Mary M. "Gammy" Brito

Mary M. "Gammy" Brito, aged 99, a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, passed away August 21, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Mary was born in Setubal, Portugal on May 21, 1924, to Jose and Maria Carlos, and came to the United States as a child in 1930 through Ellis Island. Her family settled in Little Italy, where she was raised as an honorary Italian.
On January 10, 1954, she married Lou Brito and moved to Point Loma where they raised their three children, Andrea, Luanne and Lou. A devoted mother, Girl Scout leader, PTA member, team sports mom and carpool driver, she supported her children with enthusiasm and dedication. She was also a loving caregiver to her father and father-in-law.
Mary believed deeply in helping others and when widowed at 59, she dedicated countless hours to fundraising for the community. She was chairman of the Amici Ball of Our Lady of the Rosary, the San Diego Mission de Alcala Ball, the MDA Harbor Day Fair and the Mercy Hospital Ball. A dedicated member of the Mercy Hospital Auxiliary for over 40 years, she also served as its President.
Mary was a member of many auxiliaries and was honored by Elderhelp, Juniors of the Social Service, Academy of Our Lady of Peace, the Portuguese Historical Society and the American Heart Association, but she considered being named Parent of the Year at Gonzaga University and Salvation Army's Woman of Dedication as her greatest honors.
Mary embraced life, events and travel adventures with her circle of friends. Affectionately known as the "Merry Widows," a term coined by Kay Rippee, this long-time group of distinguished women were very dear to Mary. Well into their 90s, they still met for martini lunches and spirited conversations.
Mary's travels took her around the world, but her most profound experience was her trip to Israel which enriched her faith and spiritual life. A devout Catholic who prayed daily and was dedicated to the rosary, she was proud to be a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem.
Mary considered her family her greatest achievement. She was devoted to her children and grandchildren, Kelly, Michael, Kathryn, Will, Ariel and Danielle, who knew her as "Gammy". Only the joy of her great-grandchildren surpassed it. Nothing brought a bigger smile to her face than hearing the sounds of Brynne, Lou and Dylan saying "Hi Gammy" and experiencing Charlotte's first steps in her last days. She always said her favorite times were holidays and family gatherings.
Mary had a zest for life and always saw the glass as half full. Her optimistic attitude and gift of animated conversation had a positive effect on those around her. Mary loved to share stories about her experiences and captivated her audiences with her remarkably detailed recollections. To know Mary was to love her and she will be missed by all.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Lou, and is survived by her children: Andrea Brito Bokosky, Luanne Brito, Lou and Linda Brito; six grandchildren: Kelly (Danny) Silva, Michael Bokosky, Kathryn (Tyler) Churchill, William Leonard, Ariel Brito (Lane Schechter) and Danielle Brito; and four great-grandchildren: Brynne, Lou and Dylan Silva and Charlotte Churchill.
Funeral services will be held at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 1140 Evergreen Street, San Diego, 92106 on September 8, 2023. Rosary will be at 9:30 am followed by 10:00 am Mass. A reception will follow at the UPSES Hall. Internment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, American Heart Association, American Cancer Association, Muscular Dystrophy Association or the charity of your choice.