MARY MARGARET DESSERT

Aug. 25, 1925 - Oct. 2, 2017

Mary Margaret Dessert, or Bunny as she was affectionately known, was born on August 25, 1925 to Mary and Charles Casey, of Brawley. She spent her childhood in Brawley and often reminisced about the “good old days” growing up in the north end with her brothers Patrick and Michael, and her best friends Eunice, Virgene and Virginia. While at BUHS Bunny excelled in the classroom and on the tennis court as the number two singles player and the number one doubles player. Upon graduating from BUHS in 1943 she attended Stanford University where she studied Spanish and Music.

She was a member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority and a life member of the Stanford Alumni Association. She truly loved her time at Stanford, but not as much as her young beau, Frank Dessert, of El Centro. Bunny and Frank married on April 21, 1945 and spent the first years of their marriage in San Diego where Frank was stationed in the Navy and Bunny worked for the State of California in the personnel department. Upon returning to the Valley, Bunny settled in and became a long-time resident of El Centro. She was active in the community as a dedicated “den mother” for the Boy Scouts and a “pink lady” at the hospital. Aside from being a friend to the community, Bunny was a great friend of animals. While raising her children, there was menagerie of pets to be found. She instilled her love for animals in her family members.

Above all, Bunny lived for her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Family life kept her busy, but when she found free time, she loved spending it in Pine Valley, her slice of heaven on earth.

Mary “Bunny” passed peacefully into eternal life on October 2, 2017 surrounded by loved ones. She is survived by her three children, Charles (wife Annabelle and children: Caroline, Marianne, and Madeline); David (wife Kimberly and children: Deven and Doug); and Frances Strahm (husband Clifford and children: Brian, Melissa, and Megan). She was blessed by 9 beautiful great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, brothers, husband, Frank; grandson, Casey and countless dear friends and family members.

Rosary will be held at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 14, 2017 followed by Mass at 9 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 795 S. La Brucherie Road, El Centro, CA. Father Mark Edney will officiate. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bunny’s memory may be made to the Imperial Valley Humane Society, 1575 W. Pico Avenue, El Centro, CA 92243 to support her love of animals.

Loved ones, friends and family can honor Bunny by wearing a touch of red.