Mary Cathryn Jorgensen

MARY CATHRYN JORGENSEN Mary Cathryn Jorgensen, age 86, was born in the old Prust Maternity Home, Centerville Road, Ferndale, on April 28, 1931 and left us as a result of complications of Alzheimer's on January 31, 2018. Mary was the fifth child of William "Clark" Bugbee and Mae Early Bugbee and was raised in Grizzly Bluff attending the Grizzly Bluff School where she came to value education, developed her outstanding penmanship and began to cultivate life-long friendships. She continued at Ferndale Union High School, where she was known as a lefty first baseman and adventurously took flying lessons with Jack Tipple Sr., graduating with the Class of 1948. She married Stan Jorgensen and they had five sons who were raised with her loving care. While being committed to her family, providing countless meals and washing loads of clothes, she worked as Office Manager for Drs. Crane and McKee beginning in 1962. In 1978 Mary was selected as Ferndale City Clerk where she enjoyed a mutual respect with many councils and Mayors. Mary ran an efficient office taking pride in being responsive to anyone with city business - but never taking herself or a situation too seriously. She retired in 1998. As a member of pioneering families (Bugbee, Clark, Early and Goble) Mary loved Ferndale but especially Ferndale Wildcats and Wildcat Football. She was a member of the Native Daughters of the Golden West, the Ferndale High Booster Club and was Booster of the year in 1990. As her children were educators and coaches Mary was unwavering in her support, attended their activities throughout her life, and understood the value of hard work, initiative, and teamwork that are a part of developing character in young people. Mary was a friend and mentor to young families and enjoyed their kindness in return. When told she would be dealing with Alzheimer's disease in late 2008 she responded with, "But I don't want it", and then went on to battle this debilitating disease for the next 9 years. The family is thankful for the love and care provided by her many friends and the committed caregivers of River House in Rio Dell, Brookdale Memory Care Fortuna, and Hospice of Humboldt. Mary is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law; Alan "Skip" and Connie of Ferndale, Tom and Dawn of Fortuna, Kim and Angela of Ferndale, Steve and JoAnn of Scottsdale, AZ, and Jerry and Lori of Roseville. Grandchildren Dana (Lynnette), Maura and Reagan of Jackson, CA, Aaron (Lindsey), Kaleb and Jayden of El Sobrante, JoLynn and Bailey, Cody and Cayden of Ferndale, Julie Becksted (Nate), Aidan and Avery of Medford, OR, Tommy (Natalie), Carter and Cameron of Fortuna, Natalie Singleton (Scott), Noah and Emmerson of Lincoln, Laura of Santa Rosa, Ryan of Scottsdale, AZ., Justine of Healdsburg, Celena Hallstead (Jonathan) and Harrison of Irvine, and Kai of Roseville. Her brothers Jim Bugbee and Marie, Bob Bugbee and Joanne, and her lifelong soul mate, sister Joyce Coppini. She was predeceased by her parents and siblings John "Jack" Bugbee and Adrian Bugbee and granddaughter Jacque Jorgensen. She is also survived by numerous nieces nephews, and cousins. Memorial contributions can be made to the Mary J. Scholarship Fund, Ferndale High School, 1231 Main Street, Ferndale, CA, 95536 or to your local organization of your choice. Family and friends are invited to celebrate her life at a memorial service at the Church of the Assumption, Ferndale, at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 9, 2018, to be immediately followed with a reception in her honor at the Ferndale Community Center located in Fireman's Park. Please sign the guestbook at www.times-standard.com