In Loving Memory of Mary Penaflor
March 23, 1938 – June 8, 2026

Mary was born on March 23, 1938, in the serene mountain village of Kyparissi in the Peloponnese region of Greece. She was the daughter of Paul James Pezas (1904–1989) and Helen Xezonatos Pezas (1909–1996), and the third of five children: James (1930–2016), Pauline (1933–2014), Florence (1943–2018), and her surviving sister, Carol Pezas Dutra (Albert). From her earliest days, Mary was surrounded by the strength, resilience, and deep family bonds that would shape her entire life.

A Journey Across Continents
In 1947, as the Greek Civil War brought hardship and uncertainty to families across the country, the Pezas family made the courageous decision to seek refuge in the United States. Their journey brought them through the historic gates of Ellis Island, where countless immigrant families began new lives. The Pezas family eventually settled in the San Francisco Bay Area, where they owned and operated two sandwich shops—places that became both a livelihood and a gathering point for community.

Mary attended The Polytechnic High School in San Francisco, graduating in 1956. She was known for her warm smile, her strong work ethic, and her deep loyalty to her family. These qualities would remain hallmarks of her character throughout her life.

A Love Story for the Ages
It was at the family restaurant that Mary met the man who would become the love of her life, Joseph M. Penaflor (1929–2025). Their first interaction was unforgettable: Mary, never one to hold back her honesty, told him the cigar he was smoking “stinks.” And somehow, in that moment, a love story began. That candid remark sparked a connection that grew into a lifelong devotion.
Despite her family’s well-intentioned efforts to introduce her to a “nice Greek boy,” Mary’s heart had already chosen Joe. Their love was steadfast, joyful, and enduring. They married in November 1958, beginning a partnership that would span 68 years—one built on mutual respect, humor, and unwavering commitment.

Building a Life Together
After marrying, Mary and Joe settled in San Jose, California. Joe began his career as a San Jose Firefighter, and Mary embarked on what would become a long and successful career in banking.

Though Mary was initially told she would not be able to have children, life had a beautiful surprise in store. In 1962, they welcomed their daughter, Elena, and in 1964, their son, Joey. Becoming a mother was one of Mary’s greatest joys, and she poured her heart into raising her children with love, guidance, and quiet strength.

In 1975, the family moved to Hollister, California, fulfilling Joe’s dream of living on a golf course at Ridgemark Golf and Country Club. While Mary did not play golf herself, she took great pride in watching Joe, Joey, and Elena enjoy the sport. Their home at Ridgemark became a place of laughter, gatherings, and cherished memories.

A Career of Dedication and a Retirement of Joy
Mary continued her banking career in Hollister, rising through the ranks with determination and grace. She retired in 1993 as a branch manager with Great Western Savings—a role she earned through hard work, leadership, and genuine care for her customers and colleagues.

Retirement opened a new chapter filled with travel, adventure, and family. Mary and Joe enjoyed cruises, trips to Reno where she loved to gamble a little, and countless moments spent with her grandchildren. Her grandchildren—Nicholas Bermudez (Samantha) and Julia Bermudez—were the light of her life. She cherished every opportunity to be present for them, to support them, and to celebrate their milestones.

A Life of Devotion
In 2013, Mary and Joe moved to Roseville, California, to be closer to family. Through every season of life—its joys, its challenges, and its quiet moments—Mary remained devoted to her husband, her children, her grandchildren, and her extended family. Her love was steady, her loyalty unwavering, and her presence a source of comfort and strength.

Mary is survived by her children, Elena Penaflor Bermudez (Rick) and Joseph D. Penaflor (Michelle); her grandchildren, Nicholas (Samantha) and Julia; and her sister, Carol Pezas Dutra (Albert). She is preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Helen; her siblings James, Pauline, and Florence; and her beloved husband, Joe.
She will be laid to rest beside Joe at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, reunited with the partner who shared her heart and her life for nearly seven decades.

Her Legacy
Mary’s legacy is one of devotion—devotion to family, to love, to perseverance, and to the values she carried from her childhood village in Greece to her final home in California. She lived with quiet dignity, deep compassion, and a strength that inspired everyone who knew her.
Her story is a reminder that the most meaningful lives are built not on grand gestures, but on everyday acts of love, loyalty, and kindness. Mary leaves behind a family who will forever carry her lessons, her warmth, and her memory in their hearts.

May her soul rest in peace, and may her love continue to guide those she leaves behind.