Mary Inez Mancuso

In Loving Memory of Mary Inez Mancuso, aka, Chooch

November 26, 1926 - September 11, 2025

Mary Inez Arias Mancuso, beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend, passed away peacefully in Santa Barbara, California, on September 10, 2025, at the age of 98.

Born in South San Francisco, California to Basque Parents, Joe Arias and Inez Uriarte Arias, Inez grew up in Susanville, California, where she enjoyed the lively and close-knit Basque Community. She earned her degree in Business from San Jose State and started her teaching career at Salinas High School. When she married her husband, Dick Mancuso, they moved to Reno, where son Tom was born, then Susanville, where daughter Angeli was born. When Dick gave up the logging life, and started his teaching career, the family moved to Salinas.

When the kids were in elementary school, Inez resumed her teaching career at Notre Dame High School in Salinas. Inez was a dedicated business teacher for 30 years, having a knack for relating to her students, creating a fun environment, and making sure they all knew they were special. Her legacy lives on in the countless students she inspired.

Inez found time to lead Tom's boy scout troop and Angeli's Camp Fire troop, as well as volunteer at the American Cancer Society, and serve on the PTA. Having summers off, the family would visit the grandparents in Susanville, where Dick did some logging, and Inez took the kids and cousins on outings to the Susan River. Whenever kids were around, she could be found teaching them card games, telling stories, and getting to know them.

In 1993, Inez moved to Redding with Tom, wife Patty, and daughters, Angeli and Sara, where enjoyed houseboat trips, volunteering, and watching the grandchildren grow up. In 2020, Inez moved to Santa Barbara to be close to daughter Angeli, husband Tom and granddaughters, Dominique Joie and Angeli. She made many friends and enjoyed activities in her Independent Living Community. Wherever Inez lived, she made wonderful friends.

She is survived by her daughter, Angeli Ruiz (Tom Coffin), daughter-in-law Patty Mancuso, granddaughters Angeli Mancuso (Joe Moore), Sara Barbour (Marty), Dominique Ruiz and Joie Ruiz, and great-granddaughters, Rowyn and Hayden. She leaves many dear nieces, nephews and cousins in California, Georgia, and The Basque Country in Spain. She was preceded in death by husband Dick Mancuso, son Tom, her parents Inez and Joe Arias, stepfather Joe Dal Favero, and brothers, Alfeo (Alice), Tom (Bettye) and Martin.

Inez's life was a testament to quiet strength, enduring love, and the power of kindness. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 29 in Salinas, California. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society, a cause close to Inez's heart.