Mary Alice Mello

Mary Alice Mello, 85, a lifelong resident of Merced, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 12, 2026. She was born Mary Alice Cotta on June 10, 1940, in Merced, California, to the late Joseph M. Cotta Sr. and Mary F. Cotta.

Alice met her future husband, Frank Martin Mello Jr., during their youth, and the two became high school sweethearts. They were married in February 1957 and shared 57 years of marriage until Frank’s passing in 2014. Together they raised three children: David, Debby, and Daryl - building a family rooted in devotion and hard work.

Throughout her life, Alice was a dedicated homemaker, a librarian, and a hardworking calf raiser in the family dairy. She took great pride in supporting the family dairy farm and in creating a warm, welcoming home filled with Portuguese traditions. She remained active in several Portuguese societies over the years, cherishing the culture and community they provided. Alice and Frank also enjoyed traveling together throughout their marriage.

Alice treasured her time with family above all else. She cherished hosting Easter celebrations for the extended family and looked forward to nothing more than the lively family reunions, where she loved to reminisce and tell stories about her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her children: David Martin Mello and his wife, LuAnn, of Mariposa; Daryl Michael Mello and his wife, Tracy, of Atwater; and Debby Marie Laughlin of Merced; as well as her four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Alice was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 57 years, Frank Martin Mello Jr. (2014); her brother, Joe “Mickey” Cotta Jr. (1989); and her son-in-law, Gary Laughlin (2021).

Through this site, we invite you to view and share cherished photos and videos, share fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Mello Family or share the obituary with others via social media and email. Arrangements are under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, Sierra Calvert, Funeral Arranger