Mary Margaret Cravalho

Mary Margaret (Monast) Cravalho, a beacon of compassion and wisdom, passed away on August 15, 2024, in her hometown of Burlingame, California. Born an only child to Margaret (Peggy) and Roland Monast on October 11, 1932, in Providence, Rhode Island, Mary’s life was a tapestry of love, faith, and family.

Mary attended Our Lady of Angels Elementary School and graduated from Mercy High School in Burlingame in 1950 and then moved on to attend Notre Dame de Namur University, where she graduated in 1954. In 1958, Mary began teaching at St. Charles Grammar School in San Carlos. Mary also taught Religious Education (CCD) at St. Matthias Church in Redwood City.

In 1959, Mary’s heart found its counterpart in Clarence Joseph Cravalho, whom she met on a blind date. Mary and Clarence married in 1960 and welcomed their firstborn son, Thomas Joseph (wife Mona), in 1961. James Michael (wife Mary) was born in 1963, followed by their only daughter, Theresa Marie (husband Paul), in 1965, and their youngest, Gregory Manuel (wife Carla), was born in 1969. Mary and Clarence’s children were their pride and joy. 

Mary and Clarence immensely enjoyed traveling the world together. They traveled to various continents and experienced over 25 cruises. Mary was extremely passionate about volunteer work. She volunteered at her children’s schools, Our Lady of Angels Church, and St. Vincent de Paul, where she started the Brown Bag Sunday Lunch Program. Along with volunteering, Mary enjoyed playing bingo, slot machines, and card games with her dearest friends.

Mary was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother to Tyler, Jacquelyn, Ariana, Cameron, Cory, Arden, Dylan, Payton, Selena, Larson and Wesley, great-grandmother, and friend. She was extremely grateful to God for the beautiful life she had.

Mary’s life was a testament to the beauty of a life well-lived, the lives she touched, and the love she shared. She was a shining example of generosity, faith, family and love. Her unwavering Catholic faith guided her every step and touched everyone who knew her.  Her legacy of kindness and faith will forever be an inspiration.  Her presence will be deeply missed, but she will forever live on in our hearts.

Thoughts on Growing Up from Mary’s Journal:

·         My parents gave me all the material things I needed and even asked for.  They were always there reminding me that we were so blessed to be able to live as we did and that we should always think of others who were not as fortunate as we were.

·         I was shy until I felt comfortable and was able to take part in whatever was happening.

·         I loved going to school and I loved the nuns.  I never had a mean nun like the ones portrayed by some.  Some were strict, but I remember the most from them.

·         I really enjoyed reading.

·         I was a Girl Scout and enjoyed summer day camp and overnight camp.

·         I enjoyed playing the violin, after I got over the squeaky part.  I had great fun being in the College Orchestra.  I still enjoy listening to all types of music.

·         I definitely loved my religion.  I loved praying and learning about God.  I knew He loved me, too.  This love of God was the result of the example given to me by my mom.  We would always have priests at our home and we always went to Mass on Sundays, Holidays and even during the week!

·         I planned to enter the convent after high school.  I even went as far as being fitted for a habit.  I decided to wait until after college to enter the Mercy Order.   However, once in college, I knew the convent was not for me.

·         I did fairly well in my studies.  I loved English but did very poorly in Math.

·         In college, I met a group of girls who became my dearest friends.  With them, I became more self-confident and knew that I could do whatever I set out to do if I worked at it.

·         God blessed me with such a happy life.

·         Married life, as those who are married know, is not always a joy!  There are many times when one just wants to chuck it and go away.  However, if we persist life becomes, on the whole, wonderful.

·         The years when your children are growing up are so busy, hectic and frustrating that you think how will you ever get through them.  I treasure all of those beautiful times with my children.

·         Life does get harder as one gets older.  I am thankful to have had all the blessings of a good man who provided so well for the family giving us a beautiful home, food and making things fun and who tried to be a great dad and husband.

·         Now, I live alone, but am not lonely!  Thank God, I was well provided for and want for nothing.  All the many blessings I have had are still being given to me.  I have many friends and we have great times together.  My dear children are always close by and always there for me – to help me, to cheer me, and to see that I have places to go, things to do, and never want for anything.  My grandchildren are the light of my life.  I have loved seeing you all grow up to be such wonderful people!  You are an honor and joy to me.

·         I am a person whose whole life has been such a beautiful one!  I thank God with all my heart and pray that I will be able to face whatever God’s plan for me in the future should be with praise and thanks to Him.

We will gather to celebrate her life, mourn her loss, and pray for her soul on Friday, September 6, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Angels Church, 1721 Hillside Drive, Burlingame, California. It will also be live streamed at: https://youtube.com/live/y0D9QSVJ1QA?feature=share.  A reception will follow.

Please donate to the Our Lady of Angels Society of St. Vincent de Paul, ℅ Our Lady of Angels, 1721 Hillside Drive, Burlingame, CA  94010.