MARY RUSSO McCORMICK

McCORMICK, MARY RUSSO 1934 to May 6, 2012 Mary. Of the many Marys in her family, there was only one Mary. Blessed with a brilliant mind and an infectious laugh and smile, she had a way of making you feel special with a glance. Her life was filled with devotion to causes that make the world a better place and she made those who knew her feel unconditionally loved and accepted. A gifted musician and wordsmith, she penned her own obituary, which follows: "Mary did not have a courageous battle with anything and did not pass on, go to join anyone or go to a better place. She died. One of three or four persons who were actually born in Los Angeles, she attended grammar schools in Brawley and Redlands, high school in Alhambra and college in Seattle. She managed, by hard work and guile, to live in several great places: Seattle, Rome, Chicago, Franklin, Maine, and finally San Diego. Her great loves were her family, reading, music and travel. She visited 39 countries and all seven continents, and regretted the places she missed. She had a checkered matrimonial career, but never made the same mistake twice. All three of her husbands, however, were distinguished persons in one way or another. Her last marriage lasted 25 years and ended with the death of her husband. She is survived by six dear nieces and nephews, and six great-nieces and nephews, a sister, a brother and sister-in-law, and a raft of stepchildren and step-stepchildren. She was particularly close to two of them, Matt McCormick and Kathy Morrow and their children. She had a few dear friends who gave her great pleasure, and enjoyed knowing her cousins, with whom she always tried to keep in touch. A convinced atheist, she wanted a private and unceremonious cremation and she did not want a funeral. Anybody who's interested can come to her interment in Redlands, followed by lunch at Lupe's, on her. She had a truly interesting life, and she enjoyed it, which is all anybody can hope for." Mary was a gift to all and is sorely missed by all who loved her. Her interment will take place on Friday, June 1, at 11:00 a.m. at Hillside Memorial Park in Redlands, CA, followed by lunch at, of course, Lupe's.