Mary Louise Mancillas

Mary Louise Mancillas(nee Pedroza) passed away peacefully on May 4, 2026, in Newport Beach, California. Married to her husband, Marcial Mancillas, for 70 years; Mary Louise is survived by her children: Kurt(Cindy), Lori (Sal), and Eric; her four grandchildren: Trevor(Kendra), Ryan, Kendall and Dylan; and great-grandchildren: Michael John and Elly Marie.

Mary Louise was one of 12 children; she grew up in Southern California. As children, Mary Louise and her siblings were extras in many Hollywood films including the 1944 classic, "Anna and the King of Siam" in which they played the royal children. A shining star from a young age!

Mary Louise loved to let her big personality shine. In their early years of marriage, Marcial convinced ML to make a big move to the Midwest.

Marcial & Mary Louise raised their 3 children in Winnetka, IL. Their Catholic faith was very important to them as they were loyal patrons of Faith, Hope, & Charity. In their free time they travelled the world on cycling trips, where they rocked the most fashion forward matching windbreakers. They found community and many lifelong friends at Sunset Ridge Country Club joining in the 1970s. Mary Louise took immense pride in helping start the Ladies Golf Classic at Sunset Ridge. Mary Louise was an active tennis and bridge player as well.. A shark when it came to cards, she completed many spirited bridge matches with her ladies. Her many philanthropic activities included The American Cancer Society and Chairing the Evanston Hospital Ball.

In their later years, Marical & Mary Louise moved full time to Newport Beach where they were active parishioners of St. John Vianney Chapel. She enjoyed living close to her son Eric and daughter Lori and Lori's family.

Affectionately referred to as Nanie by her grandchildren. She was always present at sports games, birthdays, graduations, and family gatherings. She taught her grandchildren the joys of competition. The stakes were high as they always bet with real money from the coveted jar of Pennies for their heated games of Go Fish.

A place that Mary Louise cherished was the Mauna Kea on the Big Island in Hawaii. As a family there were many trips taken and beautiful memories created filled with very competitive tennis matches, dancing the night away at a lü'au, or lounging on the beach.

Until we meet again Aloha

A Memorial Service will be held on June 19, 2026, at St. John Vianney Chapel, Balboa Island, CA. at 11:00 am

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.