Mary Lucich

1916 - 2015

Mary Albina "Bee" Stefani Lucich
July 17, 1916 - May 19, 2015
Mary Lucich, a life-long native of Merced, was born July 17, 1916, to Carlo and Annunziata (Garfagnoli) Stefani, and passed away peacefully at 98 years old on May 19, 2015, with her loving family by her side.
The daughter of Italian immigrants from Marlia, Lucca, Mary realized the American Dream.  Growing up on 20 acres in the Franklin district, where her father farmed tomatoes and sweet potatoes, Mary attended Franklin Grammar School, and Merced High School, graduating in 1934.  After working at various jobs in Merced, Mary pursued her dream of becoming a registered nurse.  She received her R.N. degree in 1947 from Mercy School of Nursing in Sacramento, CA, as a member of the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps.
Married on April 11, 1948, to John Anthony Lucich, a local businessman originally from Sacramento, proudly they raised their four children together.  Once her children all reached school age, Mary returned to nursing as a very dedicated and passionate home health care nurse with the Merced County Public Health Department, always giving her full attention to caring for her patients.  She retired in 1981.  
A life-long participant of community involvement, after retirement Mary continued as a volunteer nurse.  In 1934 she became a member of the Italian Catholic Federation; a charter member in 1959 of the Community Concert Series (Merced Symphony Association) and a board member for many years; a member of and docent for the Merced County Historical Society, receiving their Letus Wallace Award.  As a faithful member of the Our Lady of Merced/St. Patrick's Parish, for years she taught catechism classes.  Recognized by the Merced County Old-Timers Association, additionally, she was a member of: American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, Native Daughters of the Golden West, the Druids, OLM Mother's Club, and was instrumental in organizing several Franklin School Reunions. 
For all her accomplishments, however, her first priority was family, which included many who were like family both here and in Europe.  She extended her welcoming, warm heart, selflessness, unconditional acceptance, and love to all while igniting her love of travel and sense of adventure in us.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and four brothers: Joe Stefani, Angelo "Shorty" Stefani, and two brothers who died in infancy.  Survivors include her children: Stephen (Barbara) Lucich; Stephanie Lucich (John Rauschkolb II); John M. Lucich; and Terese (David) Mansfield; eight grandchildren: Anthony Lucich; Gina (Ryan) Fitzpatrick; Laurie (Lee) Dey; John Rauschkolb III; Brittany (Ryan) Warner; Alexis Rauschkolb; Sean Mansfield and Matthew Mansfield; two great-grandchildren on the way; her sister, Carolyn Cugia; plus loving nieces, nephews, and many great nieces and nephews.
The family is grateful for the care given by the staff at Aimee Marchini's Park Merced.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Merced County Historical Society (621 W. 21st Street, Merced), or Hinds Hospice (410 W. Main Street, Merced).
To celebrate her life, family and friends are invited to her visitation on Thursday, May 28, 2-5 PM, at Wilson's Family Funeral Chapel, 525 W. 20th Street, Merced; Rosary on May 28, 7 PM, at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 459 W. 21st Street, Merced, and a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, May 29, 10 AM, at OLM Church. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery.  We thank Wilson's Funeral Chapel for their assistance. 
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