Mary Lipanovich passed away peacefully on June 6, 2018 surrounded by her loved ones. Mary was born August 9, 1929 to Yele Kusalich and Rado Cumo in Mocici Konavle Croatia. She came to Watsonville in July of 1957 to live and care for her Aunt Lucy Braycovich. A few months later she was introduced to Tony, another Croatian that at the time was a meatcutter in Oakland. They fell in love quickly and Tony and Mary were married in April 1958 and they started their new lives on Holohan Road. They were fortunate enough to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary this past April.
In that 60 years Tony and Mary raised their family and farmed their apples and operated Lucy B’s Orchards. They welcomed customers and friends at their backyard fruit stand with the best Mutsu’s in Watsonville, and during the fall pumpkins galore! Mary was an amazing cook, baker, seamstress, gardener, Mother, Sister, Aunt, Grandmother and faith-filled Valley Church parishioner. She did it all!
Mary is survived by her husband Tony; her son, John; daughter, Jackie and son-in-law Peter Copriviza; grandchildren, (whom she always referred to as her Sunshines) AJ and Victoria, Ali and Shawn, Megan and Anthony and Christopher as well as all of Kathryn Copriviza’s grandkids that affectionately knew her as Bobi. (Baba is grandma in Croatian) She also has numerous nieces and nephews and relatives in Croatia that she loved so much. Mary was incredibly faith-filled and her greatest joy was her family and friends. She loved her daily Mass and being a part of all of the kids’ activities!
A Catholic rosary and mass will be held on Monday, June 18th, 10:00 am at Valley Church in Watsonville. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to Valley Church or SACO. Mehl’s Colonial Chapel was entrusted with the funeral arrangements.
