Mary Byerwalter

1935 - 2023

Mary Byerwalter
March 23, 1935 - April 27, 2023
Our beloved Mary, aged 88, passed peacefully on April 27, 2023, surrounded by her family at Stanford Hospital. A cherished mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, Mary will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were fortunate enough to have known her. Always incredibly thoughtful and impeccably turned out, Mary was a firm believer in the importance of thank you notes, handkerchiefs and common sense. She was quite accurately described by a dear nephew as "…. Dear Abby, Miss Manners, the Barefoot Contessa, Mother Theresa, and Jackie Kennedy Onassis, all in one person."
Mary Reardon Byerwalter was born on March 23, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois, to Neal and Tess Reardon. She graduated from Northern Illinois University and began her teaching career. She married her lifelong love and partner, Joseph R. Byerwalter, in 1959 and they enjoyed 48 happy years together before Joe passed in 2007. Mary and Joe's children, Mariann and Robert, treasure countless memories from their happy childhoods and will be forever grateful for their mother's unconditional love, perpetual patience and infinite kindness.
Joe's career as an airline executive led the family on travel adventures throughout the world, and eventually brought them to the Bay Area. They settled in Hillsborough in 1972 where Mary became an active community volunteer, devoting significant time and leadership to groups including the Auxiliary for Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, the Family Services Agency and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. She continued to substitute teach, tutor and teach piano to countless children who benefitted from her encouragement to achieve their best. Mary seamlessly accomplished all of this while supporting Joe's career and ensuring her children engaged in their own academic and music educations and myriad other activities. Her innate elegance, style and social skills made her an exemplary partner for Joe, comfortably hosting executives and dignitaries while always keeping everything behind the scenes running impeccably. She cherished her 17 years of co-hosting the Hawaiian Open with Joe.
Once settled in California, Mary and Joe continued their travels, crossing the globe from Egypt to Alaska and many points in between. In later years Mary kept up this tradition, traveling to far flung destinations with family and friends well into her 80s. Her heritage was Irish but the style and flair of Italy spoke to her soul. Mary delighted in visits to every part of Italy, celebrating her 60th birthday in Cinque Terra and her 80th birthday in Venice. Her favorite spot closer to home was the Monterey Peninsula. Charmed by Carmel on her very first visit, she returned regularly with family and friends to explore and simply enjoy. More recently, she and Mariann often drove to Pebble Beach together to picnic at the beach, visit with friends and watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean.
Many of the greatest joys in Mary's later life involved her grandsons, Joseph, Daniel and Neal Begovich. A constant and loving presence, Mary steadfastly supported her grandsons through tragedy and triumph and encouraged them to savor the joys of everyday life. Providing sound advice, instilling important life lessons, and offering constant support and encouragement, she beamed with love and pride as they have become kind and considerate young men of strong faith and character.
Mary pursued many interests and engaged her significant talents, often with her tight circle of close friends. Her weekly sewing club achieved nearly perfect attendance for 50 years though remarkably few finished projects emerged from their countless hours together. And Mary's sharp observations led to many timely choices for her Investment Club. Mary was a member of Peninsula Golf & Country Club for 48 years and was a faithful parishioner at St. Catherine of Siena in Burlingame, where she and the principal founded the school board in 1975.
Her family and many friends are grateful for the kindness, wisdom and grace she blessed upon everyone she met. Perhaps Mary's greatest gift was her ability to speak exactly the most needed words and extend precisely the most meaningful gestures, offering comfort that her loyal and steadfast presence would sustain others through any challenge.
Mary is survived by her children, Mariann and Robert, her grandsons Joseph, Daniel and Neal Begovich, and 45 nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be at Crosby-N. Gray Funeral Home, 2 Park Lane, Burlingame, on Friday, May 5, 6pm – 8pm, with Vigil Service at 7pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 6, 10am at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 1310 Bayswater Ave., Burlingame. Burial will follow at St. John's Cemetery, San Mateo. All are invited to a Luncheon Reception at Burlingame Country Club immediately following the services.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Stanford Medicine, c/o Judy Kaufman, 485 Broadway, 4th Floor, Redwood City, CA 94063 or to Peninsula Family Service, 24 Second Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94401.