Mary Christine Sperrazzo

On August 24, 2013, our world was altered as the soul of the faithfully departed Mary Sperrazzo entered eternal life. Mary Sperrazzo was first a disciple of Christ; wife to her husband Gerald Sperrazzo, PhD, Professor Emeritus of Psychology at University of San Diego; mother to four children Mark, Christine, John and Anne; and, grandmother to 14 grandchildren. Mary and Jerry celebrated 50 years of marriage on September 30, 2011 and have lived in San Diego since 1966.

Born May 5, 1937 in Washington D.C., Mary Christine (Torcisi) Sperrazzo was the youngest of seven children. Her parents were immigrants from Biancavilla and Santa Marìa di Licuddìa, Sicily and became naturalized American citizens. Mary graduated from Roosevelt High School in Washington D.C. and worked for the U.S. Attorney’s Office. She also worked under Judge Harold Greene, the lead architect of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, in the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice.

A supporter of many church, charities and community efforts, Mary was an avid writer and poet. In 2004, she published a collection of her poems entitled Nana’s Golden Treasures, which she intended to leave as her legacy of love. An activist for family values, the love of God and the respect for life, Mary will always be remembered for her love of children and her ability to find joy through great suffering. A stroke survivor for 12 years, Mary was described by those who knew her as a “living saint.”

Her Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, September 5th at 10:00am at the Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá (www.missionsandiego.com). Mary was a fond supporter of the Cooley's Anemia Foundation (www.thalassemia.org). Donations can be made in her name.