Mary Angela Capurro

Mary Capurro died peacefully on Christmas Eve at the age of 96. Born Mary Angela Anderson to Fred and Nora Anderson in Oakland, California, she married Vernon Capurro in 1944. They moved to San Leandro in 1948, where they raised 10 children, and she lived in the same house until shortly before her death. She graduated from Presentation High School, attended Holy Names College, and received her nursing degree from St. Mary's Hospital in San Francisco. She worked for more than 20 years at Fairmont Hospital in San Leandro, attaining the position of head nurse, and continued to work there part-time long after retirement. Mary played the piano and organ in her younger years, and liked to garden, travel, and read. She especially enjoyed playing bingo and trips to the casino.

Mary was a woman of great faith. She was a member of Assumption Parish since its inception, and participated in several parish ministries and activities. She was a great cook, hosting a number of large family gatherings a year until well into her 90's, but also sharing her pesto, focaccia, baked goods, and other treats with neighbors and friends.

Mary lived a life of service from a young age, helping to care for elderly relatives, getting her driver's license as a very young teen to drive family members and the sisters at the convent on errands, becoming a registered nurse, and tending to friends and neighbors in need. Above all else, she was devoted to her family, helping to take care of newborn grandchildren, bringing meals, babysitting, giving guidance without being intrusive, and teaching by example.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband Vern, her parents and brother Fred, her daughter Norine, and grandson Michael. She is survived by her daughters Mary Ann (Frank) Johnson, Janet Capurro Graham, and Molly (Don) Nering; her sons John (Gail), Joseph (Jackie), Robert (Reina), Stephan (Cheryl), Vincent (Kim), and David Capurro; grandchildren Franklin Johnson, Regina and Greg (Shelby) Capurro, Kristin (Kendall) Hannon, Katie Graham, Brian Capurro, Patrick, Matthew, and Tom (Melissa) Capurro, Andrew and Angela Capurro, Erik (Olivia) and Brent (Yuki) Snelgrove, Samantha and James Capurro, Missy, Marie, and Robert (Melissa) Nering; great-grandchildren Tailor, Tyler, Camryn, Alivia, Ethan, Adalyn, Claire, Harper, Henry, Jun, Alex, and Ramona; and several nieces and nephews.

These words cannot begin to express what a wonderful woman Mary was and what a void she leaves in our lives. We were so blessed to have her for so many years.

All are invited to attend a rosary on Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m. (December 30), and a funeral mass at 10:00 a.m. Thursday morning (December 31), both at Assumption Church in San Leandro.