Mary Erkenbrecher Stradinger

April 9, 1931 - January 5, 2021

Mary passed away at her home in Grass Valley, California. She was 89 years old; born in Pasadena to parents Helen and Byron Erkenbrecher. Her mother later married Don Whittier, so Mary became the second youngest of seven children. Mary was adventurous, inquisitive, and eager to learn from a young age. At just 14 years old, she started taking flight lessons, and at 16, she soloed for the first time. Mary went on to earn her private pilot's license and often flew her dad's Beechcraft Bonanza to visit friends.

Mary received her bachelor's degree in three years from the University of California, Berkeley, where she majored in history and English. After graduating in 1953, Mary launched her career as a teacher. She taught elementary school for over 20 years in the school districts of Ceres, Napa Valley, and Cupertino Union. Passionate about literature, Mary desired to share the joy of reading with all of her students so that they would leave her classroom as confident, eager readers. She always managed to connect with each child's own gifts and special interests.

As a single mom teaching in Cupertino, Mary met Jim, a fellow teacher, and a few years later they married. They lived in Los Altos for 20 years before moving to Grass Valley in 1982. There they built their dream home, which became a beloved destination for family and friends for years to come. Mary was an avid gardener and lover of nature, and she was inspired to create an expansive garden that reflected the natural environment where they lived. Mary's other passions included tennis, hiking, traveling the world (she especially loved seeing the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti), and, most of all, gathering together with her family for outings and other adventures. She considered nature to be the ultimate teacher and often planned trips with the hopes of immersing herself in a destination's environment. In 2017 Mary and Jim and the family embarked on an Alaskan cruise to celebrate the couple's 50th anniversary, sailing through Glacier Bay National Park and making various port stops along the way. Mary thought of this as an opportunity to bring the family together and spend time with her young adult grandchildren, all while exploring the natural wonders Alaska has to offer.

Mary was also an active member of her community, and she generously gave of herself in time, talent, and treasure. She volunteered for Interfaith Food, Music in the Mountains, and Hospice of the Foothills, where she served as a caregiver, board member, and president of the organization.

Her greatest wish fulfilled, Mary passed surrounded by her husband of 53 years, her three children and their spouses, and her cherished dog, Chamois. Mary is survived by her husband, Jim; her son Stan Hook and his wife Sue, her daughter Jori Hook and her husband Jonathan Walker, and her son Kyle Hook and his wife Beckie; and four grandchildren.

The Union, January 15, 2021