Mary Ann Santoro

Mary, with her twin brother Joseph who died in infancy, was born in Pueblo, Colorado to Italian immigrant, Joseph Perricone, and Pueblo native Lucy Perricone, née Maurello. The cherished baby of her family, she was called “Sissy” (so as not to be confused with brother Sam’s wife Mary) by the many nieces and nephews who followed and became lifelong friends with the aunt not much older than themselves.

Mary was only 3 years old when her dad died unexpectedly. Two years later, her eldest brother Sam, moved his mother and three younger siblings from Colorado to Los Angeles where he figured out how they could not just survive, but thrive.

Her big brother by ten years, Sam, was also a father figure to Mary. He walked her down the aisle in 1951 to marry George Santoro. George went to medical school at California College of Osteopathy (now UC Irvine School of Medicine) and Mary received her Associate’s degree in Accounting from Los Angeles City College

George and Mary settled in Alhambra, CA, and then San Marino, CA. During that time, George practiced medicine in Los Angeles and Mary worked as a bookkeeper for her brother’s company and other private companies. Spending time with their extended family with Italian roots on both sides was an important part of their weekly routine as the young couple started a family of their own.

In 1972, the couple and their brood of five boys moved Orange County. Together, they built a successful family medical practice in Fountain Valley and were a well-respected team. Mary was busy raising their active family while also working the front desk as a bookkeeper for George’s medical practice. Mary managed her family with great love, determination, and a strength beyond her petite size. After some years in Huntington Beach, they eventually made their home in Corona Del Mar.

Following retirement, George and Mary enjoyed time with their large extended families, and especially cherished Sundays when many would gather for dinner or a celebration. Generous and kind, Mary welcomed everyone into her home and heart, and treated them as family.

George and Mary had been married for nearly 63 years when George passed away in 2014. In addition to her beloved husband, she was pre-deceased by her siblings; twins Katie Santo and Tony, and brother Sam, her granddaughter Stephanie Marie Santoro, and her step-granddaughter Shanée Thomas.

Mary is survived by her five sons, George (Barbara), Bob (Pam), Joe (Theresa), Ken (Tracy) and David, her 13 grandchildren,4 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

We will miss her forever and thank you all for your love and support.

A visitation for Mary will be held Friday, February 10, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Pacific View Mortuary, 3500 Pacific View Drive, Corona del Mar, California 92625. A funeral mass will occur Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church, 2046 Mar Vista Drive, Newport Beach, California 92660. A graveside service following funeral mass will occur Saturday, February 11, 2023 at Pacific View Memorial Park, Lagunita Court Estate Garden, 3500 Pacific View Drive, Corona del Mar, California 92625.

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