Mary Ciampi

Passed away peacefully on November 18 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Brooklyn, NY on September 12, 1922 to Vincenzo Dima and Giovannini Bitonti. She was one of nine children, all of whom have passed before her. She became a Brooklyn Dodger fan as a child, playing hooky from school to watch them through a hole in the fence at Ebbets Field as often as she could. When they followed her to California she was elated and remained a lifelong avid fan, enjoying the trips to Dodger Stadium with her kids, grand kids, and great grand kids. She taught us all how to love baseball, especially her Dodgers, and for that we are grateful. GO DODGERS!! She joined the Army at the end of World War II eager to become a nurse. While stationed in Wyoming she met her future husband, the father of her three children. They settled down in Santa Barbara to raise their family. Mary was employed by the County of Santa Barbara, working primarily at the old County Hospital and remained in the nursing field for almost 30 years. In 1970 she met her husband, Tony Ciampi, who was a long time Santa Barbara farmer. She loved delivering fresh produce to all the local grocery and specialty stores, often with her grandkids in tow to help manage the boxes. She was a loving, caring, generous woman who loved nothing more than spending time with her family and doting on her grandkids. Mary is predeceased by her husband and father of her three children, Ken Brigance, her husband Tony Ciampi, grandson Michael Alston and her beloved little grandson Joey Graybill. She leaves behind her children Jeanne (Candy) Graybill (Jim), Ken Ashley (Kate) and Susan Brigance (Danny Dominguez), step-son Elliott Ciampi, seven grandchildren James Graybill, Jennifer Tieso (Joe), Jeffrey Graybill (Melanie), Jessica Graybill, Joseph Dominguez, Robert Dominguez, and Michael Dominguez, and seven great grandchildren Keani Quia- Dominguez, Kanoelani Quia-Dominguez, Angel Dominguez, Nicolas Dominguez, Daniel DiLoreto Dominguez, Gina Tieso, Taylor Tieso, Jordan Graybill and many nieces and nephews. As Mary wished, private services for her immediate family were held Friday November 30 with burial at Calvary Cemetery. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the Assisted Hospice crew, especially Sam and Kitty and of course, Jeanine. Also special thanks to Brian Wilson, PT, who tried so hard to help her get her "mojo" back. Mary Ciampi, to all those who knew her, was touched with a unique spirit and zeal. She will be remembered with admiration for her unwavering love and generosity. Arrangements entrusted to Welch-Ryce-Haider Funeral Chapels. To leave on line condolences please visit www.wrhsb.com

Mary Ciampi

September 12, 1922 - November 18, 2012