Mary H. Boyd
Mary H. Boyd of Ontario, California was welcomed into the kingdom of Heaven on July, 6, 2015. Her son, Richard, was by her side when she transitioned into the life hereafter. Mary was born to Harold Gatton and Emily Martha Heberling and was raised with her two sisters (Arabella and Lois) in Winnetka, Illinois. She completed her secondary education in just three years at New Trier High School where she earned the highest honor awarded to a student, Tenax, Nobilis, Triumphans. While at New Trier, Mary became an accomplished dancer and won two college scholarships as a result. Mary earned her bachelor's degree in psychology, with departmental honors, from the University of La Verne.
In the early 50's, Mary met and married a U.S. Marine named Richard P. Boyd and together they had two children, Constance A. Mazares of Los Angeles and Richard P. Boyd, Jr. of Ontario. It was also during this decade that Mary and her new family moved from Evanston, Illinois to southern California. There, Mary and her family ultimately settled in Ontario where she lived until her passing.
In the early '60s, Mary joined the Ontario Pomona Association of Retarded Citizens/Diversified Industries where she worked 32 years until her retirement, achieving the position of Chief Executive Officer. Mary continued to contribute generously of her time and talents as a volunteer after her retirement. In addition to working for Casa Colina and the City of Hope, Mary served over ten years as a ministering elder, crisis intervention counselor, and new-member class leader for the Crystal Cathedral Ministries in Garden Grove. Additional information about Mary's career achievements and community involvement can be found in Marquis Who's Who in America.
Mary will be remembered for her genuine interest in everyone she met, her sincere love for humankind, her steadfast belief in the miraculous nature of the human spirit, her ebullient personality, the seemly countless lives she touched, and the strength of her Christian faith.
A celebration of Mary's life will be held at Purpose Church located at 586 North Main Street, Pomona, CA 91768 on August 22, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. in the main sanctuary.

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Published by Daily Bulletin on Jul. 26, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Boyd

Sponsored by Inland Valley Daily Bulletin.

6 Entries

August 22, 2015

Mary and I were good friends in a program and she taught me a lot of what I thought I had lost . Faith and self confidence.Iwill miss her smile and friendship. Flo Harris ( Montclair CA)

Phyllis Wilson

August 19, 2015

Mary Boyd took a chance on me in 1974 when she hired me as a teacher's aide at OPARC. I was a single mother desperately needing a job. I had no experience working with persons with developmental disabilities but from the first day I walked into the Center I was "hooked!" Mary was always so kind to me. She even allowed my little boy to spend afternoons at OPARC after school so that I did not have to pay for a babysitter. That was such a blessing.
I spent the next nearly 30 years working with the DD population. Whenever I saw Mary over those 30 years she would seem so genuinely happy to see me again. She will always be special to me and a person who greatly influenced my life. I will never forget her smile! What a privilege it has been to know Mary Boyd. Looking forward to seeing her radiant smile again someday.

Andrea Erickson, President OPARC

July 28, 2015

Mary was a remarkable woman who helped to change the future for so many people with developmental/intellectual disabilities through her tireless efforts at OPARC. We would not be the organization we are, nor would the rights of the disabled be as advanced had it not been for her work. Mary was last at OPARC in 2014 to launch the Mary H. Boyd Legacy Society and the respect and affection she had earned was clear to see. Her compassion, care and many talents have been a gift to our community. She will never be forgotten.

Linda Baker

July 27, 2015

I'm so blessed to have enjoyed a 43-year friendship with this remarkable woman. I'm a better person because of her. She always believed in me and and my God-given gifts and potential, as she did for countless others. Feeling lost without her, but our loss is definitely Heaven's gain. See you later, my dearest friend. Offering my heartfelt condolences to her family.

Judy Briggs

July 27, 2015

Mary has made the difference in thousands of lives. Her love, genuineness and beautiful spirit has been a gift to OPARC and this community. She will be sincerely missed.

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