Mary Rapozo Howe

Mary Rapozo Howe of San Clemente, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2026, at the age of 93. Born in 1932 in Somerville, Massachusetts, to Artur and Olimpia Rapozo, she was the seventh child of eight in a large and close-knit Portuguese family.

Mary's early life took her family to California's Central Valley at the age of 12 at the height of WW II. She became active in the Portuguese community, later caring for her father and supporting her mother through challenging times. Her adventurous spirit shone when she spent a year in Hawaii with best friend Jean Bettencourt, embracing travel and new horizons with joy.

She married Jack Reilly and raised four devoted children; Elizabeth, John, Chris, and Bridget-first in Turlock and later in Orange County. After nearly 20 years as a devoted stay-at-home mother, following the end of her marriage, Mary demonstrated remarkable resilience by reentering the workforce, providing steadfast support for her family.

Mary later found the love of her life, Dennis Howe. They were together for over 40 years, blending their families with his daughters Karen and Sharon. Together, they journeyed across Europe, the Caribbean, and the U.S., with cherished reunions alongside cousins on Sao Miguel and from Canada, reconnecting deeply with her Portuguese heritage.

Renowned for her love of dancing, savoring a fine glass of wine, and cooking special meals that gathered family around the table, Mary took greatest pride in nurturing her children and loved ones. Her warmth, humor, and unyielding spirit touched countless lives.

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.

Funeral services will be held at St. Brigid's Catholic Church in Hanford, CA, on Monday, March 2 at 10:00 a.m. Visitation begins at 2:00 p.m., followed by a Rosary at 4:00 p.m., on Sunday, March 1 at Whitehurst McNamara Mortuary in Hanford, CA.