Obituary of Beverly V. Borra

Beverly Venere Bowman was born March 17, 1946, on Armstrong Road in Lodi. As the middle child of three siblings, Beverly was a nurturing guide in the lives of her older brother, Paul, and younger sister, Nancy. They spent many days completing chores while having silly, good fun growing up in the country. Her organized and incredibly caring traits started young and continued to grow her entire life.
Her quiet, calm demeanor is what attracted her husband, Steve Borra. In 1966, Bev and Steve were married and soon came the addition of son Steve Jr and daughter Gina. They became a family living on a farm just down the road from where she was born.
Beverly had many positions to help financially support the family while their farm was slowly building a reputation for growing Barbera wine grapes, and became the first bonded family winery in Lodi (Borra's Cellar) in 1975. Ultimately, she and Steve Sr established and built Lodi Irrigation that grew to become a leader in irrigation solutions across the state. Beverly retired when the company was sold in 2018.
Bev is best defined by the accomplishments of her family. She chose to stay out of the spotlight herself and put all her energy and encouragement into support for her family and friends. As the wife of a farmer, she knew just how to cultivate her same character traits and blessings into all of her family, friends, co-workers, and anyone so fortunate to have spent any time with her. Her smile and kind words delivered softly and confidently demonstrated her leadership style. Many have said over the past days, that they will miss her wisdom, support and selfless love the most.
An escape to the beach or camping were her favorite ways to refresh and spend quality time with her family. She loved the sound of the ocean and walking on the shore. Reclining in the sun with a favorite book and ending the day with a martini might be how she would describe a perfect day. Simple pleasures were simply wonderful to Beverly.
On April 5, 2024 Beverly Borra passed after battling Multiple Myeloma and the additional health challenges that accompany that journey. As was her way, she chose to be quiet about her diagnosis. There is peace, knowing that her spirit is free from her worn body and that she is healed with the Lord and departed family that she has missed so much. The seeds she sowed in us all will continue to bloom and grow in our own hearts and in her honor.
Bev is survived by children Steve Borra (Tina) and Gina Granlees (Mike), grandchildren Dominic Borra (Carina), Trevor Granlees, Gabriella Borra and Chantz Granlees, great grandson Stefano Borra, her siblings Paul Bowman and Nancy Merin Stirm (Dale). She was preceded in death by her husband, Steve Borra, parents Norman and Venere Bowman.
A visitation will be held at Lodi Funeral Home on Monday April 15th from 1-5pm. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Bev's life on Tuesday April 16 at 10am at Lodi Funeral Home. Burial will take place at Cherokee Memorial with a reception to follow at Gill Creek Ranch, 22000 N. Elliott Road, Acampo 95220.
Those wishing to honor Bev can make a donation to the Borra Family Scholarship online at https://cfosj.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1796 or by check to: San Joaquin Community Foundation, 6731 Herndon Place, Stockton, CA 95219. Memo Line: Borra Family Scholarship.