Mary Liberto Harnish

1909 - 2010

BORN

1909

DIED

2010

Mary Harnish Obituary

Mary Liberto Harnish was born July 22, 1909 in Los Angeles, Calif. Her parents came over from Italy, they married and proceeded to have eight daughters and one son. She is survived by her sister, Madaline, who is 104 years old. Mary is also survived by her daughter, Rose Marie Polito; her son-in-law, Tony Mascarin; her grandsons, Joseph Ronald Polito (wife Judi) and Christopher Mascarin; her granddaughters, Jennifer Gaulke (husband Paul), and Marya Kosowski (husband Nick). She has six great-grandchildren, Josselyn, Mackenzie, Mikella, Nicky, Cole and Brody. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Joan Mascarin and her son-in-law, Joe Polito. Her life was one big party. Her zest for life was absolutely what kept her alive for so long. Mary was an active member and Senior Regent of the Moose Lodge for many years. She along with her sisters and brother would feed several hundred people spagetti with meatballs and garlic bread. And in those days, everything was made from scratch. No such thing as frozen meatballs! She moved to Palm Springs to be near her daughter (Roe) at age 91 to pursue her life long ambitions, which were gambling, poker and martinis....She proceeded to make many friends and enjoyed our Cathedral Canyon Country Club. She loved her Bingo on Wednesday nights. We celebrated her 101st birthday luncheon at the club. She was an inspiration to all who knew her. We would like to thank her many friends who were always there for us. Also, many thanks to Hospice; they were fabulous. A special thank you to Graciella Vargas to whom we are most grateful for her wonderful care. She started out as a caregiver and then became her Best Friend. Muchas Gracias! Private services will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery, Culver City, Calif.

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Published by The Desert Sun from Dec. 10 to Dec. 13, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Harnish

11 Entries

December 15, 2010

Dear Ro and family, Pat and I loved Mary and considered her one of our very best friends. She was an inspiration to everyone. We met her in 2002 and she provided us with so much fun that it would take a book to fill all of the great memories. She loved life and she loved people and it always showed. We will miss her but we know she is in a better place because her life was very spiritual as well.
Bob Wilhelm

December 13, 2010

Dear Mary's Family
It was an honor to meet such an energentic and sharp Lady. I was one of her nurses at one time and really enjoyed meeting her. I mentioned her energy to family and friends. I am sure she will be sadly missed. Para Gabriella lo sento.
Fondly
Aray

Sue Sutter

December 13, 2010

Dear Roe, You and your family are in my prayers. I was blessed to meet your mom and enjoyed hearing Mary stories from my mom. I know she was loved and brought so much joy to so many people!

Chris McNamee

December 13, 2010

Roe and all the family,
Mary will forever be a legend. She was introduced as Grandma Red years ago and she indeed was a great grandma and friend to so many. The last time a saw her, just a year ago, I said Grandma Mary, "It's Chris." Her reply, "I know who your are." She was incredible remembering me at age 100. My guess is she was 90 when she cooked spaghetti and meatballs when our dad died. She so loved life and my wish for all of you is that her memory will keep you young and spirited on your way to 100. I see a lot of her in all of you. Love and Blessings, Chris & Dan

December 11, 2010

Dear Roe and family,
It was such a pleasure to have had the opportunity of knowning your mother. love Sharon and Don Rice

Janice Pollock

December 10, 2010

Dear Ro & Family,
There are no words to describe how I felt about your Mom. She was one of a kind and just loved me to pieces and for that I will never forget her. She was an inspiration to me and I admired her so much. My favorite was at my New Year's Eve parties, when she would sit at the bar like a queen, drinking her martini. She will be in my heart forever.

Love Janice

Kevin Rice

December 10, 2010

Dear Roe and family, You are in our thoughts and prayers. We are so very happy that we had the last ten years to get to know Mary. Always a smile on her face and something witty to say she will be missed.

Kevin & Matthew

December 10, 2010

Dear Rosemary and family,
Martyn and I want to extend our condolences on the loss of your Mother--a delightful lady. It was our pleasure to have met her.
Barbara

December 10, 2010

Dear Roe and family,

You are in our hearts and prayers at this time. Your Mother was loved and admired by so many of us, neighbors, friends, doctors, nurses, caregivers, and more, and of course, family Everyone she met will always remember Mary.

Even at her 100th and her 101st birthday party she amazed all of us with her wit, her ability to recognize the people who were there, her ability to speak fluently several languages, her sharp mind and her kindness to everyone.

She always made sure her hair was done the right color and she was "MARVELOUS" , she insisted on it. She was spunky beyond belief.

No one will forget her. She was an 101 year old legend!

We love you, Roe.

Barbara and Don Robinson

Bob & Sylvia Fafard

December 10, 2010

Mary was a delightful lady, full of life & fun to be around her. Mary loved
people & life always with a twinkle in her eyes. She will be sadly
missed. Our sympathy & prayers are extended to Rosemarie & family.
Bob & Sylvia Fafard

December 10, 2010

Dear Roe and family,
Please accept condolences from John and me. We were your mother's neighbours in CCCC#6 and hosted both of you at our home last May for a cocktail party. We enjoyed seeing your mother's love of life and the warm affection that all of our neighbours had for her.
Sincerely,
Louise Vertes

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