Mary La Verne Steele, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away at Apricot Mornings Residential Living on June 26, 2022 at the age of 93. She was born to Mary and Joseph Pereira on April 15, 1929 in Fresno, Ca. Mary was raised on her family's dairy ranch in Easton. Ca. She attended Washington Union High School and graduated in 1946. She and her husband, Charles Steele, were married January 4, 1948 at St. Alphonsus's Catholic Church in Fresno. Following their marriage, the couple moved to Fresno. Mary started her career as a bookkeeper for Danish Creamery Company. Later she worked at Imhoff's Yardstick, a fabric store in Fresno's Manchester Center. Following that, she was employed at Liberty House in the fabric department. After several years at Liberty House, she retired in 1982. Mary was an accomplished seamstress and taught her three daughters to sew. Her five grandchildren and great grandchildren affectionately called her "Nan". She taught all of them to play Rummikub. The game became a favorite and a language of love.
"Mary will be deeply missed. Her memory will be cherished by family and friends."
She is preceded in death by her husband. Charles, who died in 2018. They were married for 70 wonderful years. Her parents, Mary and Joseph Pereira; sister, Hilda Mendes; and brother, Thomas Pereira.
Mary is survived by her loving children, Cynthia Steele of Fresno; Patty Todd and her husband Jerry of Fresno; Cathy Mallory and husband Brad of Madera; five grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
A viewing will be held at Lisle Funeral Home, 1605 L Street, Fresno, Ca on Thursday July 14, 2022 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. A Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2140 N. Cedar Ave., Fresno, Ca, on Friday, July 15, 2022, at 10:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Service will conclude with a burial at Fresno Memorial Gardens. 175 S. Cornelia Ave., Fresno, Ca.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a favorite charity
