Mary Cecile Ely

Mary C Ely from Chico, California, passed away peacefully in the family home on September 25th, 2024, at the age of 96. Mary was born November 19, 1927, in Juneau, Alaska. She graduated as President of her senior class as well as Salutatorian from Juneau Douglas High School in 1945. She then attended the University of Alaska, Fairbanks for a year, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis for a year and graduated from the University of Oregon, with a degree in Economics. While attending the U of O, she met Ernie Ely, the love of her life, whom she married in 1948. Mary and Ernie lived in several locations in California while Ernie worked to earn his medical degree. They ultimately settled in Chico with three children and soon to have three more.
Mary had an active life and pursued many interests. She was a Life Master bridge player, enjoyed dancing, playing bass fiddle, cabin life at Philbrook Reservoir, entertaining, and most of all she enjoyed her family and friends with all her heart. She claimed her longevity was due to her physical fitness. In 1947 at the age of 19, her father organized a 3000-mile bicycle ride from Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada to Minneapolis Minnesota that included the newly built Alaska-Canadian Highway. With special permission from the Canadian Government, Mary along with her father (Harry Sr) and brother (David) were the first to bicycle the gravel "AlCan" Highway. Fast forward to age 84, Mary completed the Summer Sizzler 5K run in Bidwell Park.
Mary volunteered in many organizations including Enloe Auxiliary, American Heart Association, where she was regional President and was recognized as Volunteer of the Year, and many years as an avid Park Watcher in Bidwell Park.
Surviving members include her children Mary Cotton (Cameron), Ernie Ely (Linda), Michael Ely, Katy Ely, Carla Harford (Ted) and Suzanne Baird, 11 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren with another on the way. She was preceded in death by her husband Dr Ernest W Ely (1995) and her three brothers.
Services will be held on December 27th, 2024, 11:00 AM at Brusie Funeral Home in Chico. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the North State Symphony or the Wounded Warrior Project.