PIRU, Calif. (Jan. 8, 2011) – Mary (Shipley) Real, a long-time Piru resident appreciated for her warm smile, positive attitude, and courageous spirit, passed January 8, 2011 in the arms of her immediate family.
Just two months shy of her seventieth birthday, Mary was full of life, recently walking in Relay for Life, participating in a 5K with her daughter and granddaughter, a bowler, wonderful member and Eucharistic Minister at San Salvador Mission, and regular “Friday Night Meeting” attendee. The friendliest banker in town, she worked as a teller for over 20 years until her retirement in 2008.
Born in 1941 to Pearl and Herman Shipley in Frederick, Oklahoma, Mary was the second of five children.
As a small child, Mary became a California girl, moving to Piru with her family. Raised in the area, she attended Piru Elementary School and went on to attend Fillmore Jr. High and High School graduating in 1959.
A fun-loving gal, Mary bopped around a bit after graduation, living in Redondo Beach for a time, and even living in Hawaii until she “ran out of money,” she would say. She decided to return, at which point she found love with her husband of nearly 48 years.
Falling for those brown eyes of his, Mary tied the knot with Piru-native George Real in 1963. The two lived in Nevada for a short time then moved into their Piru home where they raised their children Anthony and Debbi, and several horses, cats and dogs along the way.
Starting in 1987, they welcomed their first of four grandchildren. In 1991, with her second grandchild on the way, Mary was diagnosed with Lymphoma, audaciously battled the disease, and was in remission until 2010 when cancer struck a second time, serving as the gateway to her ascension into Heaven.
Mary is survived by husband George, son Anthony and his wife Shelly and son Brandon; daughter Debbi and her husband Lawrence, and children April, Jaymee and Zachary; and sisters Etta Mae, Darla, and Grace, and brother Henry.
Family and friends will forever hold in their hearts the image of her sparkling blue eyes and loving spirit. The family would like to extend their appreciation to Mary’s doctors, friends and family, and to members of the community.
A rosary will be held on Friday, January 14, 2011 at 1:00pm at San Salvador Mission Church in Piru followed by a Funeral Mass and burial at Piru Cemetery.
Arrangements under the direction of Skillin-Carroll Mortuary, 805/524-0744.