Mary McManamon Wilkinson's Obituary
Mary McManamon Wilkinson, mother of Ronald, Robert, and Joan Wilkinson, died on Thursday, October 17, 2024. Mary had 6 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. She lived a long, eventful life of 101 years.
Mary was born on August 21, 1923, in Cleveland, Ohio. She was the first born to Frank and Katherine McManamon. Predeceasing her were two brothers, James and Thomas, and one sister, Katherine. Also predeceasing her was her husband for 24 years, Donald Wilkinson.
Mary moved to California after World War II, following her marriage to Donald. They eventually moved to Van Nuys, then to Northridge, California, where Mary lived until the Northridge earthquake convinced her to move out of LA area.
Mary became an independent woman during the 1970s. She received her Master’s degree in Social Work at Fresno State University in 1978, and then enjoyed her career as a social worker for the county of Los Angeles before retiring at age of 65. She inspired the women in her family to become self-reliant by continuing their education and learning to support themselves financially.
Mary moved to San Diego in 1995, where her daughter was raising her family. She enjoyed living in Rancho Bernardo where she joined the garden club and played bridge with friends. Mary loved to travel, especially to Europe. She was an avid reader, always having a book nearby. She loved her family, and especially doted on her 3 great grandchildren. Mary will be missed.
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