Mary Gabriela Rego

Mary passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving children at the age of 81. Mary, known to her family as Mimi, grew up in the Azores Islands in Portugal. She married John Rego on October 3, 1948 and together they moved from Portugal to California eventually settling and raising their family in the Byron/Discovery Bay area.

Mary was a devoted wife, loving mother and extraordinary grandmother who found great joy and pride in her family. Her greatest loves were her grandchildren and she cherished the opportunity to spend time with family. Filled with compassion and interests in others, Mary was an active volunteer. She was passionately committed to her community at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Byron. She was a founding member of the St. Anne's Women's Fellowship, a member of Catholic Daughters, and at 40 consecutive years of participation, became the longest active volunteer at the annual St. Anne's Crab Feed. She was also a proud member of the UPPEC, Portuguese Society of Oakley for many years.

Mary was beautiful and kind, and will always be remembered for her determination, generosity, abundant energy, quick witted humor and feisty spirit. She loved food, was a fabulous cook, and also enjoyed growing fruit and vegetables in her backyard garden. She was a beloved wife, mother grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend.

Mary is survived by her children, John, Jerry, Mary Singh (Mike), Jim (Ginger), and Debbie Jamieson (John). Mary is also survived by her sister, Maria Jose Medeiros, grandchildren , great-grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, John Rego and daughter, Gabriela. Her family takes comfort in knowing they will all be reunited in heaven. John and Mary were married 50 years at the time of his passing in 1999.

A visitation will be held on Monday, November 12, 2012 at 5:00pm with a Rosary at 7:00pm at the Brentwood Funeral Home. Funeral mass Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at 11:00am at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Byron. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Mary's name to St. Anne's Catholic Church.