Mary Margaret Caradeuc
December 10, 1922 - April 20, 2018
Passed away quietly and peacefully at the age of 95 on April 20, 2018. Although surrounded by her daughter Terry (Theresa) and the floor nurses constantly during her last day, Mary choose a brief moment when she was alone, to make the final journey to join her husband, parents and siblings. Born on December 10, 1922 in Alderson, Oklahoma to Annie and Paul Kadlubec, she was Paul’s oldest child but Annie’s fifth child. Mary had 3 younger siblings and 4 older half-siblings.
Mary’s family lived on a farm although her father and brothers were coal miners. As the oldest child, she was expected to help her mother with cooking, taking care of her younger siblings, as well as help with the planting and harvesting of the vegetables on the farm. Being in a small town, there were few jobs for her after High School graduation, so her father encouraged her to take a typing test for the Federal Government which required her to carry a large manual typewriter to the test site. She obviously did well since she received a telegram from the Department of Labor to report immediately to Washington DC.
Although Mary had never traveled outside of her very small town, she boarded a train alone during the war and headed for Washington DC. She became a traveler, joining friends on short trips on the East coast, until she decided to relocate. Since Alaska wasn’t feasible during the war, Mary and her friend headed for San Francisco. It was there that Mary met the love of her life at a dance at the El Patio, her husband-to-be Gene. They were married on January 10, 1947 and had celebrated 58 years of marriage when Gene passed away.
Mary continued to work for the Department of Labor in San Francisco for the first few years of her marriage, which helped her husband to buy his business. By 1953 she continued working but in the home. Mary was a supportive and giving person to all who knew her. She always volunteered at her daughters’ schools, taking on tasks to support the school and teachers. This even included being the Church custodian with her friend at St. Thomas More. Many times this also meant learning new skills, such as driving a car or learning to swim so she could ensure her daughters were safe in the water. Mary was known for her cooking, especially her soups. When most people are looking at their retirement, Mary became the banker for her Church, which required her learning how to operate a computer program, a new skill she embraced. She never said no when asked to help.
She is survived by her daughters Diane of Daly City and Theresa Binnion of Bellingham WA; her son-in-law James Binnion, many nieces and nephews, both here and in Oklahoma, especially Kathleen Erickson-Forder (Graham) and Barbara Jean Guillion (John), and her three Granddogs, Taiko, Pharaoh and Moku. Those who have gone before her include her husband Gene, her parents, Annie and Paul Kadlubec, her brothers and sisters, Michael, Joseph and Peter Pulchny, Annie McCoy, Paul Kadlubec Jr, Pauline Howell and Emily Martine Tate.
The family wishes to give a special thanks to the wonderful aides Juliana, Nancy, Pacita and Shondra from New Haven In-Home Care, who helped Mary during the last couple of years, allowing her to remain in her home until the last day. It was their kindness and love that helped Mary reach 95 years. And a special thanks goes also to Sally and Gene from St. Andrew Church who visited Mary every week, bringing comfort for her soul and a smile to her face.
The family appreciates kind thoughts and prayers. Rather than flowers, a donation to your favorite charity is welcomed. Mary especially cared for organizations that help animals and donations to Epi4Dogs Foundation Inc, P.O. Box 29986, Bellingham, WA 98228 would be especially appreciated.
She was a special lady with a warm smile and helping hand, that will be missed by family and friends, most especially by the extended King family.
Friends may visit Friday, April 27, 2018 from 4:00pm to 9:00pm at DUGGAN’S SERRA MORTUARY, 500 Westlake Ave, Daly City where a Vigil Service will be held at 6:00pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1:00pm on Saturday, April 28, 2018, at St. Andrew Church, 1571 Southgate Ave, Daly City. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery