Mary Elms Dearden, died peacefully on December 11, 2005. Raised and resided in South Pasadena, San Marino, and Avalon. Proponent of the value of education, she participated and led in many local organizations and institutions including her alma mater Pomona College, DAR, Phi Beta Kappa, San Marino PTA (twice president,) Girl Scouts, Cal Tech Associates, Stanford Alumni, Pasadena Junior League, San Marino Community Church (Deacon,) the Huntington Library (docent,) and San Gabriel Country Club.

Vivacious and gregarious, she helped friends, relatives, and various causes. Her husband, Douglas E. Dearden, was CEO of Dearden's Home Furnishings (founded in 1909,) still operating in eight greater L.A. locations. Devoted wife, mother, and friend, she is survived by her children Chris, Kathy, and Gale, their children and spouses, and extended family. 

Pasadena Star-News, January 29, 2006