Al & Mary Nunes

Mary & Al Nunes

John Aloysius "Al" Nunes, 90, San Luis Obispo native, passed away Wednesday, May 20, 2009. Al was born in 1918 in the historic Rodriquez Adobe and as a boy, lived on a dairy farm on O''Conner Road until the family moved to a farm at the bottom of Cuesta Grade.

He graduated from San Luis Obispo High School and later attended a pilot program for the original San Luis Obispo Community College. Al married the love of his life, Mary, at the Old Mission in 1942 - they remained devoted to each other for 67 years

He worked for PG&E for 37 years and upon retiring, enjoyed gardening, reading and walking. Al''s warm smile, wonderful humor and treasure trove of stories about his life in San Luis will be deeply missed.

Al is survived by his brother, Fran Nunes; children Bob, Tom, and Kathe (Steve) Pults; grandchildren Troy Lauritsen, Matt Nunes, Christina Guzman, Melanie (Pults/Azure) Watson and Brittany Pults; and great-granddaughters Anya Lauritsen and Amelia Marie Watson. His beloved wife, Mary, who died two months ago, precedes Al in death. Gratitude and love go out to his niece, Pat Borba, for her loving support and dedicated care. Special thanks to all of Al's thoughtful Pismo Street neighbors for their friendship and nourishing meals. A memorial mass will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 27, 2009, at the Santa Margarita De Cortona Church, 22515 H St. in Santa Margarita.

Published in San Luis Obispo Tribune on 5/23/2009

Nunes, Mary Lucyle

Mary Lucyle Nunes, 87, of San Luis Obispo passed away in her home Thursday, March 12, 2009. Mary was born August 1921 in Edna Valley, which was then rural San Luis Obispo County. She was the daughter of Serafim and Maria Bettencourt Azevedo, Portuguese immigrants from the Azores.

During her childhood Mary's family moved to Laton, Calif., where she later graduated from Laton High School. She moved back to San Luis Obispo in the early 1940s and met the love of her life, John "Al" Nunes. They were married in the Old Mission Church in 1942 and perpetual sweethearts for the 67 years they were married.

Mary loved little birds of all kinds, cooking and baking her wonderful Portuguese dishes, and arranging the beautiful flowers that Al grew in their garden. She was also an avid reader and loved sharing good books with her family.

Mary was a warm, loving person, who always took the time to listen to others when they needed comforting. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a unique way of viewing the world. Mary will be deeply missed by all of those who knew and loved her.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the caring staff at Hospice Partners, who attended to Mary during her last few weeks at home. Special thanks go out to Hospice nurse, Nancy Noland, for her generosity of spirit and her compassionate caretaking.

Mary is survived by her soul mate, John Nunes; children Bob Nunes, Tommy Nunes, Kathe Nunes (Steve) Pults; grandchildren Troy Lauritsen, Matt Nunes, Christina Guzman, Melanie (Pults/Azure) Watson and Brittany Pults and great-granddaughters Anya Lauritsen and Amelia Marie Watson. She is preceded in death by brother, Tony Azevedo, and sister, Lena Trigueiro.

A Mass to honor Mary's life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 21, 2009, at the Santa Margarita De Cortona Church, 22515 H St. in Santa Margarita.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Hospice Partners of the Central Coast, 277 South St. Ste R, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.

Published in the San Luis Obispo Tribune on 3/17/2009

Al Nunes at 1211 Pismo St. is a retired PG&E employee, and was born and raised in SLO. Mary was born in SLO, and raised in the San Joaquin Valley. They've lived in their home since 1955, and raised two boys, Bob Nunes, Tommy Lee Nunes, and a daughter, Kathe Nunes Pults, who is their pride and joy. Mary, and Al were both raised on dairy ranches, and both milked cows, and did all the chores that are necessary to run a farm.

This is our great granddaughter, Anya Nicole Lauritsen with her new daddy, Troy. Her mom and dad just brought her home from Russia. She just had her first birthday this month. We look forward to meeting her. She looks like a keeper