Maria Grace Vergano

(December 18, 1964 – June 28, 2025)

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Maria Grace Couto Vergano, known lovingly as "Marie" to her family, on June 28, 2025, in Santa Clara, California, at the age of 60. Born on December 18, 1964, in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, Azores Islands, Portugal. Maria brought light into the lives of all who knew her. Her vibrant spirit, endless generosity, and unwavering love for her family defined her life.

Marie is survived by her devoted husband of 37 years, Vince and their beloved children, Nick and Kelli. She is also survived by her cherished siblings, Carlos Couto ( Molly), Mario Couto ( Lisa) Linda Navarrete ( Tony), sister-in-law Laurie Couto (Paul) She was preceded in death by her beloved mother Laura deAlmeida Couto and her brother Paul Jorge Couto.

Marie's love extended to her in-laws, Larry & Arlene Vergano, Esther Flexen, Ron & Tina Billingsley, Steve & Michelle Vergano and Craig Flexen. Her family was her heart, and she nurtured every bond with love and devotion.

She is survived by all of her nieces & nephews. Shannon, Jon, Lindsey, Brian, Suzy, Steven, Jessica, Ryan, Dylan, Jacob, Kyle, Rosie, Elizabeth, Bobby, Chris, Kaiya, Kailey, Eliza, Kadin, Landon, Ella and Frankie, Christina, Aurelia and Cosmo.

Marie was a dedicated professional who touched many lives through her work. For 15 years, she served as the Senior Administrator Assistant at Saratoga Vision Center, providing care and warmth to all who walked through the door. For the past 8 years, she worked as the Counseling Secretary at Santa Clara High School, her alma mater, and the alma mater of her siblings, children, and many nieces and nephews. Marie took great pride in helping students and staff alike, making a lasting impact at a place that meant so much to her.

Marie enjoyed going to the beach, dancing, collecting wind chimes and garden decorations, and hosting family gatherings, and spent countless hours surrounded by her loved ones, sharing joy, laughter, and stories. She had a beautiful smile and an infectious laugh. Throughout her life, Marie was known for her boundless kindness, fun-loving sense of humor, readiness to dance whenever a great song came on, and her habit of always putting others before herself.

She had a special connection to her roots in the Azores; it brought her so much joy when Landon, Nick, Kelli, and Lindsey got to experience Portugal and even visit the house where Marie and her siblings were born, just days before she passed.

Marie will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her, and her legacy of love and selflessness will continue to inspire those she leaves behind.

A celebration of life will be held on August 9, 2025, at Henry Schmidt Park in Santa Clara, the site of so many joyous family celebrations past, starting at 12 noon. Friends and family are invited to celebrate Marie's life by wearing bright colors, not black, to represent the brightness that she brought to all of our lives.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the JW house at Santa Clara Kaiser.