Mary Catherine Bello Mabry, aged 105, with her family at her bedside, died peacefully in her sleep on February 26, 2010 in Fairfax.
Born on June 4, 1904 in Lemoore, Calif., in the state’s Central Valley, she was the first of seven children and the last surviving child of Portuguese immigrants, Antonio and Marianna Avila Bello. The Bello family initially raised sheep in the area south of Fresno, California and later began additional farming, dairy and real estate operations in Modesto.
Beginning in the late 1930’s, she was resident of Manteca, Calif. until relocating in the 1980’s to Falls Church, to live near her family. She was a resident of the Park Towers Condominium on South Maple for almost 20 years and greatly enjoyed her friendships with many of the residents.
Mrs. Mabry was predeceased by her husband, John Lawrence Mabry and is survived by her son, Samuel A. Mabry and his spouse, Sandra. In addition, she is survived by three grandchildren: Catherine E. Savory and spouse, Glen; Susan A. Lawrence and spouse, Adam and Dr. Stephen A. Mabry and spouse, Megan. She is also survived by five great-grandchildren: Michael and Christina Savory; William and Katherine Lawrence, and Emma Mabry.
A Mass and memorial services for friends and family will be held at a later date.
