Mary Parson Welch
1934 - 2021
Mary Parson Welch, loving wife and mother of 10, passed peacefully at home among her family, four days after her 87th birthday on March 4, 2021. Mary shared 60 wonderful years of marriage with her late husband, Vincent (Deke) Welch, before his passing in 2015.
Mary was born in Santa Barbara, CA to Eric and Dorothy Parson. At a young age, her brother, Eric, preceded her. Attending Marymount School of Santa Barbara, Mary enjoyed an active youth. She could often be found riding her horse through the hills of Santa Barbara, and to the beach at Carpinteria. Her future began to unfold when she met Deke, who had recently joined the English teaching staff at the Cate School. Following her studies at Scripps College in Claremont, CA the two married in 1954 and settled in Port Washington, New York. In 1960, Mary and Deke returned to California with four young children in tow. They settled in San Rafael, where they soon welcomed their fifth child, and then five more.
The Welch household was always a beehive of activity. Dinnertime was the occasion to gather and share lively discussions. As the children matured and left for college or other pursuits, Sunday Night Supper was born, a tradition that endured until recent years, and grew to include their growing families, and often friends.
In addition to being the mother of 10, Mary had the energy and drive to pursue other ventures. She was a member of the 1980-81 Marin County Civic Grand Jury and shortly thereafter joined the board of directors of Buckelew Programs, which became a major focus of her life. Buckelew, a non-profit agency, annually serves nearly 10,000 people with mental health and addiction problems in the North Bay.
With a broad knowledge of art, born of her youth in the Santa Barbara art community, Mary conceived the idea of establishing an exhibit and sale of Marin County landscape art to benefit Buckelew. She became cofounder and managing director of MarinScapes, staged annually at Escalle Winery in Larkspur from 1988 through 2020. The popular event became a significant source of funding for the agency and for the many fine artists whose work was featured. It also fulfilled its mission to educate the public about mental health, thus reducing the stigma surrounding this important issue.
Prior to joining the Buckelew Board, Mary was the purchasing director for Dominican College, now Dominican University. Computers were just coming into general use, but the purchasing department had not arrived at that level. Tracking inventory with manual entries in ledgers, Mary centralized the institution’s order and delivery systems.
An early passion for outdoor adventure that began in childhood included summers spent in Maine and later, blossomed into annual family vacations spent in the Trinity Alps; a five decade legacy that continues to this day. Mary cherished her time with family and friends and often combined her love of travel with those closest to her. Family trips to Greece, Spain and Hawaii were thoughtfully planned with the perfect balance of historical sightseeing and family time, filled with love and laughter. On one of their many sojourns to Europe, Mary, Deke and close friends, had the honor to attend an intimate Mass and reception with Pope John Paul II in his private chapel at the Vatican. A devout Catholic and member of St. Sylvester’s Parish for more than 60 years, this was one of her life’s highlights.
Mary is survived by her proudest achievements, her children: Eric, Deke Jr., Peter (Lizz) and Chris Welch (Tory), all of San Rafael; Helen Welch (Jim Reardon) of San Juan Capistrano; Kate Mangan (Peter) of San Diego; Dorothy MacDougald and Mike Welch (Cecilia) of Novato; and Clare Devereaux (David) of Alamo. Her beloved son, Martin (Grace) preceded her in death in August 2020. She leaves 22 grandchildren, one greatgrandson, and her loving nephew, Vincent Patrick Straub and his family.
Mary was gracious, good-humored and interesting, which made very good company for all who knew her. A loving wife, devoted mother and grandmother, and loyal friend, she will be missed.
Following a funeral Mass at St. Raphael’s Church, Mary was laid to rest beside her husband at Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery. Donations in Mary’s memory may be made to Buckelew Programs, 201 Alameda Del Prado, #103, Novato, CA 94949.