Mary Lou Martella Obituary Mary Lou Martella, age 88, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Monday, June 30th, 2025, in Salinas, CA. She was born on May 21st, 1937.

Mary Lou was renowned for her kind, generous, caring, and loving nature. Mary Lou dedicated her life to her family as a devoted wife and mother. She was an active member of The Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Greenfield, CA, where she celebrated her faith and community spirit. She cherished spending time with her family and friends, always the heart and joy of family gatherings. She created a warm and nurturing home for all of her family and friends. Remembered for her immense love, generosity, and hospitality, always welcoming those she loved with homemade ham sandwiches, ice cream, and a cold beverage. She was most proud of the love, dedication, and advocacy she provided to her beloved son Gregory throughout his 57 years of life. She loved visiting her birthplace of Santa Barbara, where she enjoyed evenings dancing the night away, reminiscing about old times with a favorite cocktail in hand. Her life was a testament to the love she shared with those around her.

Mary Lou is survived by her husband, Carol Martella of 63 years; daughters, Margaret Carroll (Ronald), Catherine Amaral (George,) Valerie Amaral (Carlos), and Carol Hennington (Chris); grandchildren, Bassetti: Nicole, Ryan, Steven, and Emily; Christopher Shaug; Amaral: Christopher, Alyssa, Nicholas and Thomas; sister, Margie Hernandez, as well as 11 greatgrandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her son, Gregory Martella, parents, Gonzalo and Maria Garnica, and siblings, Philip, Peter, Pascuala, Dolores, Annie, Jovita, David, Ray, Rosa, Gonzalo Jr., Henry, and Esperanza.

A service to honor Mary Lou's life will be held at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Greenfield, CA, at 10 am on Monday, July 7th, 2025.

A luncheon will follow the services at 23616 Parker Road, Salinas, CA

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mary Lou's memory can be made to the Special Olympics (specialolympics.org), an organization she deeply cared about.

Her legacy of love and dedication will forever be cherished and remembered by those who knew her.

For more information, please contact Eddington Funeral Services, (831)385-5400.