Mary Alice Peri

March 3, 1921-December 3, 2017

Mary Alice Peri passed away in Woodland, California on December 3, 2017, at the age of 96. Alice was born in San Francisco to James Heliotis Hill, a native of Greece, and Frances Lorraine Young of San Francisco on March 3, 1921. Alice attended Notre Dame in San Francisco for her entire primary and secondary education. She then attended Post Secretarial School in San Francisco and worked at the Oakland Army Base and for a law firm before becoming a “Rosie the Riveter” in World War II. She was the first female silver brazier at the Bethlehem Shipyards in San Francisco (her mother was the first female coppersmith) and she rose to journey-level work before leaving for Philadelphia to marry Joe Peri, a Naval Chief also from San Francisco, in a war-time union that would last 69 years until Joe’s death in 2014.

In the 1950’s and 60’s Alice worked as a professional model for the House of Charm and the Demeter Agency.

She and Joe traveled the world and especially to European countries. They were members of the Knights of the Vine, and Alice was well-known within the organization for the wonderful events that she and Joe, Commander of the San Francisco Chapter, hosted at local restaurants and wineries.

Alice loved raising a family and was a devoted mother. She is survived by her sons, Bob (Teri) and Don (Sue), and her daughter, Camille (David); grandchildren Bobby, Amiee, and Alexis Peri; Julie and Emily Peri; and Joe and Nat Talbot; and five great grandchildren Sadie, Xavier, and Beatrice Peri; and Hudson Ford and Paddy Kanady. Alice was preceded in death by both her parents and her brother, John Claiborne Hill.

Alice was a beautiful person, both inside and out. She was kind and thoughtful and appreciated by so many. Alice loved children and always delighted in being in their company. She had a long full life, but for her family and friends, she left us too soon.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John’s Retirement Village, 135 Woodland Ave., Woodland, CA 95695 or Yolo Hospice, 1909 Galileo Ct., Davis, CA 95618. Cards and letters of condolence may be sent to 2419 Clemson Drive, Davis, CA 95618