Mary Jane Guzzo

life quietly and purposefully ministering hope and encouragement in the communities she

served. On May 10, 2019, after a valiant fight with cancer, she left this world to be with her

Lord. The youngest of four children, Mary spent the first half of her life in Long Island and the

second half in San Diego. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Stony Brook

University. Most of her career was in the health field, where she worked for an alternative

health clinic in New York and as a home health care provider in San Diego.

However, her true vocation was in Christian ministry. A longtime member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in

San Diego, Mary was a devout Catholic, who taught us what it means to accept what the Lord gives us with dignity and grace. Mary served her Church in many ways including as a Religious Education teacher and a Eucharistic Minister. She loved her Parish and was loved by all who knew her. But she didn’t stop there. Shewalked the streets of San Diego ministering God’s love to the sick, the poor, and the hopeless. One of her priests said she was one of their best evangelists.

Her faith never faltered, and she was always hopeful for a better tomorrow. From childhood, Mary endured

many physical issues from serious ear and eye problems to growth hormone issues and life-threatening

seizures. Then as an older adult, she was hit by a car and sustained significant damage to both her legs

requiring emergency surgery. After enduring many months of rehabilitation and physical therapy, she was able to walk again. The final challenge came in 2017, when she was diagnosed with late stage cancer. Despite nearly two years of intense cancer treatment, Mary led a normal, productive, happy life. And she never complained about what she was going through. She loved driving her new Nissan Kicks, shopping at Ralph’s, knitting and crocheting, doing crossword puzzles, watching baseball, especially the Yankee’s, and being with family and friends. Mary will be missed and remembered for her faithful service to her Lord, her ability to share her faith with others, and make a difference in their lives. She loved giving and never expected anything in return.

We thank the staff at Scripps Mercy Cancer Center for the amazing care and compassion they gave Mary during this difficult journey. They helped her to leave this world gently and peacefully. We are also profoundly grateful to everyone at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church for what they spiritually sowed into her life and for their unconditional love and acceptance of her.

Mary leaves behind a brother, Philip Guzzo and two sisters, Chris Doré (John Doré) and Linda Guzzo (Ken Nielsen) as well as a nephew, Jody Nielsen and a niece, Kate Sharrow (Scott Sharrow), and great nephews, Carson and Reid Sharrow. Her parents, Jean and Joseph Guzzo predeceased her.

Funeral arrangements include: a Viewing on Monday, May 20 from 4:00-8:00 pm at Goodbody Mortuary (5027El Cajon Blvd, San Diego) and a Funeral Mass at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church (3585 30th Street, San Diego) on Tuesday, May 21 at 10:00 a.m.

San Diego became home to Mary, but New York was always in her blood. So her final resting place will be in Long Island, New York. We give thanks to our God for the many ways the life of Mary Guzzo blessed us. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to Saint Patrick Catholic Parish to the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), 3585 30th Street, San Diego, CA 92104

An excerpt from Mary’s Evening Reflections on 10/20/18: “It’s such a joy to witness the awesomeness of the Lord. I may not understand His workings, but the key is to trust. What a journey!”