Mary Carmella Bozzo Hughes

Passed away at her home in Yuba City surrounded by the loving presence of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren on November 29, 2011.

Born to Virginia and Guiseppe Bozzo in Cosenza, Calabria, Italy on July 13, 1915, Mary immigrated to the United States as a child of four. Her parents came to the United States via Ellis Island en route to Gilroy. From there, the Bozzo family moved to Bangor where her father managed a large olive, citrus, and avocado farm and eventually settled in the Manzanita area. Here Mary and her siblings Paul, Fedele, and Sara grew up.

Mary met and married Jack Wilson Hughes of Gridley and the two lived first in Gridley and then raised cattle in Susanville and farmed rice in Live Oak. They were blessed with four children: Joseph Patrick, twins Mary Jane and Martha Jean, and Kathleen Anne. Ranching and farming with all its ups and downs were always part of Mary's life.

She was the ultimate cook and homemaker, whose table was always filled with simple, delicious, yet special treats for all who came to her home. Her gardening skills turned bare topsoil into grace and beauty. But more so, Mary was the kindest and most gentle of women who cared for others in her actions, not just through her words. She nursed her sister -in -law Dorothy Foster through cancer, and her own husband Jack through Crohn's and Parkinson's/Alzheimer's diseases. With always a positive word and gentle smile, she made the tears of many a grandchild and great- grandchild disappear, especially as she read to them or fed them a bit of chocolate. She was the matriarch who kept her family united through her loving example. The quote," Do no great things, only small things with great love" can be truly attributed to her life's actions.

Mary is predeceased by her husband Jack Wilson Hughes; parents Virginia and Guiseppe Bozzo; brother & sister-in-law Paul and Barbara Bozzo of Yuba City, sister Sara and brother-in-law Peter Amato of Davis, brothers-in-law and sisters-in- law Alden and Clara Hughes of Gridley, Bernerd and Vogie Hughes of Medford, Oliver and Bethel Hughes of Gridley, and Arlen and Sally Hughes, as well as sisters-in-law Dorothy Foster of Gridley, and Margaret Matusovich. Mary also is predeceased by her beloved grandson Malcolm Brooks Key of Live Oak.

Mary is survived by her son Joseph Hughes (Margaret) of Gridley, daughters Mary and Martha Hughes of Yuba City, and daughter Kathleen (Malcolm) Key of Live Oak. Grandchildren include Elise, Bernie, Amy and Philip Hughes as well as Nathan (Carie), Sarah, and Mary Carolyn Key. Great-grandchildren are Tyler, Avery and Claire Key, and Grace, Ella, and Bryce Hughes.

She is also survived by her brother Fedele and sisterâ€"in-law Beulah Bozzo of Gridley.

The family gives special thanks to the Sutter North Hospice and Dr. Leslie McLean and staff for all the loving kindnesses extended to Mary in her passing. Services are pending and will be conducted by Father Avram Brown at Sacred Heart Church in Gridley. A gathering celebrating her life will be held at the home of Joseph and Margaret Hughes following the services. For details contact Gridley-Block Funeral Chapel at 846-2138.

Donations in Mary's name can be made to the Brooks Key Memorial Scholarship Fund at Live Oak High School in lieu of flowers.

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