Mary Anne Louis, 90, entered into eternal rest surrounded by her children on December 12, 2013. She was born in Porterville, CA to Manuel C. Nunes and Izaltina Souza. She lived in Woodville, Poplar, and Tipton, CA. She then moved to Stevinson, where she attended Merquin Union School, and later settled in the Modesto area.
She met her husband, Carl D. Louis, in 1947 and was married on May 22, 1949 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Modesto. They raised their children on dairies in the Westport and Mountain View farm communities. Although Mary and Carl parted ways, they remained lifelong friends. When she moved to Turlock, she found a fulfilling career as an instructional aide at Mountain View Elementary School, which she immensely enjoyed until her retirement. Mary also enjoyed volunteering at Sacred Heart School and at the daily meal program operated by United Samaritans, as well as visiting friends and strangers at local hospitals and residential facilities. She had a lifelong love of reading and could often be seen hauling an armful of books to and from the Turlock library. In her later years, she had the staff at her favorite Starbucks trained to cheerfully prepare her favorite decaf, no whip, extra hot mocha.
Mary is survived by her loving children: Dennis (Gina) Louis and David (Jill) Louis of Modesto, Diane Louis Brandeberry of Tracy, and Daniel Louis of Turlock. Grandchildren: Michael (Megan) Louis, Derek, Emilia, and Kayla Louis. Great-grandchildren: Connor and Madeline Louis. Sadly, her beloved brother Manuel Nunes of Modesto died just two days after Mary. They now join their parents and other loved ones in heaven.
Mary’s children would like to express deep appreciation to the staff at Bethel Retirement Community in Modesto for the loving care they provided to their cherished mother.
A Rosary is planned for 6 p.m. on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 at Allen Mortuary in Turlock. A Memorial Mass will be held at 12 p.m. on Thursday, December 19, 2013 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Turlock. Mary had a strong devotion to her Catholic faith and was an almost daily visitor to Sacred Heart.
In lieu of flowers, Mary would be pleased with a contribution in her name to an organization helping others in our community. This includes Community Hospice, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, 95356; Sacred Heart School, 1225 Cooper Ave., Turlock, 95380; and United Samaritans Foundation, Daily Bread Mobile Lunch Program, 220 S. Broadway, Turlock, 95380.
Please share your memories at www.allenmortuary.com