Mary Lucille Prezioso

Mary Lucille Prezioso, age 97, of Fresno, California passed away on Wednesday, January 10, 2024. Mary, also known as "Aunt Pudge," was born in Massena, NY July 18, 1926. Her parents were Frank Catanzarite and Elizabeth Perri.

At age 12, her family moved to California and settled in Fresno. She attended Edison High School and graduated in 1944. She had various part-time office jobs and eventually was hired as a switchboard operator for the old Saint Agnes Hospital. She LOVED that job and with her sparkling personality everyone loved her!

In 1949, she married the love of her life, Frank Prezioso. In 1953, Gayle was born and in 1955 Patti was born. While she worked various part-time jobs, her primary job was wife and mother. In the 80's with the girls grown, she brought her sparkling personality to Liberty House department store as a sales associate.

She will be remembered for her wonderful Italian cooking, and being a confidant to so many kids as they were growing up. Their house was always full of love!

In 1991, her life changed when Frank passed away. She continued to focus on her daughters and granddaughter. She found fulfillment in volunteer work at Nazareth House and working as an usher at the Wrinkles show for 25 years. Her love of animals led her to dog sitting for special friends of hers. Her friends loved her and the animals loved her!

In 2018, she moved into Fig Garden Retirement Home where she made many new friends. She loved living there!

In 2019, she lost her "Angel Face" granddaughter, Alexandra. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Dominick and Sam and sisters Betty Bocchini and Ann Mastro.

A visitation for Mary will be held Wednesday, January 31, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, CA 93720. A recitation of the holy rosary will occur Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at 6:00 PM, 836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, CA 93720. A chapel service will occur Thursday, February 1, 2024 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, CA 93720. A committal service will occur Thursday, February 1, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM at St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery, 264 N Blythe Ave, Fresno, CA 93706.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstsullivan.com for the Prezioso family.