Mary Bettencourt, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on November 26, 2025, with family by her side. She was 88 years old.

Mary was born in San Jose, California, to Arthur and Anna Escobar. She grew up on her father's dairy farm alongside her siblings—Joe, Art, and Ann—all of whom preceded her in death. Mary attended Notre Dame High School in San Jose, and after graduating, worked for a loan company, where she was known for her exceptional work ethic and attention to detail.

On September 14, 1958, Mary married the love of her life, Louis Bettencourt. The couple began their life together on the Bettencourt family dairy in Sunnyvale before moving to their ranch in Gilroy in 1966. There, they built the family home where Mary would live for the next six decades, and where Louie operated his dairy while Mary served as bookkeeper for almost 50 years.

Together, they raised three daughters, who will forever cherish her love and guidance: Linda (Mike) Ward, Laurie (Timothy) Souchek, and Lisa (Gary) Anderson. Mary is also survived by seven grandchildren and their spouses—Melissa (Willi) Ortner, Kristi (Justin) Greco, Amanda (Andrew) Wheeler, Matthew Souchek, Jessica (Daniel) Bjerre, Zac Anderson, and Jordan Anderson—and five great-grandchildren-Tawni, Leanna, Mattea, Noah, and Joshua. She is also lovingly remembered by her sister-in-law and dear friend, Lois Escobar of Pleasanton, CA, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Above all, Mary loved her husband and family. She lived a life grounded in kindness, humility, and selflessness, always putting the needs of others before her own. When her daughters were young, she was ever-present—room mother, costume maker, 4-H leader, and a patient teacher of essential life skills such as cooking and sewing. If she wasn't helping behind the scenes, she was in the audience or on the sidelines, supporting her children through school plays, 4-H events, fairs, and countless basketball games.

As her family grew, she poured the same energy and devotion into her grandchildren, attending fairs, musical performances, and even embracing new sporting adventures. Although she often joked she was partial to girls, she quickly became a football fan when her oldest grandson began playing the sport.

Mary's quiet demeanor, gentle spirit, and unwavering dedication to her family touched everyone who knew her. She hosted countless family dinners and was an exceptional cook, creating a warm and welcoming home that became the heart of family life.

Mary leaves behind a legacy of love, devotion, and generosity. Though her family feels her loss deeply, they take comfort in knowing she is now reunited with her beloved Louie in eternal life. She missed him dearly over the last four years, and the thought of them together again brings peace to those who loved her.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church located at 11 1st Street, Gilroy, Ca on Dec. 4, 2025, at 10:00 am.  Burial will follow at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery located at 490 Lincoln Street, Santa Clara, Ca.