With her loving family by her side, Mary Couto died peacefully at Glenn Medical Center in Willows on Wednesday, July 7, 2022. The oldest of five children, she was born in Feteira, Terceira, Açores, to Manuel Gonçalves Silva and Maria Joaquina Dinis Silva on Dec. 29, 1919.
She had four brothers: Manuel, Francisco, John and Antonio. Her father was a carpenter, and her mother was a homemaker.
On Oct. 9, 1943, she married Jose Vaz Couto. They were blessed with three children: Joe, Ermelinda and Frank.
On May 20, 1960, Mary and her family immigrated to the United States of America, in search of a better life. They lived in Tulare, Lemoore and Tipton, Calif., before settling in Willows after purchasing their dairy cows on March 15, 1963.
Tragically, Joe passed away two weeks later, on April 2, 1963. Mary along with her children persevered with the dairy and were successful over the years.
Mary retired from the dairy in 1977, while her sons, Joe and Frank, remained to run the dairy and farming operations.
Mary’s hobbies included sewing, crocheting, baking, playing cards and spending time with her family, especially around the Christmas holidays. She was a member of S.P.R.S.I., Our Lady of Miracles Society of Gustine, Our Lady of Fatima Society of Turlock, Our Lady of Fatima Society of Thornton and St. Monica’s Catholic Church.
She was a woman of great faith and strength. Her greatest joy in life was being with her family and sharing in their milestones.
She especially loved the special bond that she had with her great-grandchildren. They always knew that she had a full cookie jar and 7-Up in the refrigerator for them.
She was an inspiration to her family and those who knew her. She was the greatest teacher, showing everyone must persevere in life and continue in the journey ahead in spite of the tragedies experienced.
The family would like to thank the women who took such good care of Mary the past six months: Maria, Savanna, Anna, Sara, Lily and Kelly. The family would also like to thank the staff at Glenn Medical Center in Willows for the kindness and compassion they showed Mary and the family during her last days.
She is survived by her two sons Joe (Frances) Couto of Willows, and Frank (Suzan) Couto of Willows; grandchildren Patricia (Clemente) Lopes of Turlock, Lorene (Joe) Silva of Willows, Erma (Manuel) Ornelas of Turlock, Joe (Kristi) Couto of Willows, Eli Mendonça, Jr., of Turlock, Carla (Jason) Huttman of Willows, Conway (Marianne) Couto of Willows, and Mathew (Jocelyn) Mendonça of Modesto; great-grandchildren Mark and Anthony (Elizabeth) Lopes of Turlock, Emily and Jared Silva, Karmella Couto, Gabe, Connie and Jesse Huttman, Carter, Lane, Emma and Luke Couto, all of Willows, Matelyn, and Madison and Joseph Mendonça of Modesto; sister-in-law Fatima Silva of Tracy; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Manuel and Maria Silva; her husband of 19 years Joe V. Couto; daughter Ermelinda C. Mendonça; Son-in-law Eliseu S. Mendonça; brothers Manuel G. Silva, Francisco G. Silva, John G. Silva and Antonio G. Silva; sisters-in-law Ermelinda Silva, Vivelina Silva and Rosa Silva.
A viewing is scheduled from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 14, at F.D. Sweet and Son in Willows. A Rosary, followed by the funeral Mass, is planned at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 15, at St. Monica’s Catholic Church in Willows.
Graveside services are to follow Mass at the Willows Cemetery. A reception is to follow graveside services at St. Monica’s Parish Hall.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of F.D. Sweet and Son of Willows. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Mary Couto to St. Monica’s YLI or any favorite charity.
The Glenn County Observer 