On Monday morning, August 1st, 2016, Mary Caruana passed away peacefully in her home from a long battle with cancer. Mary battled her disease for many years yet always had a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye even during her darkest days.

Mary was born in the country of Malta on January 18th, 1930 to her parents Marcel & Carmella Agius. She was the oldest of two other siblings John and Paul. They lived next to a bakery that her parents owned and operated. At an early age, Mary learned how to sew and became a seamstress. Later in life, that profession would open up new opportunities to friends and family.

On July 15th, 1951, Mary married Lewis Caruana and a year later they had their first daughter named Carmen. When her husband's brother Joe was vacationing in Malta from America, he inspired them to go back with him. With a decision that would change their lives forever and with a baby only 40 days old and speaking little English, the family boarded a freighter headed for Ellis Island to start a new life in America.

They quickly settled into America in search of their dreams. They moved to Michigan where Lewis worked in the auto industry and Mary sewed for clients to make ends meet. In April, 1955 they had their second daughter named Jane, of which the family referred to as Jean. Together, they continued to live the American dream until hard times in the auto industry persuaded them to move to California where jobs were more abundant.

They settled in Redondo Beach, California where in February of 1962 they had their first son named Marcel. They continued to live and prosper. She worked as a seamstress at the convent at Little Company of Mary Hospital sewing for the nuns. She met many friends there and continued her friendships long after leaving there.

Family was everything to Mary and both she and her husband nurtured and inspired their children to always do the best that they could. Mary was the rock of the family foundation. She was someone you could go to that was non judgmental and listened and cared about what you had to say.

Mary enjoyed traveling and saw the world like no one else. Her daughters accompanied her on trips to Hawaii, the Caribbean, Australia, Florida, Michigan, Las Vegas, Mexico, Alaska etc. She loved to go fishing and she loved to cook. She loved camping trips with family to Bass Lake where she was known to have a drink or two at Ducey's Lodge. She loved to knit, sew, play bingo and visit a local casino to wrestle with the slots.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband Lewis and daughter Carmen. She is survived by her son Marcel, daughter Jane (Milburn) son-in-law Charlie Wynia, son-in-law Tom Milburn, six grandchildren; Danyelle, Ryan Andrew, Austin, Aaron, and Alex and 5 great grand children; Christopher, Logan, Lindsey, Jack and Ahri; meeting her for the very first time July 23rd 2016.

Rosary services will be held Sunday August 7th at Starbuck Mortuary in Lompoc, CA at 6pm. Church services will be held on Monday August 8th at 10am at La Purisma Catholic church where a luncheon will be held following the services. Burial services will be held on Tuesday August 9th at 12pm at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, CA.

In lieu of any flowers the family asks that you donate to a charity of your choice.