Mary Jean Pinheiro

1932 - 2008

Mary Jean (Coelho) Pinheiro 76, died quietly with her family by her side in Modesto, CA. She was born in Volta, CA and was raised in Gustine. She attended local schools graduated from Gustine High School in 1951. She had a true love of all animals. She loved to cook, bake, and sew. Mary Jean was very proud that she had worked at Bank of America until her marriage in 1955 to Edwin T. Pinheiro of Dos Palos.
Mary Jean and Ed lived in Dos Palos and had two beautiful children that she adored. Her whole life was being a "mommy and a housewife". Mary Jean and her family settled in Los Banos in 1966. She was very artistic and even entered her artwork at the May Day Fair where she won several awards. She was a devoted and loving "Nana" to her three grandsons.
She was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Society and the Los Banos Golden Agers.
Preceded in Death by her husband Edwin T. Pinheiro; parents, Manuel B. and Maria C. Coelho and brother Manuel B. Coelho. Jr.
Survived by her children Janet Pinheiro of Modesto, Dennis Pinheiro and his wife Celeste of McMinville, OR; grandchildren, Tyler and Thomas Pinheiro of Oregon and Grant Vierra of Modesto; sister Zelma Parreira of Gustine and Niece Veronica Parreira Thomas of Kingsburg.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, December 28, 2008 at 5-7 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Los Banos and the Rosary will follow. Mass will be held Monday, December 29, 2008 at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Burial will follow at the Hills Ferry Cemetery in Newman.
Contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, 301 West 18th St, Suite 101, Merced, CA 95340 or Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, c/o New Bethany Foundation, 1441 Berkeley Dr., Los Banos, CA 93635.
Funeral services are under the direction of Whitehurst Funeral Chapel, Los Banos.