1933
2021
Mary Wallace Bushnell
July 16, 1933 - August 8, 2021
Solana Beach, CA
Mary Wallace Bushnell, R.N., of Solana Beach, California, passed away August 8, 2021, at the age of 88. She was born in Willimantic, Connecticut, on July 16, 1933, and resided in Storrs, CT. At the age of 10, she was a survivor of the 1944 Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey Circus fire, in Hartford, CT., which was one of the worst fire disasters in United States history. Former Solana Beach Mayor Dave Robert's aunt was killed in that fire along with 167 others. Mary graduated from Windham High School in 1951. After studying for one year at the University of Connecticut (UCONN), she attended and graduated from NYU, Bellevue School of Nursing, in 1955. In the sweetest love story, she married James Judson Bushnell on September 1, 1955. He was a childhood neighbor when they were age 5 and 6 years old. They moved to San Diego, CA, in 1959, and relocated to Solana Beach, CA, in 1972. Mary worked for Bellevue Hospital, NYC, and University of Wisconsin Hospital while James was in Engineering School, and then for Kaiser Permanente in San Diego. She retired many years ago, but proudly kept her nursing license current. A published author, Mary enjoyed bird watching, her butterfly enticing fairy garden, as well as the nearby Pacific Ocean. She was a member of the Solana Beach Civic and Historical Society. Mary was predeceased by her parents, Dr. Raymond and Nellie Wallace, and sisters Elizabeth, Dorothy, and Cora. Mary is survived by her husband of nearly 66 years, James Judson Bushnell of Solana Beach, CA, children, son Carl J. Bushnell of Porterville, CA, daughters, Beverly A. Swingle of Escondido, CA, and G. Roxanne Bybee of Littleton, CO, brother, Charles Wallace of Glendale AZ, grandchildren, Andrew Swingle, Cassie Rapp, Carl Bushnell Jr., and Hunter Flint, great-grandchildren, Julian Swingle and Elowen Rapp, along with many loved nieces, nephews, in-laws and treasured friends. Services were private. If you wish, consider a donation in Mary's name to https://thenaturecollective.org/ or simply say a prayer. Please sign the guest book online at legacy.com/obituaries/ delmartimes
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2 Entries
my deepest sympathy to all of you. may you rest in peace. i love you and sure will miss you.
olive b. glorioso
Friend
September 2, 2021
Mary was a true lady. She always wore a smile. She will be missed by family, friends, and all of the "ROMEOS."
ALLEN VINZANT
Friend
August 28, 2021
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