MARY ALEXSON

1925 - 2023

MARY ALEXSON

Jan. 26, 1925 Nov. 24, 2023

It is with tremendous respect, admiration, and love that we announce the passing of Mary Alexson on Friday, November 24, 2023. She was 98. Born Mary Menette Tumbleson on January 26, 1925, in Huntington Park, California. Mary was the first child of Floyd and Dana Tumbleson. She would be followed in time with a sister, Martha, and two brothers, Charles (Chuck) and Carl. She has outlasted and outlived them all. It was jokingly said that Mary, as the firstborn, received all of the good genes. In hindsight, it would appear that this was indeed true. Mary grew up in Huntington Park and graduated from Huntington Park High School. In school, Mary showed a God-given keen aptitude and talent for painting and drafting. This would serve her well in future years. Mary graduated during the early years of WW II. Based on a recommendation from her high school art teacher, Mary was hired by a defense contractor to create mechanical parts drawings for aid in equipment assembly. During this time, she met her future husband, George Alexson, an enlisted Marine, through an associate. They were married on February 1, 1945.

At the conclusion of WW II, George and Mary settled in Whittier, California while George completed his education. It was here that Mary gave birth to her first two sons, Michael in 1946 and Peter in 1949. In 1954, George and Mary relocated to Bishop, California, in the eastern Sierra Mountains. George would be a high school teacher and eventual administrator. In Bishop, Mary was employed in a number of positions, including a clerk in the unemployment department, at a Penny's retail store and at the local theater and drive-in. She was eventually hired as a draftsman/designer at the US Forest Service. She was responsible for assisting in the development and layout of some of the most popular campgrounds in the Inyo National Forest. She also found time to give birth to her third son, Donald, in 1956.

George and Mary relocated to the Imperial Valley in 1968. George would be the new superintendent of the Imperial High School District. Mary would be employed at the Naval Air Station, El Centro, as a draftsman/designer. She assisted with the development and deployment of the parachute recovery system used to recover space vehicles, including manned flights. Eventually, she would be employed by the base maintenance contractor as a draftsman.

Throughout her time in the Imperial Valley (and before), Mary earned quite a reputation for her excellent and beautiful watercolor paintings. Over the years, she was awarded scores of ribbons and awards for her paintings at various shows, fairs, and exhibitions, including many firsts, seconds and best of division. Many people are proud owners of a Mary Alexson watercolor. She shared this talent and love of painting with innumerable students in painting classes over the years. They all respected her talent and instruction but loved her for who she

was. She was an active member and contributor to both the Pioneer Museum and the Desert Museum.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, George, her mother and father and 1 all of her three siblings and their spouses. She is survived by her three sons, Michael (Beverly), Peter (Karen), and Don (Kim); eight grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; and six nieces and nephews with families.

Mary accepted Jesus Christ as her lord and savior so we will all be together again "in the sweet by and by." As per Mary's wishes, no memorial or services are planned.

In lieu of flowers or cards, if you would like to remember and honor Mary, please feel free to contribute in her name to the Imperial Valley Pioneer Museum in El Centro or the Imperial Valley Desert Museum in Ocotillo.