Mary Grabowski Airola

June 26, 1949 - September 17, 2023

Fresno, California - Mary Grabowski Airola, M.D. passed away September 17, 2023 from leukemia that complicated her 19 year battle with a myeloproliferative disease. Mary grew up in San Mateo, CA where she and her non-identical twin sister were born to Iola K. Grabowski and Stanley F. Grabowski in 1949.

Dr. Grabowski, as she was known professionally, leaves behind the love of her life, Dr. Virgil M. Airola, whom she met as an undergraduate at UC Berkeley and married after they graduated from Baylor College of Medicine where she was one of only seven women in a class of 144. Together Virgil and Mary raised three boys, David (El Dorado Hills, CA), Michael (Setauket, NY), and John (Fresno, CA), who have blessed them with six grandchildren (Trevor, Blake, Brennon, Harper, Grady, and Faye) and two delightful daughters-in-law, Krystal and Christina. Despite her professional achievements, Mary always prioritized family above all other elements in her life.

A lifelong sports advocate, Mary was introduced to soccer as a parent watching her kids play in grammar school. Her interest in the game led her to certification as an E-class soccer coach so she could coach her sons' teams until they moved on to more knowledgeable coaches. Her close friends and family knew her as a dedicated fan of Manchester United Football (soccer) Club and The English Premier Football League, in general.

Mary also enjoyed recreational swimming, golf, and, when younger, snow skiing, tennis, Triathlons, and windsurfing. She and her family spent many happy days pursuing these activities in the Sierras (primarily at Shaver Lake), Sacramento's River Delta, San Luis Reservoir, the Palm Desert area, Hawaii, and Hilton Head Island.

In addition to her immediate family, she is survived by her twin sister, Jean Grabowski Biles (Redwood City, CA) and her brother, Stanley F. Grabowski, Jr. (San Mateo, CA).

In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to donate to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the Saint Agnes Medical Center Foundation.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Fresno Bee on Oct. 8, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Airola

9 Entries

Cynthia & Dennis Unruh

October 28, 2023

Virg and Family, we celebrate with you the person of Mary, her genuine friendships, professional pioneering, family joy above all. It´s love.
May you be comforted as you find the path ahead, ever with her influence. Cinde & Dennis Unruh

Susie Reichert Wong

October 20, 2023

Dear Virgil,
I´m so sorry to hear of Mary`s passing, I know you had such a wonderful loving union. So pleased I got to meet her a few times, sending you and family much sympathy, love and a big hug, Susie Reichert Wong

Sally Reichert Patrick

October 20, 2023

Virgil, my deepest sympathies to you and your family. I am sorry I never got to know Mary better.
Hold on the best you can. These are difficult years to navigate.
Love to you.

Jeanne Grabowski Biles

October 20, 2023

Mary I will keep you in my heart always. You were the best twin sister a girl could ever have in life. You will be missed by all. Love you Jeanne

Gayle Dax-Conroy

October 20, 2023

Dear Virgil and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Mary's passing. I know her memories and all of your shared experiences will keep her close. My thoughts are with you.
Gayle Dax-Conroy

Heidi Frampton

October 19, 2023

Such beautiful words about an amazing person. Sending love to you Uncle Virgil, David, Michael, John and family. I appreciated how openly she shared her interests with everyone around whether quilting or playing sports. She was such a thoughtful aunt, never missing acknowledging my big moments in life. So much love.

Caroline Harrod

October 17, 2023

Our hearts go out to you Virgil, David, Michael and John. Mary was a wonderful sister-in-law and an amazing lady who made quilts for all our grand children when they were born. She made a beautiful quilt for us too. She was a sports fan and athlete full of enthusiasm and life. We are deeply saddened at her passing and she will be greatly missed.

With much love and sadness,
Caroline and Mike Harrod

David Taylor

October 10, 2023

Virgil, I am deeply saddened to learn of Mary`s passing. She was a compassionate physician and a great lady. I know you will miss her dearly. I think you will find comfort reliving the memories you shared together David Taylor.

Brian H. Clague and Linda L. Clague

October 8, 2023

Our sincere condolences to Virgil and his family on the recent loss of their beloved mother and wife. Mary and Virgil shared a full partnership in all of their relationships with others. She was always good hearted and sincere to others and will be missed. Brian and Linda Clague

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