Mary Berra Black

Mary was born on November 4, 1923 and raised in Morenci, Arizona, a mining camp, to Archangelo and Rosa Berra, as the youngest of three children. Mary always talked about a happy childhood of school, sports, friends, saving the donkeys, the family store and her mother’s boarding house.

Mary studied Nursing in Phoenix, Az. and Fresno, Ca. She graduated in 1943 and began her profession where she met her husband and the father of her 2 girls and 6 boys, Karl, Kathy, Paul, John, David, Sidney, Mary Ann and Phillip.

Mary was a resident of the San Fernando Valley for 77 years, living in various locations such as Olive View in Sylmar, Sepulveda, Burbank, and spending her final 35 years retired in Chatsworth, CA.

On the personal side, Mary was the consummate mother, survived by 5 of her 8 children, 17 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. Her days were spent communicating with them, trying to keep them in line and, when necessary, praying to St. Jude, the Patron Saint for difficult cases. Her daily ritual included saying the rosary and watching the holy Mass every day on TV…complete with critique.

Mary not only raised her eight children, but over the years provided care in her home for many relatives. After renewing her Nursing License in the 1980’s, Mary worked with United Cerebral Palsy Foundation in San Fernando, CA for 12 Years.

In retirement, Mary had the good fortune of staying in her home. She was in a familiar and trusted environment and well watched over by her daughter Mary Ann for many years. When her daughter unfortunately passed, her sons Sid and Phil stepped up and continued the love, support and patience necessary for a centenarian to thrive and be happy.

Mary passed on February 2, 2024, surrounded by her 5 children and their spouses, granddaughter Katie, family friend Kimberly and a very special caregiver, Girlina. Her children and granddaughter traveled from Sacramento, San Diego, Arizona, Washington State and Germany to honor their mother and grandmother. They proclaimed their love and thanked her for all she had given them. Mary’s passing has left a gap in the fabric of this family which can only be filled by the members moving forward with Mary’s love, kindness and humor.

Mary loved her Lord. We know she arrived in a special place and was greeted with open arms and a promise of everlasting life.