Marian ‘Buffy’ Bree 1944-2021

She was born Sept. 26, 1944, in Sharon, Pa., to her mother, Josephine Bralich, of Croatian descent, and to her father, Angelo DeSantis, of Italian descent. Her mother had a nickname of “Peppy,” and hence, as a young child, gave Marian a nickname, calling her “Buffy,” that absolutely fit her perfectly and stuck with her throughout her life.

She attended Villa Maria in Pulaski, Pa., and graduated Ursuline High School Class of 1962. She attended Kent State University, Youngstown University, and later was involved in drama classes at the Pasadena Playhouse in California. She became a certified cosmetologist and a licensed massage therapist while spending some time in New York City, and worked at a casino in the Bahamas.

She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the age of 27 while living in Miami, Fla., and suffered throughout her life and bravely fought the disease over the years without much complaint while going in and out of remission.

Her husband, Mike Bree, passed away in 2005, and in 2006 she returned to the Youngstown area. In 2008, while living in Poland, she was admitted to St. Elizabeth Hospital due to uncontrollable infections, and, while there, contracted MRSA. In order to save her life, it was necessary that a double amputation of her legs below the knees be performed. Later in 2008, her brother Sam moved her back to California in order to care for her. While her Catholic faith kept her strong, she also suffered from and was treated for depression, while leading to other complications with her health that plagued her until she passed away.

Buffy leaves her brothers, Joe DeSantis (Barb) of Rootstown and Sam DeSantis (Rosemary) of Vista, Calif.; nieces, Theresa Dalton and Cherise Dalton of Vista, Calif.; nephews, Tony (Adriana) DeSantis of San Diego, Calif. and Joe (Sophia) DeSantis of Carlsbad, Calif.; and many other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends located in many states around the country.

A Mass of the Resurrection is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 27, 2021, at Mission San Luis Rey in the Serra Center, 4070 Mission Ave., Oceanside, CA 92057. Plans are being made to stream the service live on YouTube and Facebook for family and friends. Internment will follow in the MSLR Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest next to her goddaughter, Christine DeSantis, who preceded her in death. She also was preceded in death by both her mother and father.

A celebration of life will be held at Ciao Ristorante Italiano in Vista, where friends and family will share memories about this beautiful, giving, wonderful person.

In conclusion, we know our faith tells us God is good all the time, and as stated in scripture, He has said to her, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

(special notice)