Mary J. Caron

Mary J. Caron 86, gave her spirit to God on March 17, 2014 after a brief illness. Mary was born on July 29, 1927 in Castlebar, County Mayo, Ireland, to Andy Redmond and Molly Murphy. She was one of ten children in an Irish household that often doubled as a Bed and Breakfast.

As jobs were scarce in her native Ireland, Mary moved to London, England at an early age to find work. She worked at Kodak when she was in her thirties and met Donald Caron, her future husband, on a blind date. Donald was stationed in England with the United States Air Force at the time. They were married in 1962. Mary moved with Donald to Germany and then back to England while he finished up his military career, with the family growing as well!

Eventually Donald and Mary moved to Ventura, CA to be closer to Don’s twin sister, Donna. Don and Mary had three children, Paul, Therese and Loretta. Mary was a homemaker, and both a wonderful wife and loving mother.

Raising three children, Mary always wanted better for them than she had, especially education. Paul and Loretta went on to get Bachelors Degrees and Therese continued her studies at a local college in no small part because of Mary’s love for learning.

Mary and Don were married for 49 years, until Don’s passing in 2011. They were a very loving couple, and as often as a couple with three children can, went to dances at the Irish Club, and dinners at the VFW. Family vacations to National Parks, visits back to Ireland and trips to Don’s childhood home in Minnesota were always ones of joy, smiles, and love.

A cradle to grave Roman Catholic, Mary was a long time parishioner of Our Lady of Assumption Church. The Caron family were fixtures at the Saturday evening Mass, and Mary was fond of many members of the Assumption Parish family. In her later years, as it became harder for her to get around, Saturday Night was indeed a high point of the week for her, and her faith gave her great strength.

As Mary grew older, she had an increasing number of health issues, but amazed us all with her resilience and tolerance for pain, while still finding an overriding joy in life! Although her mobility was limited later on due to several hip replacement surgeries, she still kept busy, and was an inspiration to both family and caregivers who helped her get around.

Mary was preceded in death by her loving husband, Don, and sisters Patsy, Bridget, Chrissie, Evelyn, Betsy, as well as brothers John, and Andrew. She is survived by her son, Paul Caron (and Lori) of Ventura, daughters Therese Caron of Ventura, Loretta Berg (and Eric) of Campbell, brother Thomas Redmond (New Jersey) and sister Sheila Horohoe (New York). In addition, Mary leaves behind three grandchildren, as well as nieces and nephews who dearly loved her. Her grandchildren brought her a special joy as they came later in her life, and kept her feeling young. They will deeply miss their Grandma Mary.

A viewing/wake will take place at Charles Carroll Funeral Home from 3 pm to 7 pm on Sunday, March 23. A rosary recital will be held on Monday, March 24, at Our Lady of Assumption Church at 10:30 am, followed by the funeral at 11:00 am. and burial at Santa Clara Cemetery at 12:30 pm. A reception will follow at the Santa Cruz Room at Our Lady of the Assumption Church.

The family would like to thank Catalina Martinez and Dee Lara who provided companionship and caregiving through Visiting Angels, Camarillo. Also, Doctors Andrea Parmalee and Arthur Flynn, as well as his staff, who not only provided her with excellent care, but were genuinely kind at all times. Nurses Kym and Griselda at CMH, during her final week, were lights of warmth and compassion, and we are grateful.

Arrangements under the direction of Charles Carroll Funeral Home, Ventura, CA.