Mary Arlene Perry, surrounded by family, joined the Lord on February 29, 2012.

Mary was born in Sisquoc, California, on May 24, 1921, and spent her childhood in Reina Mariposa (near Gaviota) and later Mail and the Sweeney Roads in Lompoc. After marriage to George Richard Perry in 1939, she and their family moved to the Yteus Ranch (San Julian) and later to the Cojo Ranch in 1944. Mary enjoyed living at the Cojo Ranch, and said those were among the happiest days of her life.

Retiring from farming, she moved with her family to Jalama Road, where they built a small ranchette where many family celebrations and gatherings were enjoyed. Ten years after the death of her husband in 1987, she moved to the Lompoc home where she resided until her death.

Mary's adult life was spent as a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker. She encouraged her children to lead exemplary lives. She enjoyed animals and always had several pets that she nurtured. She was an avid gardener and her yard always depicted her love of flowers. Her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the light of her life.

She was a member of the La Purisima Catholic Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents Lawrence and Isabel George, her husband George, and son-in-law Rodney Sweet. Mary valiantly fought cancer for two years until the very end.

She is survived by her sons Norman (Nancy) Perry of Lompoc, George (Paloma) Perry of San Antonio, Texas, and daughter Genevieve Sweet of Avila Beach, California; grandchildren John Oksana) Perry, Marc (partner Elysha) Perry, Bradley (Andrea) Sweet, James Sweet, Anne Perry and Elizabeth Perry; great–grandchildren: Tyler, Cody, Kyle, and Riley Perry and Jackson and Renae Sweet. She is also survived by her brother August Inez) George and her sister Alice Joseph) Milligan, both of Lompoc.

Arrangements are by Starbuck-Lind Mortuary. Visitation will take place on Sunday, March 4, 2012, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Rosary will be recited on Sunday, March 4, 2012, at 6:00 PM at the Starbuck-Lind Mortuary. Celebration of life will be conducted by Reverend Thomas Cook at La Purisima Catholic Church in Lompoc on Monday, March 5, 2012, at 10:00 AM. Interment will take place at Evergreen Cemetery where she will join her husband, George.

The family would like to thank Judy Columnas of St. Matthew Care Giver Agency and especially caregivers Nida, Rosanna and Linda and Marian Hospice for the outstanding care they provided for Mary.

Donations can be made to the charity of your choice, Marian Hospice Center, 506 E. Plaza Drive, Santa Maria, CA 93454, or the American Cancer Society Lompoc, c/o Deb Jeffers, 1540 West Branch Street, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420.