Mary Ann Valladao Dias passed away peacefully on December 5, 2025, in Stockton, California, the very place where she was welcomed into the world on April 26, 1947, by Mary and Joseph F. Machado.
She grew up in Manteca, where she spent most of her life, and was raised on her family’s dairy. It is there that she created countless memories with her brother and cousins-who felt more like siblings and have remained close to her throughout the years.
Mary Ann was the loving mother of two daughters, Tricia Navarro and Lori Phillips (Kevin), and the cherished sister of Joseph V. Machado. She was a devoted grandmother to Olivia,
Nikolas, Victoria, Alexander, Malelany, Emery, and Michael, each of whom brought their own laughter and light into her life. She is held in loving memory by her nieces, Claudette, and JoAnna. During much of her children’s upbringing, Mary Ann worked as a teacher’s aide for New Haven and was an active member of the Kiwanians Club of Manteca. Proud of her Portuguese heritage, she participated in Luso activities in her younger years, served as co-president of the MRPS Hall in Manteca, and remained a lifelong member, dedicating herself to preserving Portuguese traditions and passing them on to future generations.
Mary Ann enjoyed keeping her hands busy through crafting and crocheting, often gifting her creations to those she loved. She was known for selling walnuts each fall and for making her famous candied almonds at Christmastime; a holiday treat that only she could truly perfect. Many of her days were filled with movies and See’s Candy, creating simple, sweet moments with the family who loved her. Above all, her greatest joy was her grandchildren, each of whom she lovingly cared for. A resilient and selfless woman, she showed them and all who knew her, that physical limitations never define a person.
Mary Ann will be remembered for her lively wit, playful comebacks, unwavering love for her family, and the steady comfort she brought simply by being herself. Her memory lives on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
Funeral Services for Mary Ann will be held on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home, 290 N. Union Rd., Manteca, CA. A viewing and visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m., followed by a Vigil Rosary at 6:00 p.m.
A Mass will take place on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 19399 E. Hwy 120, Ripon, CA 95366, with a Committal Service immediately following at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery.
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Saturday, December 13, 2025
