Mercedes "Mickey" Mary McCullough

Mercedes "Mickey" Mary McCullough entered this world on February 5th, 1930. She was the second of eight children born to Anna Tharp. Her life was one of wonder and amazement, greeting each second with joy and ambition. She lived every day as though it were her last day on earth and her adventures were proof of this mindset. Mickey shared her life and her passion with her wife Edith "Edie" Rietstra: They traveled extensively within the US and abroad, returning to Mickey's familial homeland of Ireland repeatedly, experiencing places she would share with her students of all ages. She was an accomplished educator and a lifelong learner. Her notable intelligence earned her valedictorian of her high school class, but hearing "in those days they would not let women be that" and encountering countless other artificial barriers in life earned her everlasting focus as an advocate both for women's rights and for social justice. Graduating with her Master's degree later in life was the fulfillment of her lifetime dream, and shortly thereafter she became Principal at Perris Elementary School, where her passion to lead other educators flourished.

Her varied interests included being a lifelong Girl Scout, where she gained so many of her dearest constant friends, which were a source of support throughout her life. These Scouting friendships persisted well into her nineties and were deeply cherished. Near her professional retirement she became a part of RVing Women (RVW), enjoying once again the bond of sisterhood that she so truly believed in and lived for as a powerful, educated, and passionate woman herself.

She loved her family and all that she created! Mickey and Edie are survived by their 6 children, Michele (Ken) of Sahuarita AZ, Joyce of Laguna Hills CA, Michael (Shannon) of Anaheim CA, Miles (Shelia) of Long Beach CA, Amy (Chris) of Phoenix AZ and Bill (Shannon) of Lake Forrest CA. She loved her status as both grandma and great grandma, commonly referring to herself as "Grandma Mickey" and having 14 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of sending flowers please consider donating in remembrance to the National Organization for Women (NOW) at https://now.org.

Mickey will be profoundly missed by her family, her friends, and the many others that she touched on her amazing 95 years journey in this life.