Mary Eleanor Lemos

Mary Eleanor Lemos was born on February 15, 1941 in Sao Jorge, Azores Islands to Mary Souza and John Avila. She immigrated to California with her family when she was 10 years old, and later met her husband Fred as he worked on his uncle’s dairy farm in Gilroy, CA. It was love at first sight and they married in 1960. Throughout their 61 years of marriage, Mary’s husband lovingly referred to her as “The bride of his youth.” Mary was a devout Catholic throughout her life and faithfully believed in Jesus Christ. She worked hard alongside her husband while raising their three children. She tackled home projects and cooked grand family meals, always with great precision. Along with her husband, she demonstrated what the Bible calls “true religion”, caring for widows, orphans and shut-in’s (James 1:27). She was a model of hospitality and servanthood hosting memorable holiday dinners, countless family gatherings and was generous with the dear ones in her life.

Throughout the years Mary encouraged her grandchildren to “bloom” and to pursue their dreams. Mary cherished wildlife, the family dogs, and especially her cockatiels. She enjoyed gardening along with her husband, together maintaining an impeccably trimmed landscape that was greatly admired by all.

As a long-time resident of San Jose Mary worked for the Social Security Administration for twenty-three years where she provided Portuguese and Spanish translation and later served faithfully as an administrator for Five Wounds Catholic School for eight years.

Mary is beloved by her husband Fred and their three children: Arthur (Maricela), Frederick (Marcie) and Lisa (Skip). Her eight grandchildren and their spouses, Lindsey (Jonathan), Christopher (Leta), Audrey, Marissa (Joshua), Emily, Joshua, Sonia, Ashley, and her great-grandson Ronen Lee will greatly miss their grandma and will always remember how she signed each card to them with “I love you to pieces!”

Mary is fond of music and raised her children to appreciate music; they learned to play the guitar, piano and the accordion. She demonstrated love, strength, unwavering perseverance, and loyalty. Mary also holds a special place in the hearts of her nephews and nieces who regard her as one of the classiest ladies they knew. Mary is survived by her brother John Avila. She was preceded in death by her brother Manuel Avila.

Funeral services will be held Friday, March 4, 2022 beginning with visitation from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by rosary and mass at 11:15 am at Five Wounds Portuguese National Parish, 1375 East Santa Clara Street, San Jose. Private interment services to follow.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.willowglenfuneralhome.com for the Lemos family.