Mary Stroth

Mary Kathleen Stroth Sept. 26, 1942 - Oct. 16, 2010 Mary was born to the late Robert C and Marguerite MacKenzie (ne Cooke), She was the third in the large MacKenzie clan of Larry, John, Mary, Bobby, Michael, Tom, Ed, Joe, Marguerite, Steve, Dave, Anne & Kitty. Mary is survived by her husband of 46 years, Neill, and children, Patrick (Barbara Murphy), Sarah (Michael Okoniewski), Albert (Ana de Castro), Timothy. Mary also leaves five grandchildren, Henry, Cecilia, Andrew, Mary Catherine and Erin. Mary was blessed with a large extended family including the MacKenzie's, Cooke's, Murphy's, Mannion's, Stroth's and de Castro's. On graduation from Presentation High School and Healds Business College, Mary worked for the Atlantic Companies in San Francisco. With marriage and the arrival of a family she "retired' to home life. It did not take long for her to find that her capacity to raise children went far beyond the mere four she already had. She dearly loved little children and they returned the feeling. From that was born "Mary and the Kids", a licensed day care Mary operated for thirty years. Over the years many little tots from two to hive years trundled up the front steps to Mary's. She strove for a mix of children and a range in ages with the older guiding and teaching the younger. Proud was the four year old who assumed the role of Scarf Chairperson, and five year old, who assisted the youngest with food. They played, learned, had plenty of exercise, and most of all - wanted to be at Mary and the Kids and with Mary herself. Mary instinctively knew her home made for happy children and parents. Her avocation was family and friends. She had the gift of listening -rare in itself and coupled with keeping confidences allowed many to feel comfortable in her company. Her house was as open as her heart. She was active in the St Cecilia's Parish family, loved her Curves friends and the Monday Night Martini group. The family would like to thank Ms. Teresa McHugh for her long loving care of Mary and Sutter Hospice, especially Ms. Shelley Ector, RN for her counsel and guidance. A vigil service with Rosary will be held on Monday night October 25th at 6:30 PM at St Cecilia's Church, 17th & Vicente St, San Francisco. This will be followed on 11:30 AM, Tuesday October 26th by the Mass of the Resurrection also at St Cecilia's. In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions to Catholic Charities - CYO Preschool Program, 180 Howard Street, San Francisco, Ca 94105 (attention Marty Sullivan).