Shirley Ann Cunha Fernandez

Our purple loving, hat wearing Mom, Nana, Aunt, Niece and friend, Shirley Ann Cunha Fernandez, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2026 of natural causes. She made sure she saw all of her children, grandchildren, and special friends before she passed.

A proud lifelong resident of Mission San Jose and parishioner of St. Joseph’s Church, she was born on July 2,1935 at her grandmother’s home on Ellsworth Street.  She was involved with many organizations including Catholic Daughters, Native Daughters, and IDES, serving as a governor for a term. Shirley was very proud of her Portuguese heritage. She was instrumental in bringing back the Holy Ghost after a long absence.

Shirley is survived by her children; Debora Brantley, David, Douglas (Julie), and Donna (Debbie) Fernandez, many grandchildren, great and great-great grandchildren.  She was pre-deceased by her parents Thomas and Hortense Cunha, her brothers Thomas Jr and Elmo (Cap) Cunha, her granddaughter, Deanna Kelly and her former husband Lawrence (Nonie).

Memorial services on October 23, 2026 at St. Joseph Mission Church; 11:30 am rosary, 12:00 pm funeral mass with a luncheon to follow in the parish hall.

We would like to express our deepest gratitude to Lincoln Retirement Villa and Anchor Hospice for their care and meaningful guidance provided to our mom and family; there are truly angels living amongst us.

Always ready for a party, please have a Jim Beam and Coke in her honor, extra points if you are wearing purple!