Mary Peelen Obituary

Passed away November 9, 2010 at age 90; her family in attendance. Active until the day of her death, Mary was born May 4, 1920 in Mayen, Germany; emigrated at age three with her family to Philadelphia. She worked for Sharpe & Dohme there before joining the WAAC. Stationed in Louisiana during World War II, she met, Joseph, her devoted husband of 39 years. Employed by Silicon Valley forerunner, Eitel McCullough, in San Mateo County, she raised her family of four there and in Sebastopol. Always a caring respondent to those in need, Mary was a tireless volunteer for many organizations. She was an accomplished painter and a charter member of the Art Workshop of Western Sonoma County. An avid reader, writer, and prolific correspondent, her interests were wide and varied. Wise, kind, generous, spirited and spiritual, she touched countless lives with her special joy, humor and optimism. Each day for her was a great adventure of connection with others. She is greatly loved and missed by her children: Kathleen Krebs (Gary, dec.), Tim Peelen (LaDonna), Joel Peelen (Lori); grandchildren: Matthew Krebs (Laura), Barry, Jon, Luke Peelen, Johanna, Evan Peelen; great-granddaughter, Julia Krebs; brothers Nick and Frank Novak and children; and all of her dear family and friends. Private celebration of life to be held. [email protected].

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Published by Press Democrat from Nov. 17 to Nov. 18, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Peelen

10 Entries

A night out at Jazz Under the Stars, The Leukemia Society Fundraiser in August at Oakmont Gardens

Sheila Almquist

November 27, 2010

Sweet Mary,
Mary was my Angel,Buddy,confidant.We met on a walk, at a time of need for both of us. God doesn't make any mistakes.I will cherish her sparkle she brought to this life with everyone she touched. Not just through those twinkling brown eyes, but from the sweetness of your soul. Her words were profound, her touch was gentle and her laugh and smile were felt deeply. I shall miss those sweet rose hugs, those humor filled chats,but especially the relationship we built together with God. You are truly touching his cloak today. Thank you for sharing the little bit of time we had together.

April West

November 26, 2010

I will always remember my walks with Aunt Mary, her beautiful glowing skin, and the scent of roses. She was such a loving and positive lady, God Bless.

Matthew, Laura & Julia Krebs

November 19, 2010

Grandma Mary, wonderful Grandmother and Great Grandma to Miss Julia. We will miss her positive presence dearly. The many fun lunches that we shared at her house were always so enjoyable. Julia just loved getting to know her Great Grandma Mary and reveled in sharing time exploring her house and snacking on a few yummy treats. We will treasure the many special memories from so many years gone by! Her insight and stories were a delight and will be remembered always.

Kathleen Peelen Krebs

November 18, 2010

Mom's wisdom, kindness, strength, creativity, humor, special joy and optimism have been an inspiration for us all. She was a wonderful mother and the dearest of friends. I will miss her always, but carry her legacy in my heart.

Kathleen Peelen Krebs, daughter, Berkeley

November 18, 2010

Mary use to go to Evelyn Duncan's house for the Prayer Coffee and she always had an interesting story to tell. She loved to walk and I will miss seeing her walking on Stonebridge Rd. Now she is in heaven with Evelyn Duncan. She was a wonderful witness of what knowing the Lord in your life means. She is probably bending our Lord's ear at this very moment with one of her interesting stories. Doris Lovvorn, Oakmont

Mary's 90th birthday with Chris Daniel

Chris and Kelly Daniel

November 18, 2010

Mary is the grandmother to my brother-in-law. She welcomed my husband and myself when we moved to Santa Rosa in 2008. We had wonderful soup at her home along with great conversation. Mary was always positive and had such a great outlook on life. Always a new book to be suggested for lively reading. We are so blessed to have known her!

Sheri Moore

November 17, 2010

I am a Caregiver for one of the residents is Mary's complex. We had numerous conversations. She loved to invite us over for chocolates and to talk about art, oldtime Sebastopol and her family. I was saddened to her of her passing. I will miss her dearly. She was beautiful ... body, mind and spirit.

Kathy Lutz

November 17, 2010

Although I did not know Mary personally, I knew of her because of the love my sister Irene had for her and Mary's kindness to her. I know they are enjoying each other's company in heaven.

Dennis Krebs

November 17, 2010

My Mother and I visited Mary a year or so ago. The meeting made a lasting impression, which I have thought about frequently since. Mary communicated her desire to see us with immense enthusiasm. She could not have been more welcoming. She was full of life and displayed her generosity in many ways. I was struck by her intelligence, vitality, and honestly. I marveled at the pictures she had painted, and was impressed with her knowledge of current affairs. If I had to select two words to describe Mary, they would be "optimistic" and "adorable."

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