Mary Ann Paluso

She was a woman who refused to allow the deprivation of the great depression, the uncertainty of World War II, or the meager beginnings of early adulthood from aspiring to a better life for herself and her family.

Mary Ann Paluso, who did indeed live a long and rewarding life, passed away at San Diego, CA. on Jan. 29 at the age of 89. She was assuredly a nurturing mother, and a devoted wife. More than that, though, she possessed an inner drive to pursue the dreams that others may have deemed beyond her comfort zone.

With the foundation born out of the struggles of her generation, she persevered, first as a wide-eyed 19-year-old bride suddenly living 3,000 miles from home. And again after the death of a child, and then later in life standing on her own after the passing of her beloved husband of 53 years.

Mrs. Paluso was born Maria Anna Tamborelli in Easton, PA in 1927 to immigrant Sicilian parents. She grew up in a large, close-knit family of four brothers and three sisters. As a teen in 1942, she left high school to work and contribute to the family income, something not uncommon at that time. She was employed by the same textile manufacturer as her older sister, Anna. During World War II the company made parachutes for the war effort. Meanwhile, Russell Paluso happened to be the brother-in-law of Mary’s older sister, Angela. Before shipping out to the Pacific Theater of war as a seaman in the US Navy, Russell asked and was granted permission to write Mary while on duty overseas. Through the letters they exchanged a budding romance gradually grew into mutually abiding love.

Russell returned from the war in March of 1946. By April he and Mary were engaged. They were married in Easton, PA on May 4, 1946.

In June of that year they left Easton and the unpredictable weather of the east coast for unknown possibilities and the milder temperatures of San Diego.

Tragedy befell the couple, however, in 1947. On May 6, Mary went into labor with her first child. A son, Russell Paul Paluso, Jr. was born, but suffered untreatable complications soon after birth. He lived only one day.

Because of their bond and unbendable faith Mary and Russell continued on. They had determined to have a big family, and over the next eight years had five sons. They eventually settled into the coastal community of Pacific Beach. The boys followed the same education path through Kate Sessions Elementary, Pacific Beach Junior High, and Mission Bay High. While Russell was working to grow a wholesale produce business founded by his older brothers, Mary was up before the sun every morning making breakfast and filling lunch sacks for her small army.

There was more to Mary than being a homemaker. Not that she didn’t relish the role. She was, along with Russell, a dedicated, caring and encouraging parent. From all indications there was little doubt she was also a gifted cook. But, she had a yearning to accomplish more, and Russell supported that desire without reservation. She resumed her high school studies in 1962, attending classes while her kids were in school. Two years later she completed the necessary requirements through adult education to receive her diploma.

In 1973, as her two youngest sons were finishing high school, Mary re-entered the workforce, securing a position on the sales floor at Robinson’s Department Store in Fashion Valley. She eventually took on supervisory duties, first within the store’s Personnel Department, and later, the Credit Department. She retired in 1986.

In addition to cooking, Mrs. Paluso enjoyed, traveling, and singing. She also served as a Pink Lady at Mercy Hospital and as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Brigid Catholic Church.

Mrs. Paluso is lovingly remembered by her sons and their spouses, Eugene and Mary Paluso, Patrick Paluso, Christopher and Stephanie Paluso, and Michael and Francesca Paluso, all of San Diego, and Philip and Sarah Paluso of Fishers, IN. She is also survived by 20 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Mary Paluso is, as her sons can attest, to be honored and cherished. She saw her family through the good times and without complaint the bad. Especially when only a mother’s sympathetic shoulder, or a piping hot bowl of homemade soup could ease a problem or ailment.

Even in her final months, weeks and days as cancer inexorably sapped her strength and gripped her body with pain, she took it in stride, often saying this was just the way things were going to be. She determined that each day she was alive was another day to enjoy the company of her family and close friends. That, in it of itself, is a testament to her lifetime of perseverance.

Her unwavering strength is something we should aspire to possess, appreciate, and above all continually respect.

A Rosary will be said for Mary on Feb. 18 at 9:00 a.m., followed by Mass at 9:30 a.m., both at St. Brigid Catholic Church, 4735 Cass St, San Diego, CA 92109. A reception will take place at Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St., San Diego, CA, 92110 at 11 a.m. Burial to follow at 1 p.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, 4470 Hilltop Drive, San Diego, CA, 92102.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be mailed to:

Scripps Clinic Area of Greatest Need

10666 N. Torrey Pines Road 109N

La Jolla, CA 92037

For more information, or to donate online, go to: http://giving.scripps.org

Condolences for the family may be offered online at Pacific Beach Chapel: http://www.dignitymemorial.com/pacific-beach-chapel/en-us/index.page