Mary Elizabeth Howe

In Loving Memory of Mary E. Howe
1932 – 2026

Born in Somerville, Massachusetts, in 1932 to Artur and Olimpia Rapozo, Mary grew up as the seventh of eight children in a tightknit, Portuguese family. From the beginning, she carried with her a deep sense of loyalty, humor, and warmth that made everyone around her feel at ease.

When Mary was 12, at the height of World War II, her family moved to California's Central Valley. There, she dove into the vibrant Portuguese community, later helping to care for her father and standing by her mother through tough times.

Mary's adventurous spirit came alive when she spent a year in Hawaii with her best friend Jean Bettencourt. That time, filled with laughter, sunshine, and friendship, reflected her love of travel and her joy in embracing life's little adventures.

She later married Jack Reilly, and together they raised four children-Elizabeth, John, Chris, and Bridget. From Turlock to Orange County, Mary created a home filled with love, laughter, and home-cooked meals. When life took unexpected turns and her marriage ended, she showed remarkable courage and resilience, returning to work after nearly twenty years as a stay-at-home mom. Her grace, and determination became the example her children would look up to for the rest of their lives.

In time, Mary found the great love of her life, Dennis Howe. Together, they created another beautiful chapter, joining their families with Dennis's daughters, Karen and Sharon, and filling their days with travel, community, and companionship for over 40 years. They explored Europe, the Caribbean, the United States, and other far flung destinations, cherishing each adventure together until he passed away in 2025. One of Mary's proudest moments was visiting the island of São Miguel and reconnecting with her family roots, meeting cousins there and from Canada.

Mary had a special sparkle. She loved to dance, to share stories over a good glass of wine, and to celebrate life wherever she was. Above all, she poured her heart into her family. Her greatest joy was her family whose lives are forever shaped by her love, humor, and strength.

Mary is survived by her four children, Elizabeth Reilly, John Reilly Jr., Christopher Reilly, and Bridget Reilly Walin; her stepdaughters, Karen Howe Matthews and Sharon Howe White; her brother, Joseph; nine cherished grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at O'Connor Mortuary, 25301 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills, CA 92653.

Mary's legacy lives on in the kindness she shared, the laughter she inspired, and the boundless love she gave. She will be missed deeply, remembered always, and celebrated in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to know her.