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MARY (TOSTI) MENDES
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MARY (TOSTI) MENDES

MARY (TOSTI) MENDES

Aug. 14, 1923 - Dec. 30, 2013

 

Mary passed away peacefully at the Alexander Cohen Hospice House.

Mary was born in New Bedford, MA  to John and Maria Rocha.  At the age of 7 she moved with her family to Terceira, Azores.

At the age of 23 she moved to Bakersfield, CA, met and married John Tosti subsequently moving to Turlock, CA raising their 6 children. 

Mary was a devoted mother and remarkably found time to participate in her children’s activities, including sports, school, coordinating fund raisers and participating in field trips.

Mary was widowed at the age of 40.  She promptly learned to drive, attended night school and become a certified nursing assistant.

Mary had a rewarding and successful 16 year career at Emanuel Medical Center providing remarkable care to her patients.  Mary was involved in the Portuguese community and was a devout Catholic all of her life. 

She retired in 1984 and married Alberto Mendes and started their 30 year life together. In addition to her husband, Mary is survived by her 5 children, Darlene Tosti of Kauai, Lucy Tosti (Silvia) of Sacramento, Alvin (Jill) Tosti of Turlock, Irene Tosti-Slaybaugh (Dennis) of Modesto, Yvonne  (Mark) Miller  of Modesto.  Mary is preceded in death by her son Gene Tosti of Turlock. Mary left 3 step daughters, Nivia (Bob) Silva, Gorette (Luis) Escobar, Belina (Terry) Keener. Her surviving siblings include John Rocha of Arcata, CA, George Rocha of Modesto, CA, Alice Mendes of Crows Landing, CA and Carlos Rocha of McKinleyville, CA.  Mary also leaves 5 grandchildren, 8 step-grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, countless friends and extended family.

A rosary will be held at Turlock Memorial Park on Friday, January 3, at 7:00 p.m..  A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, January 4, at 11:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Turlock.   Burial will follow at Turlock Memorial Park. Visitation will be Friday, January 3, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Flowers are welcome and memorial gifts can be sent to Alexander Cohen Hospice House, 2201 Euclid Avenue, Hughson, CA 95326.