Mary Veronica Laranjo

1927 - 2021

Mary Louise Veronica Laranjo joined our Heavenly Father the day after her 94th birthday! 
She was preceded in death by her parents Serafin and Adeline Laranjo, her siblings Anne and Joe Fialho, Adeline Joan Laranjo, Calvin A. Stafford Jr, Joanne and Henry Fialho, John Laranjo,
her niece Loretta Springer, and her nephew Joseph Fialho. She is survived by Irene Laranjo Stafford and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Mary was born and raised in Gilroy, CA. One of six children of Serafin G. and Adeline Laranjo. She received all of her sacraments at St. Mary’s church in Gilroy. When she was in elementary school she played the lead part in a play, memorizing not only her parts but others as well! After the play, people were calling her a genius!

She attended Gilroy High School with 3 of her sisters and they had fun playing the seasonal sports!  She graduated from Gilroy High in 1946. That same year Mary was chosen to be queen of the IDES Portuguese Fiesta! She chose two of her sisters to be her side maids and invited all her friends from Gilroy high to be in the parade!

She attended Heralds Business School in San Jose, and then worked at Sears Roebuck until she retired. During her career she lived with her sister Adeline and together they traveled the world! 

When Adeline died Mary moved into Merril Gardens, once again back in Gilroy. There she got to spend more time with the family she loved. Mary was loved and will be dearly missed.

Vie ba-gah puh sha-gah, Mary! “Drive slowly so you can arrive at your destination.