On Friday, Dec. 8, 2023, Mary Claire Fittipaldi passed away peacefully in Santa Barbara at age 98. She was married for 61 years to Joseph T. Fittipaldi, of Bethesda, Maryland, until his death in 2009.

Born in Pennsylvania, Mary Claire grew up in Washington D.C. She was especially proud to be an alumna of Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School.

During World War II, she happened to meet a certain student (Joe) studying at the Officer Candidate School at Fort Belvoir during a mixer. After the war, they married and settled in Washington, D.C. They moved to Maryland in 1955. Mary Claire was particularly active at St. Jane De Chantal Church in Bethesda.

Mary Claire moved to Santa Barbara in 2011 and settled in at the Maravilla Community. She loved it there and made many friends through activities such as Bingo and crocheting.

Mary Claire was also a parishioner at St. Raphael’s in Goleta.

Mary Claire’s favorite vocation was as a wife, mother and grandmother. She was especially proud to show off her four grandchildren.

Mary Claire lived a long and full life, aided in large part by her doctors and medical professionals. The family would like to especially thank of Dr. Douglas Cummings and Dr. Darol Joseff, who helped keep her going for so long.

Mary Claire is survived by her loving sons Mark F. Fittipaldi of Bethesda, Maryland, and Brian D. Fittipaldi (Mary Elizabeth/Molly) of Santa Barbara; and grandchildren Will, Charlie, Anna and Emily.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Raphael’s Catholic Church in Goleta in December 2023. A private interment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery in July 2024, where Mary Claire will join Joe once again.