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Mary Cervantes Obituary
August 25, 1926 to August 29, 2021
Mary Cervantes died peacefully of natural causes, just four days after her 95th birthday. Mary died as she had lived, dearly loved by family, friends, and many others who were touched by her kindness and generosity. Mary is predeceased by her husband Manuel, and survived by her two sons, Mark and Joe, and daughter-in-law Lauren.
Mary was born to Joseph and Elizabeth Kantor in Peoria Illinois. Mary was raised with her two older sisters in a lively home, where a shared a love of music, family, friends, and their Hungarian heritage, shaped much of who she was. Her interest in music beginning with childhood piano and voice lessons continued through her studies at Illinois Wesleyan University and the Kansas City Conservatory of Music, where her considerable talent was channeled into a promising career in voice performance. After completing her studies, she was offered a position in the SF Opera chorus. She described this time, singing with the opera, as one of the highlights of her life.
Mary met her husband, Manuel, at Reginald Travers' Player's Club Guild, a social and musical group they both enjoyed. Mary continued to share her love of music with others by teaching piano and serving as the musical director for St. Thomas the Apostle Church for over 50 years. She enjoyed live music and was a decades-long patron of both the SF Opera and SF Symphony.
All who knew Mary, are deeply grateful for her life. In a world that at times can seem bereft of tolerance, decency, and kindness, Mary's legacy to us is to remember how she lived these values, and to bring them forward in our own lives.
A rosary will be held on Monday, September 6, 2021 at 7:00pm at St.Thomas the Apostle Church. A funeral mass will be held on September 7, 2021 at 10:00am at St.Thomas the Apostle Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mary's name to the St. Anthony Foundation (www.stanthonysf.org).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Cervantes
Sponsored by Evergreen Mortuary of McAvoy O'Hara The Evergreen Mortuary.
5 Entries
David Ebarle
August 27, 2022
While I was aware of Mary's passing last year, I don't think I had a chance to comment. She was such a positive force growing up at St. Thomas for me. The memories of her playing the organ at Mass and belting out the hymns are very vivid - and it has been at least 40+ years since I have recalled those memories. She was supportive of my Mom and Dad, and they had been friends for so many years. I hope they are all three looking down at us, probably glad they got out when they did. Bless Mary Cervantes and thank you for the rich gift of music you gave to all of us!
Debbie Rausch Weinberger
September 3, 2021
Mrs. Cervantes was such a big part of my childhood at St. Thomas the Apostle grammar school. Like most of the girls at my school I was active in Choir which involved singing at Mass every Sunday morning for many years. I can see and hear Mrs. Cervantes so clearly in my mind's eye, and I have such fond memories of a dedicated and talented woman. My heart goes to my old classmate, Mark, and his family and I send prayers and wishes to them for strength and comfort during this difficult time.
Norman Meunier
September 3, 2021
Mrs. Cervantes taught me how to play the piano. She also taught my sister and mother! A neighborhood legend. Peace and happiness to her family. I remember the family home very well, Mrs. C might be preparing dinner while i took my lesson, but her perfect pitch would catch me up FAST!
Dianne Simionato Balzer
September 3, 2021
Your were so fortunate to have your mother for so many years. Your mother was a lovely woman and a very good friend to my mother, who suffered from cancer for many years.
She sang the "Ave Maria" at our wedding almost 53 years ago.
May God bless your and your family at this time of loss
Sister CRISTINE ROBERTSON
September 2, 2021
I am very saddened at your dear mothers passing. She and my dear mama were great friends.
Know that you three are in my prayers and thoughts.
Love,
Sister cristine
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