PORTERVILLE, CA/LYFORD - Florestella Gomez, 56 passed away Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at Sierra View District Hospital in Porterville, CA.

She was born on June 20, 1953 to Benito Gomez and Maria Trevino in Mission, TX.

Florestella was preceded in death by her father, Benito Gomez, her nephew, Freddie Gomez and her care provider Jose Melendez of Porterville, CA.

Survivors include her mother, Maria T. Castillo and stepfather, Niko Castillo. Five brothers: Raymond T. (Gavina) Gomez of Glendale, AZ, Victor T. (Lupe †) Gomez of Bird, MI. Tony (Pat) Gomez of Arlington, TX, Jose (Dora) Gomez of Lyford, TX and Benito (Janie) Gomez of Terrell, TX; four sisters, Sofia (Victor †), Yrlas of Saginaw, MI, Adela (Enrique) Gutierrez of Terrell, TX, Janie (Joe) Cota of Hanford, CA, Minerva Martinez and Yolanda (JR) Hinojosa both of Arlington, TX.

A private family visitation was held on Sunday, December 27, 2009 at the Hernandez Funeral Home Chapel in Raymondville. Florestella laid in state Monday, December 28 for a 7 p.m. rosary which was recited at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Lyford. The funeral mass for Ms. Gomez was celebrated on Tuesday, December 29 at 10 a.m. at Prince of Peace Catholic Church officiated by Father Rafael Vega.

Funeral arrangements under the direction of Hernandez Funeral Home.

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