Mary Louise Filice (Lulu)
November 23,1924 - January 21, 2018
San Jose
Mary Louise Filice (Lulu), transitioned to Heaven surrounded by her loving family on January 21, 2018, at her home in San Jose, California. She was 93. Lulu was born November 23, 1924, to Samuel and Theresa DeBona in San Jose, California.
When Lulu was six years old, she spent a year in Switzerland with her mother. Upon return, Lulu attended St. Joseph's School speaking only Italian. Lulu attended Notre Dame High School and San Jose State University, where she met the love of her life, Pete Filice (Khaki). He was drafted and she did not see him again until after the war. Lulu and Khaki were married in 1946 and had three lovely children, Linda, Peter and Christopher.
A true matriarch of her family, an avid volunteer in the community. President of the Ladies Guild of Sacred Heart Grammar School. A lifelong volunteer for the National Alliance on Mental Illness, as President and activity director, working in their office helping counsel families, marching in Sacramento, helping coordinate housing for the mentally ill.
A member of many clubs, forming her own Leisurette Club of childhood friends, tennis club at Willow Street Park, dancing with the Sizzling Seniors, and a member of the IAHF.
Loved life and laughing with so many friends and family while drinking her manhattans, especially at the SJ Bee's Beehive, parties, and trips. Volunteered to be the first female Post Office mail carrier.
A true beauty, she modeled for Sacred Heart and the Elks fashion shows.
Most of all, Lulu had a big heart and she will be deeply missed.
Mary Louise, beloved Mother of Linda, Peter (Diane) and Christopher, Grandmother of Tony (Isabele), Samuel, Marisella (Bradley), Michael, Matthew (Jessica), Great Grandmother of Stevie, Bailey, Katie, Tate and Zoe.
Friends and family are invited to attend a rosary on January 26, at 7:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Flowers funeral home, 900 South 2nd Street, San Jose, CA 95112. Funeral will be on January 27, at 11:00 a.m. at Five Wounds Church, 1375 E. Santa Clara Street, San Jose, CA 95116, followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

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Published by San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times on Jan. 25, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Filice

Sponsored by San Jose Mercury News.

6 Entries

July 4, 2019

I'm so sad to learn of Mary Lou's passing. She was a lovely lady I was sad not to be able to pay my respects to her at her services as I was unaware of her passing till now.. She was my brothers Godmother and a wonderful friend of both of my parents. She was one of the few people who kept in touch with my mother and she was so patient with my Mom when my mother's dementia became extreme. My very late condolences to all who knew and loved her. May she rest peacefully......
Lori Bozzo ( Tony and Alice's daughter)

April 3, 2018

Linda, Peter and Chris ( and Family)
So So sorry to hear about your mom's passing. We did not hear about her passing until April 3rd. Would have liked to have been at her services. Mary Lou was such a wonderous soul. She called my mom often, which made her very happy. I grew up with the Leisurettes with all of those fun memories and I can still hear your mom laughing!She will be missed.
Blessings to you and your families
Sandra Haines ( and Angie Haines)

Don & Judy (Isaia) Cornellier

January 30, 2018

Dear Linda and family,

We are so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. She was such a beautiful, special lady. I have so many wonderful memories of her and the Leisurettes. My love and sympathy to you and your family.

Mary Lou Filice

January 27, 2018

A beautiful lady with a fun sense of humor who showed kindness and respect to those that were lucky enough to make her acquaintance.

We have the same name and would giggle when our doctors would mix up our charts. When we would see each other, it was a topic of conversation for us!

Mary Lou will be missed by all!

My condolences to her family.

I am so sorry to have missed her services.

January 26, 2018

Linda, Peter and Chris,

I have so many fond memories of your mom, she was such a stylish lady, articulate, funny, generous, she always made me feel special. She was my moms best friend and loved by all. The world was a better place with Lulu in it.

Rick Nelson

Bobbie Clapp

January 25, 2018

Linda, I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Love, Bobbie (Oliverio) Clapp

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