Mary Ellen Doherty Bichard

Mary Ellen Doherty Bichard a long-time resident of Hillsborough, California, passed away September 8, 2010. She was 80. Born in Woodland, California on July 9, 1930 to James Vincent and Lella Belle Ball Doherty, Mary Ellen grew up at the Sutter Buttes, and later at The Red Rose Ranch in Arbuckle, California. Mary Ellen attended Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary School in Colusa, Holy Rosary Academy in Woodland, and Dominican College in Marin County, where she earned her degree in Biology and History in 1956. Mary Ellen went on to become a school teacher before settling down to raise her family at the home that she and her husband, Charles, built in Hillsborough in 1960. Mary Ellen enjoyed many community, outdoor and athletic activities over the years. Once her children were school aged, Mary Ellen began participating in volunteer work and fund raising events for the Coyote Point Museum Auxiliary. Mary Ellen loved gardening, and was a member of the Perennial Gardener's Garden Club for many years. It was her love of oak trees that inspired her to build on the property in Hillsborough that she called home for the last 50 years. She enjoyed the sport and camaraderie of pheasant hunting in the rice fields with her family during the fall, and enjoyed skiing with her family at Lake Tahoe during the winter. Mary Ellen enjoyed many years as a member of the Sharon Heights Golf & Country Club where she worked on perfecting her golf game, and was an enthusiastic tennis player year round until the age of 70. Mary Ellen was also an avid reader and traveler. Later in life, Mary Ellen traveled the world from Asia to Europe and to destinations in between, often with her youngest daughter, Gaby, as her traveling companion. Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her husband, Charles, (d. 1976), a pharmacist, 4th generation San Franciscan and descendant of Captain Nicholas Bichard, who came to California from the English Channel Islands during the Gold Rush era and was a successful San Francisco businessman. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Damaret (d.1960). Mary Ellen is survived by her children: Cigale (and husband Kerry) of Ponte Vedra, Florida; Midge (and husband John) of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; son Michael of Hillsborough, California; and Gabrielle of Scottsdale, Arizona. She will be missed by her grandchildren: Dominique Bichard of Ponte Vedra, Florida; Morgan and Taylor du Bray of Highlands Ranch, Colorado. Mary Ellen was also preceded in death by her dear brother, Michael V. Doherty of Dunnigan, California who died in 2009. She is survived by her sisters, Maureen (Lady Bug) of Sites; Margaret Abele of Arbuckle (and brother- in-law John Abele); sister-in-law Kirsten Doherty of Dunnigan; 15 nieces and nephews, their spouses and children. Mary Ellen will be remembered for her strong work ethic, love of reading, travel, cooking, entertainment, and her love of tennis. Her children inherited many of her traits and are thankful for her inspiration. The family is grateful for the loving care, compassion and support that Mary Ellen received from the care givers at Senior Assist of the Peninsula. The family would also like to offer a special thank you to Mission Hospice of San Mateo for their outstanding medical support. A reception for friends and family to celebrate Mary Ellen's Irish spirit will be held at the Arbuckle Golf Club, in Arbuckle, California on Sunday, September 26, 2010 from Noon until 4 p.m. (5918 Hillgate Road, Arbuckle, CA 95912). Condolences may be left at Crosby N. Gray & Co.. The Guest Book can be found at: http://www.sanmateocountyfuneraldirectors.com/obituaries01.asp Mary Ellen loved to read, and enjoyed her local public library for many years. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in her memory to The Burlingame Library Foundation, 480 Primrose Street, Burlingame, CA 94010. Send Condolences www.appealdemocrat.com