Our beloved mother was born in the summer of 1920, into a large and loving family. Her parents Mauro and Maria DeLiddo immigrated to Fresno in 1908, from Bari and Naples, Italy. She was christened Mary Helen, born the fifth of six children, three sisters and two brothers, who remained for life her closest companions.
Over the course of our lives, she has shared the happy memories of her growing up years on "A" street. Her father built a bocce ball court in their front yard and the neighbors would gather to play. On Sundays, dinner was eaten under their long grape arbor as they listened to the radio playing Italian Opera music. Maria, her mother baked bread each morning in the outdoor brick oven, making enough to feed her brood and more for the neighbors.
St. Alphonsus Catholic Church was their parish and they listened to the bells in the morning and in the evening. Mom's best friend, Mary Spaducci lived just across the street. In their early teen years, they sat together embroidering tea towels, pillow cases, and tablecloths for their hope chests. They shared long walks to the Carnegie Library, to Denhams for ice cream, and window shopping on Fulton Street. Saturday nights were reserved for dances at the Rainbow Ballroom.
Mom's Alma Mater was Edison High School where she sang in the Glee Club, studied home economics and met Virgil, her love forever. They eloped in 1940, with 25 dollars between them and were married in Reno, NV. They would remain in love over the next 72 years. Dad's family helped to build their first house. Mom brought her hope chest of embroidery and went to work on establishing her household. Making a home was her passion. She covered the kitchen table with her prettiest cloths. She planted a flower garden of calla lilies, roses, alyssum and verbena. She hung curtains in the windows and had three children. As they grew, she joined the PTA and became a second mom to all of their friends. Her door was open to everyone. My Dad said, "She never knew a stranger."
As her children married and established homes of their own, her circle of friends and interests widened. She took painting classes, ceramic lessons, and continued organ playing. Every year at the Fresno Fair, she won blue ribbons for her apple pies, pickled figs, jams, and jellies. As her grandchildren arrived, her life became complete. For 30 years she has given them her best, a heart of love and devotion. She has seen them wed and have babies of their own. This has been her greatest joy. She was blessed with a large and close knit family, devoted children, wonderful life long neighbors, and loyal friends. Mom has had a beautiful life. Gratitude, love and contentment have been her hallmarks and a lasting legacy for us all.
Mom was preceded into new life by her beloved Virgil; her baby son, Philip Edwin; her parents, Mauro and Maria DeLiddo; her brothers, Leo and Patrick; her sisters, Rose, Carmella, and Angelina; and her nephews, Morris and Sabatiano.
The loving family she leaves behind, her son, Roger Edwin Gentry; daughter, Rosella Diane Gentry-George; her daughter-in-law, Marilyn Gene Gentry; her son-in-law, Stan Charles George (so glad we married him); her beloved grandsons, Jeremy Joseph Gentry-George, Noah Virgil Gentry-George, Gabriel Matisse Gentry-George, and Cameron Francis Velasquez-Gentry; granddaughters, Yu Takei, and Phonethip Gentry George; great-grandchildren, Kaito and Kimi; loving nieces; nephews; great-nieces; and great-nephews.
Our deepest love and gratitude to the Batoon family, Lara, Mona, Maria, and to Abet, and others. Our life is forever changed by your loyalty and professionalism in your care for our parents.
"Mama, we will miss you more than you will ever know, but in God's house we will be together again."
Visitation will be held at St. Paul Catholic Newman Center on Wednesday, May 23, 2018, at 6:00 p.m. followed by Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Paul Catholic Newman Center on Thursday, May 24, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow at St. Peter's Cemetery.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18