Mary EBERL

Mary Elaine Rutledge Eberl passed in her sleep on August 31 in Santa Rosa at age 79. Born February 4, 1935 in Sacramento, CA, she is survived by her brother William Rutledge, her sons John and Greg Eberl, and her partner Dick Wuopio. Her father, Dwight, was an engineer for the U.S. Geological Survey. In her youth, the whole family went on field surveys in the western states. She and her brother attended as many as three different schools per year. They lived in old cabins, rental houses, and even tents. Her mother, Eulala, was resourceful and enjoyed their adventures. The Rutledges lived in Sacramento, and then Redwood City when the USGS moved to Menlo Park in the 60s. Mary graduated from the University of Redlands in 1957. She maintained close contact with four of her Redlands friends, "the chain (letter) gang," all her life. She married fellow alumni George Eberl, had sons, then lived in the Bay Area with George working as a journalist. The family spent wonderful years living in Germany and traveling throughout Europe with George working for the Stars & Stripes newspaper. The family moved to Miami and the marriage ended with a divorce in 1971. Mary and the boys returned to the Bay Area. Mary lived for many years in San Carlos. Mary's working career began in the late 50s at Hayward State College, then resumed from 1970 - 1998 when her boys were old enough. She was an administrative assistant or sales coordinator for various high tech firms. Her favorite job was with California State Senator Arlen Gregorio's district office in which Mary helped constituents resolve issues involving state agencies. Starting in the second grade, Mary played the violin. Her first professional performances were with an all-girl orchestra "Roy Clair and His 24 Sparkling Lovelies." She played viola in college with the Redlands Community Orchestra, and later with the Canada College Community Orchestra, and the Redwood Symphony, including a performance at the Masonic Hall in SF. She helped inspire her sons' passion for music. Mary enjoyed weekend sailing on the Bay, trips to the coast, San Francisco, hearing good live music and dancing. She enjoyed making visits and holidays special for her sons. The years her sons lived nearby were cherished. In retirement she traveled, took classes, collected antiques, books, vintage clothing, and enjoyed writing stories. Mary was always an avid reader and a good cook. Special trips included reunions with cousins in Montana and Idaho. Mary moved to San Rafael with her longtime childhood friend Dick Wuopio in 2010. They enjoyed traveling for his music business, festivals and concerts. They moved to The Lodge at Paulin Creek in Santa Rosa in 2012 after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. Mary will be laid to rest at the Los Gatos Memorial Park among family and friends.