Mary Nancy Pellicciotti

On a clear and sunny Friday afternoon, in a quiet well-lit room Mary Pellicciotti peacefully passed into the arms of her Savior and her loving husband Roy.  Mary was a first generation Italian American, born into a large and vibrant Italian community in San Jose, California.  She lived there her entire life, sharing a beautiful home, family life and marriage of 67 years with her dear husband Roy.   When he passed away on July 2, 2017 her life took a dramatic turn.  Leaving everything she had known Mary moved to Crawford, Texas to live with her only child, Pamela Bailey and husband Mark.  This was an enormous challenge for Mary and adjustment was hard, but she was welcomed into a community of loving friends who became family immediately, offering her their time and respect and love.  Loosing her husband of 67 years was catastrophic but she worked hard to adjust and her Texas “framily” were successful at convincing her of her value and importance in their lives.  This was no doubt instrumental in extending her life to 93 years!  Additionally, she was nurtured by a very big, very shy and very orange tabby cat, “Bugg Bailey”.   He adopted her despite her protest and they became constant companions.

Mary was known in the family for her “gravy” (spaghetti sauce), banana bread, biscotti and “Cuccidati” her special traditional Christmas cookies.  She loved her home and garden and kept both in perfect condition.  She was an excellent needle-pointer, creating several masterpieces that still grace the homes of many family and friends.  She was an active “helper”, dispatching Roy to deliver food and favors to those in need.  She was generous with her time and shared what she had with many.

Mary was not a big traveler but she and Roy visited Hawaii three times and made numerous trips to Lake Tahoe.  But her favorite travel was to Texas to visit her daughter and son-in-law.  

She could fix anything broken and loved a good Mimosa.  Late in life she learned to “relax” and wished  she’d figured this out sooner. 

Most of all she loved being with her daughter Pam, who had moved to Waco in 1971 to attend Baylor University.  After graduation Pam married and remained in Waco.  Their unexpected reunion these past 7 years fulfilled the longing each had to be closer and enjoy more time together.  This required a lot of adjustment that each put great effort into.  The fruit of these efforts created a mature adult relationship that enriched them both and was cherished into Mary’s last days.

Joining Pam in memory and appreciation of Mary is husband Mark, a cheerful, tireless helper and advocate.  Mary loved Mark as a son and trusted him completely.  She also leaves behind to cherish her memory a long list of family and friends. Who celebrated her in the best of times and stood by and cared for her in the darkest days.  

Mary’s ashes, along with her husband Roy’s ashes will be interred during a private ceremony .  A “Celebration of Life” for Mary and Roy will be held at a later time.