Born on April 7, 1938 in the quaint fishing village of Paul do Mar, Madeira, Portugal – she was the first born to Apolinario and Maria Jose Nunes. Her father left for the United States, soon after her birth, in search of work and a better life for his young family. On Christmas day 1942, Mary and her mother boarded a cargo ship bound for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. With brief stops in New York, the family was eventually reunited in Lowell, Massachusetts - it was late January 1943. Mary’s father worked in a textile mill, making uniforms for troops fighting in WWII.
As the war was ending, the family moved west to San Diego. They had friends and family from Portugal that were established in Pt. Loma. Mary’s father found work fishing on the tuna boats and their little family grew. Mary was enrolled in St. Agnes elementary and middle school. She went on to Cathedral Girls Catholic High School. It was during her high school years that she met Leo Correia, six years her senior. Leo’s family roots also dated back to Madeira, Portugal. At the age of seventeen, Mary was swept off her feet, and she chose to get married to Leo rather than attend her senior prom. Their first child Gregory was born a year and a half later, followed by five more Correia children.
Pt. Loma was always home to Mary. While Leo was elevated to fishing captain, Mary kept the kids and her home in order. She loved the strong connections to family and her large fishing community. The St Agnes Parish, family and the Festa were central in her life. Mary’s fantastic cooking skills and traditional Portuguese favorites kept the family smiling! In her free time, Mary honed her great artistic skills – painting and embroidery were her favorites. She made countless baby blankets; each stich was crafted with love. Her great seamstress talents came from her mother and Mary was sure to pass this on to her two daughters. As the kids grew and became independent, Mary could be found tending to her beautiful garden, bowling with friends or attending a grandchild’s sporting event with Leo, her loving husband of sixty-five years. It always remained the simple things in life that made her smile.
Mary is preceded in death by her first son, Gregory. Survived by her husband, Leo Edward; their children, Gary, Donna (Daniel) O’Rourke, Lisa (Bob) Rodrigues, Leo (Laurie) & Darren (Joette); brother, Daniel A. Nunes (Anya); sisters, Jeanette M. Correia (Manual) & Judy C. (David) Harries; fourteen grandchildren; three great grandchildren; and daughter-in-law, Lynne.
She was active in the Catholic Daughters, and a Minister of the Eucharist at St. Agnes Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers or if you would like to make a donation in honor of her please send it to: The Parkinsons Assocation, spdaparkinson.org
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