CA. They bought a dairy farm and raised their five children to have opportunity, but also to have backbone, respect, pride in hard work and where they came from. One-Mar Dairy was established and Oneal worked hard, but he also was involved in the Portuguese communities. He was the first President chosen to lead the Holy Spirit Festa for the S.E.S. Hall in Elk Grove. He and Maria were also devoted to the Our Lady of Fatima Festa of Thornton.

Besides the dairy farm, Oneal worked in the Thornton cannery, raised goats, made cheese, and made wine from his own grapevines. He helped Maria with her catering. He took the whole family to the island of Terceira twice to celebrate Holy Spirit coronations. They eventually sold the dairy farm and bought a home closer to town as health issues ensued.

Oneal was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Maria. He is survived by his five children, Philomena Hall (Bob-deceased) Nez (Beth) Lourence, Joe (Karen) Lourence, Frank (Shirley) Lourence, and Mary Hunt (Mike). Also survived by his six grandchildren: Frank Lourence Jr., Miguel (Tiffany) Lourence, Jonathan (Susie) Lourence, Kimberly (Clay) Babbitt, Richard (Jacqui) Lourence, and Joshua Lourence. As well as nine great- grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and friends everywhere.

Dear family and friends, thank you for your prayers, kind words, and in joining us in remembering Oneal. The family welcomes memories and stories he might have shared with you, because if you knew Oneal, you knew a good story was never far behind.