Mari Jean Harper

We are heartbroken to announce the sudden passing of Mari Harper at the age of 73. She was a mother and "Grandmari" that loved her family with her whole heart.

Mari was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Anthony and Rosemary Drews. She was the third child born in the family and her brother (Paul) and sister (Lynne) welcomed her with open arms. In 1956, the family moved to Waterford, California where her younger brother (Anthony) was born. Mari loved living in the country, and was no stranger to hard work in the almond and peach orchards they owned. She attended and graduated from Oakdale High School in 1967. She went on to become the Director of Communications at Doctors Medical Center, where she worked for over 20 years.

Mari was a strong, independent woman who fiercely loved her daughter, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved folk music and often danced in the kitchen to it with reckless abandon. She made a mean Thanksgiving dinner and loved to host far too many people in her modest home. Mari was a skilled gardener and took pride in her yard that often yielded compliments. She read every People magazine ever published and could complete an entire Jeopardy board on most nights.

After a car accident left her with certain struggles, she remained resourceful in life and true to her faith in God. She loved the Lord, and He watched over her in her darkest times. She has joined her parents and brother, Paul, in His arms and is now at peace.

Mari is survived by her daughter Kristin (Erik) Lovejoy, her grandchildren Stefani and Matthew, and her great-grandchildren Brecken and Autumn. She also leaves behind her beloved kitty, Beebow. She will be truly missed by all.

A graveside service will be held at St. Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery in Modesto, California on Tuesday, October 25th at 11:00am.