Maria Esther Mota

August 20, 1966 - July 31, 2021

Maria Esther Mota, 54, passed away on July 31, 2021 at Memorial Hospital in Modesto. Maria lived life to the fullest, was always a patriot, welcomed everyone and will be missed and remembered by all who were blessed enough to know her. She was a God fearing woman who is now with her Lord and Savior. Maria was born on August 20, 1966 in Ucacuaro, Michoacán, Mexico to Alberto and Esther Fernandez. When Maria was three, the family immigrated to the United States. Maria graduated from Modesto High School in 1984 and, in 1990, she married the love of her life, Joe Mota. She was a dedicated and valuable employee of 9-11 and American Medical Response for 35 years. Many of her co-workers quickly became dear friends. All who knew her would agree that Maria had a huge heart and it showed in her dedication to many causes including Camp Taylor, AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-AM, Relay for Life and Comforting Kids. She was also an active dance and golf mom for 26 years and a volunteer at numerous school events. Additionally, it was well known that Maria could be counted on to always have a camera at the ready and a family get-together in the works! Maria was preceded in death by her father, Alberto. She is survived by her husband, Joe; her children, Tamra Mota (Dionny Frias), Adrienne Mota (Seth Bledsoe) and Grace Mota; grandchildren, Alyssa Lewis Mota (Christian), Dionny Frias Jr, Joey Frias, Matthew Ezekiel Bledsoe and Gia Grace Bledsoe, and great-grandchildren, Alexander Lewis-Mota and Anakin Lewis Mota. Maria will also be dearly missed by her mother, Esther; siblings, Octavio Fernandez (Laura), Bea Velo (Joe), Irma Arellanez (Robert), Martha Berdion (Don), Blanca Fistolera (Chad) and Veronica Sexton (Joshua); as well as numerous nieces and nephews and a huge network of friends. Maria was the epitome of selfless love. She was always available for a helping hand, generous hug or listening ear. She was extremely proud of her children and grandchildren and found tremendous joy in spending time with them. Maria also had a strong and unique bond with her friends and siblings. Lastly, she loved her husband Joe with all of her heart and felt extremely blessed to have such a beautiful marriage for 31 years. She will be dearly missed. A visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 12, 2021. A funeral service will follow the following day, Friday, August 13, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. Both services will be conducted at Turlock Funeral Home, 425 N. Soderquist Rd., Turlock. Upon conclusion of the funeral, Maria will be laid to rest at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella.