Obituary of Mary F. Gill

Maria Filomena Gill May 11, 1913 – December 15, 2014 101 Years Old- Long Time Santa Cruz Resident Born on the Island of Fayal Azores, Mary married Frank Joseph Gill in 1933. She started her family with the birth of Mary Alice in 1934, Charles Albert in 1935, and Frank Norbert in 1939. In 1945, prior to the conclusion of WW II, the family immigrated to the USA, settling in Lawrence, Massachusetts where Mary and Frank worked in the textile mills for 7 years. In 1952 the family moved to Santa Cruz where Mary and Frank continued working in the garment industry. In 1963, the family suffered the loss of Mary Alice, (beloved daughter, sister, and mother), who died in a plane crash. Mary lost the love of her life in 1967, when Frank J. Gill passed away. It took years for her to recover, but thanks to active participation in the California Portuguese Society (C.P.D.E.S) countless lifelong friendships were made, and she again enjoyed life to its fullest. Mary continued working as a tailor until well into her 80's and was a resident of Santa Cruz for 62 years. She moved to Friday Harbor, Washington in 2009 to live with her son Frank and his wife, Shirley. Mary is survived by her son Frank, her granddaughters, Carlene Holland, Lee Ann Eurs, and Tracy De Palma. She also leaves her grandsons: Mitchell J Gill, Damon J. Gill, Josh M. Gill and Martin Gill, along with 15 great grandchildren, and 7 great great grandchildren. Mary was preceded in death by her three sisters: Albertina, Frances, and Alice; her husband Frank, her daughter Mary Alice, and her son Charles Albert. A High Mass will be offered on Friday, May 22, 2015 at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church (515 Frederick St.) in Santa Cruz beginning at 2 p.m. A committal ceremony will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Santa Cruz, where she will be laid to rest beside her late husband Frank. A reception will follow at the Paradox Hotel in Santa Cruz, where we will continue to celebrate her well lived and much loved life.