Fatima Soares, 72, passed away peacefully at home, leaving behind a family and community who loved her dearly.
Fatima was born in 1954 in Pico, Acores. It was Fatima’s love for reading and adventure that sparked her interest to move to the United States. In July of 1969 she convinced her parents to move and they immigrated to her aunt’s farm in Brentwood, California, only speaking Portuguese. She lived there three years before her parents found their home in Half Moon Bay.
Fatima graduated from Half Moon Bay High School in 1975 and then attended San Francisco State University while working at a local nonprofit, Coastside Opportunity Center, as a secretary. She earned her BA in Social work and was promoted to social worker at Coastside Opportunity Center (now known as Coastside Hope). She eventually became the executive director and remained with Coastside Hope until her retirement in 2019, after 42 years of service. She dedicated herself to a life of service, helping countless families and always treating people with kindness, dignity, and respect.
Fatima was fluent in three languages and volunteered for many organizations throughout her life including the Seton Coastside Advisory Counsel and RotaCare Coastside Clinic for over two decades. She received numerous honors, including an induction into the San Mateo County Women’s Hall of Fame where she was recognized by Congresswoman Jackie Speier.
Those who knew Fatima will remember her not for the awards, but for her heart. She loved nothing more than reading, traveling, and being with family. She loved escaping into a good book, and carried at least one (if not more) book with her everywhere she went. She also had a passion for traveling. She got to explore, Australia, New Zealand, China, Africa, Paris, Italy, England, Spain, Costa Rica, and Peru to name a few. More than anything, she loved her family. More often than not she could be found at her sister’s house having coffee and enjoying the simple moments with the ones she loved most. Her great nieces and nephew brought her endless smiles and laughter. Whether it was sitting around the table playing a game or spending the day in the stands watching countless games of volleyball and softball, she was happiest when surrounded by family. Fatima was truly an Angel on earth.
She is survived by her sisters, Rosa (Rafael) Avila and Orlanda Soares. She is also survived by nephew, James Avila, Nieces Cassie (Brianna) Avila-Rotondo, and Jessica Avila, and by great-nieces Abigail and Sadie Sullivan and great-nephew Walker Sullivan. She is preceded in death by her parents, Antonio & Leontina Soares and bother Tony Soares.
Services will be held at Our Lady of the Pillar in Half Moon Bay. Please contact Cypress Lawn for date and time, https://cypresslawn.com/
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