Mary Fontes Pires
March 12, 1937 – July 24, 2024

Mary Fontes Pires was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, Nana, Auntie, Mina, Ninga, and Tia. Mary was born in the Azores Island of Pico on March 12, 1937 to John and Mary Duarte. She passed away on July 24, 2024.

Mary and her family immigrated to the United States in 1953. Eventually her family settled in San Jose, CA. While visiting Caruthers she met the love of her life Joseph Fontes. Mary only spoke Portuguese, but together they were able to speak the language of love. They married a short time later. They made their home on the family farm where Joe, operated the dairy and ranch. Mary helped Joe work on the dairy where she would feed calves; help herd the cows, and help out in the barn. Because of the dairy and living in a rural area, stray animals would get dropped off. Mary took them all in. She loved animals nurturing the injured back to health. In March 1956, their son Donald was born and a year later Toni arrived making their family complete.

Mary was a wonderful homemaker, mother, and Nana. She loved cooking for her family and friends. She especially loved making fresh French bread for her grandson Travis every morning which she served with a glass of chocolate milk. As an accomplished cook and baker, she was known for her delicious rice pudding and award-winning Portuguese sweet bread.

Mary was a woman of many talents. She loved to sew making all of Toni's school clothes. She sewed elaborate Halloween costumes for Donald and Toni with them winning the best costume contests each year at their school. She was involved in the Alvina PTA for many years.

Nieces and nephews loved spending time on the ranch with their Uncle Joe and Aunt Mary making many special memories. Mary loved holidays, and decorating for Christmas was her favorite. When she did something it was over the top and beautiful. Friends and family were always excited to have a "Home Tour" to see all her beautiful decorations. It brought so much pleasure to her, especially when Santa, family, and friends came to celebrate. Mary also enjoyed her trips back home to the Azores where she still has family. She enjoyed making coffee early in the morning and having her dear friend Vie Armas stop by for a cup and visit. Life was good.

Eventually Mary went to work for Luftenburg's Bridal where she made beautiful silk flower arrangements and sold bridal dresses. The owners, Bennett and Vivian, as well as her co-workers, became part of her extended family who she loved very much.

After more than 30 years of marriage, Mary's husband Joe became terminally ill. Mary cared for him until the day he passed at age 52. That same year, Travis, her first grandson, was born. His arrival helped ease her pain. He was the joy of her life.

Time passed while Mary was attending a family gathering in Hanford, CA, she met Manuel Pires. Manuel was also a widow from Bakersfield. Soon they struck up a friendship and eventually married. After they married, he moved to the ranch with Mary. Together they started the second chapter of their lives. Manuel and Mary were married for 33 years.

Mary was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2017. As the disease progressed she eventually moved into the California Armenian Home where she resided for the past five and a half years. Because of the excellent care of the home and her family, Mary lived a lot longer than doctors predicted. Toni and the family are forever grateful to all the staff and Dr. Sidhu. Thank you!

Mary is preceded in death by her first husband Joe, her parents, John and Mary Duarte, and her brother Manuel Duarte. She is survived by her husband Manuel Pires, her sisters Palmira Braga and Vicki Grilo, her son Donald Fontes, daughter Toni Sasselli, (husband Marlan), her grandson Travis Sasselli, step-grandchildren Jeremy Sasselli (wife Elizabeth, children Matthew, Michael and Mark) and Jennifer Sasselli Dominick (husband Jesse, children Wesley and Azurae), step-children Fernando Pires (wife Lydia), Lucy Pires (daughter Christina), Steven Pires (wife Stephanie) in addition to many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

We will miss her dearly. She will remain in our hearts forever.