Mary L. SouzaJuly 24, 1919 - September 06, 2017TulareMary L. Souza, 98 of Tulare passed away on September 6, 2017. She was born on July 24, 1919 to Francisco Leal Martins and Amelia Leal Martins in Fontinhas Terceira Acores. She married John L. Souza in 1938 and they came to America to start their new life in Tulare. Together they had a son Johnny and instilled in him their Catholic faith and strong family values. Eager to become an integral part of this great land, she enrolled in evening classes at Tulare Union High School. Once completing the class and passing the naturalization test, she proudly became a citizen of the United States. She was a person devoted to her faith, generously putting others before herself. She loved going to retreats and spending countless hours praying the rosary for her family and others.She loved cooking for her family, spoiling her grandchildren with all of their favorite dishes, especially sopa frito and pea soup. Her pantry was always well stocked with cookies for her great grandchildren, who visited her daily. She was a member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church, St. Aloysius Altar Society, and life member of SPRSI. Mary was preceded in death by her parents Francisco and Amelia Martins, her husband John L. Souza, her brothers Francisco Leal Martins and Alcino Martians de Sousa. She is survived by her son, Johnny Souza and wife Carole, her brother Manuel Martins Sousa of Hanford. Grandchildren John Souza (Jennifer), Shelley Silveira (Lino), and Karen Shamburg (Mike). Great-grandchildren Andrew Souza, Lilliana, Olivia and Jack Silveira, Emily and Melissa Shamburg, and many godchildren, nieces and nephews. St. Aloysius Altar Society Rosary will be held Wednesday September 13, 2017 at 4:00pm with visitation until 8:00pm at Miller's Tulare Funeral Home, 151 North "H" Street. Recitation of the Rosary and Mass of the Resurrection will be held Thursday September 14, 2017 10:30am at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 125 East Pleasant Avenue, Tulare. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: St. Aloysius Catholic School, 627 N Beatrice Drive, Tulare, CA 93274.