Bernice “Mecca” Shurden , 92, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2017. She was born in San Leandro, California on June 16, 1924. Her family moved to Gilroy when Mecca was three years old. She had a strong work ethic starting as a child working with her family picking prunes.
During World War II she delivered telegrams on a bike and worked at a gas station until the men came home from the war. She then worked in several card rooms, running the lunch counter at Club OK for ten years. Mecca worked at Chappell Pump and Supply for over 43 years. She loved the job, the people she worked with and the customers.
She reluctantly retired at the age of 88. Mecca was an avid bowler for many years and served as president of her bowling league. She liked watching sports on television and rooted for the 49ers and Giants.
She also liked to watch tennis and was fond of Rafael Nadal referring to him as “my little Spaniard.” She also rooted for her grandson, goddaughter and others at their games. Mecca painted dozens of paint-by-number paintings, bird houses, and gifted many with her beautiful artwork.
She liked to keep busy and was always looking for things to do around the house. She could fix anything, and did. She even used to change the oil in her car. She loved her family and friends and would keep in touch by daily phone calls and letters. Her absence will leave a huge hole in our hearts.
She is survived by daughter Karen Shurden, grandson Jordan Reyes, goddaughter Mecca Ann Hutchings, niece Marsha Velasco and sister-in-law Eva Velasco . She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
She was preceeded in death by her parents Ladisla and Crisanto Velasco, brothers Philip, Marshal, Felix, Crisanto and Florence Velasco and sister Rose Jones. Special thanks to Mecca Ann Hutchings and Liz Esqueda for their constant and diligent care over the last few months. Vigil Friday, March 31, 2017 – 6:00pm at Habing Family Funeral Home.
Funeral Mass Saturday, April 1, 2017 – 10:00am at St Mary Catholic Church. Online condolences at www.habingfamilyfuneralhome.com
