Mary Pulice

Mary Magdalene Frances (Kendzior) Pulice, simply known to all who loved her as Nana, age 95, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 13th, 2020 at her home in San Dimas, CA. surrounded by her loving grandchildren. She was born July 21st, 1924 to Antoni Kendzior (1879-1944) and Maljorato “Margaret” (Strojek) Kendzior (1889-1957) in Monongah, West Virginia where she was raised with her brothers and sisters Marguerite, Irene, Herman, Harry, Rudolph, Walter, Antoni (Slug), Frank, and Elizabeth (Cha Cha) who all proceeded her in death. She met the love of her life, Sam Pulice (1997), in 1940 and was married to him on August 18th, 1941. They were blessed with four children Frank “Sonny” (1942), Sam (1943-1943), Rudolph “Dude” (1945) and Marcella “Marcy” (1947-2005). After the passing of her sister Irene, she and Papa (Sam) raised niece Linda Doolittle (1947) and nephew Robert (1949) as their own. Mary is survived by her 9 grandchildren Sam, Frank, Rudy, Mike, Sheri, Debbie, Joey, Jannie and Jessica and their spouses, along with 16 great grandchildren and 9 great-great grandchildren, and many beloved fur-babies.

Mary and Sam were founding members of Saint Louise de Marillac Catholic Church in Covina, CA. The church started service delivery in an old abandoned building, while the congregation raised funds to build the beautiful church that it is today. Many of us have fond memories of the annual St. Louise Carnival that Nana and Papa founded. All the grand children grew up working the carnival every Father’s Day weekend. Nana was also known for her many business adventures including a hot dog stand, Te-Ba-Ba furs in downtown Covina, and Nana’s Kitchen in Shopper’s Lane. However, she spent most of her years as a homemaker: cooking, cleaning and raising her family with love and a deep faith for God.

Family, friends, and all those who were touched by Nana’s hospitality, sweet smile, and kind heart, are invited to her services on Monday, January 27th at Saint Louise de Marillac Catholic Church in Covina, California.