Mary Fisher Polito

Mary Fisher Polito
9.14.1952 – 9.26.2024

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Mary Fisher Polito. Mary was born September 14,
1952, sixth of seven children to Vivian Skoegard Fisher and Richard James Fisher in Hollywood, California.
She peacefully passed from interstitial lung disease at her home in Valley Center, California, on September
26, 2024, with dear family members holding her close. She was 72 years old. Mary was a devout Catholic.
Her faith gave her much strength and comfort throughout her illness.
Mary’s carefree days of childhood were spent in Glendale, California filled with endless hours of playing
with siblings and neighborhood friends at Nibley Park, conveniently located directly across the street from
her home. Mary also recalled with great fondness her summers spent at the family cabin in Big Bear and
time with family and friends at Lake Mojave.
She attended R.D. White Elementary School, Woodrow Wilson Jr. High, and Glendale High School,
graduating with the class of 1970. After high school, Mary attended Glendale Community College and
then transferred to Humboldt State University to complete her degree in English Literature. She was an
avid reader throughout her life, and constantly had a book in her hand.
After college, Mary moved to Washington state. It was there through mutual friends that she met her
husband, Bob Polito. Mary and Bob married in 1979 and eventually moved to Valley Center to run Polito
Family Farms. Mary and Bob worked hand in hand running family business, while raising their family of 3 sons.
Mary, Bob and the boys made wonderful long-lasting memories camping each year at Ruth Lake. She also
enjoyed many trips to Mexico with her sisters and family. Mary and Bob took many trips, but she
particularly loved their 25th anniversary trip to Switzerland in 2004.
Mary had an incredibly generous heart and was deeply committed to serving her community, her church
and local students. From consistent involvement in the Teacher-Parent Club at the boys’ elementary school
to attendance at every school activity and sporting event, Mary was a constant fixture in the Valley Center
educational community. Mary was a founding member of the Valley Center High School Foundation, and
long after all her boys were graduated, she continued to be leader of the foundation’s annual auction.
Mary served on the Board of Education of the Valley Center Pauma Unified School District for 15 years,
acting as president for 2 of those years. Her motto was “Students First!” and while on the board, she was
instrumental in ensuring financial literacy was included in the local high school’s curriculum.
Mary held a special place in her heart for her Bunco Gals, who met monthly for over 35 years to share in
games, food and fun. The Bunco Gals were also dear friends, and helped take great care of Mary during her illness.
Mary was also passionate about many issues, and loved to engage about current events, recent news and
world happenings. Her laugh was infectious, and along with the line, “I’m going tell you something,” she
always managed to come into your life with her vibrant personality and a big smile. She was the
embodiment of generosity, selflessness, consistency, strength, wisdom and compassion. She loved all
holidays and was an extremely talented cook who took great pride in her presentation and would make
every meal a special event. She built many family traditions that we all cherish and will be carried forward.

Mary’s abundant love for poetry and music was ever poignant in her final years. Sanctuary by The
Porter's Gate became her constant favorite, providing musical and spiritual comfort to Mary as she
recited every song on the album by heart.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Vivian Fisher; her in-laws, Dr. Bob and Rose Polito;
her sister, Joanne Fisher; and her sister-in-law, Zora Fisher.
Mary is survived by her husband of 45 years, Bob Polito; Sons: Gus (Amanda) Polito and their son, Auggie,
Sam (Eden) Polito and their three children, Liev, Solenne, and Teague, and Tom (Sarah) Polito and their
daughter, Ruth. She leaves behind her 5 remaining siblings and their spouses and Bob’s eight siblings and
their spouses. She leaves behind many, many nieces and nephews who dearly loved and adored her huge
personality and endless sense of humor.
Mary will be extraordinarily missed by all who knew her, but their lives will have been forever enriched by
meeting her. May she rest in the peace of Christ.
Services will be held at St. Stephen Catholic Church on Thursday, October 17, 2024. A Rosary will be recited
at 10:00 am, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30. A reception will follow. Burial will be held Friday, October 18th,
 at 3:00pm at Mission San Luis Rey Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Stephen Youth Ministry, Attn. Karrie Tyler, 31020 Cole
Grade Rd, Valley Center, CA, 92082, or a charity of your choosing.

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