Mary Jane Dutra passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on July 15, 2024, at the age of 94. Born to Frank Souza Moniz and Angie Reis Moniz Costa in Gustine, CA, Mary Jane spent her entire life in her beloved hometown.
She married the love of her life, late William Mendonca, and together they raised four wonderful sons. Mary Jane’s life was full of love. Family and friends were at the center of her world, and she dedicated herself to nurturing her sons and the community. Mary Jane served the community through her work at the Gustine Recreation Center and Kitchen Queen for many years. She was an active member of several organizations, including the Westside Wagon Wheelers Square Dance Club, the Altar Society, UPPEC, and the Our Lady of Miracles Portuguese Society. She also dedicated over 40 years to the Gustine Senior Citizens, serving as president for seven years.
An accomplished cook, Mary Jane was especially known for her famous potato salad.
She was also an avid fan of the San Francisco Giants and loved Elvis Presley. Up until the end of her 94 years Mary Jane maintained her kindness, grace, compassion, appreciation of beauty, love of family and friends, and expressed gratitude for her long life, full of wonderful experiences.
Mary Jane is survived by her sons, William (JoDean), David (Alberta), Michael (Elaine) and Gary Sr. (Cathleen). She leaves behind cherished grandchildren Christine Johnson (Steve), Robert Mendonca (Karen) and Gary Mendonca Jr. (Cindy Batista), as well as treasured great-grandchildren Natalie (Jeff) and Matthew Mendonca, Dylan and Colin Johnson. She is also survived by her dear brother, Walter Costa Jr., nephew Walter Costa Ill, niece Diana Costa and great-nephews Nathaniel and Joshua, along with great-niece Sarah and adored Goddaughter Debbie Borba (Bernie).
She is preceded in death by her first husband and father of her sons, William Mendonca; her second husband, Harold Dutra; her parents, Frank and Angie Moniz; siblings, Rosalie Oliveira (Ralph), Frank Melvin Moniz (Shirley) and sister-in-law Nancy Costa.
Family and friends are invited to attend the Visitation that will be held at 5:00pm to 6:00pm, followed by a Rosary at 6:00pm, Thursday, July 25, 2024 at Hillview Funeral Chapels, Gustine. A Mass will be held at 10:00am, Friday, July 26, 2024 at The Shrine of Our lady Miracles Catholic Church, Gustine. Interment to follow at Hills Ferry Cemetery, Newman.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances in Mary Jane’s name can be made to Our Lady of Miracles Catholic School at https://olmiracles.com/gift-giving.
Services conducted by Hillview Funeral Chapels, Gustine
