Mary Martha Wilkinson (née Evans), 89, of Glendale, California, passed away peacefully at home Tuesday, February 16, 2021, surrounded by her loving family, six days shy of her 90th birthday.
Mary Evans was born in Little Falls, Minnesota, on February 22, 1931, to Martin Evans and Susan Evans (née Danko). She grew up on the family farm in nearby Randall, Minnesota. She loved to tell stories of life on the farm growing up without electricity or indoor plumbing, and of good times spent with family and friends. Mary was one of eight children — George, Martin, Margaret, Jack, Ann, Jim, and John — all of whom preceded her in death. She is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Robert, and by their two children Matthew of Palm Springs, California, and Patricia of Boise, Idaho. She also leaves behind her son-in-law, Patricia’s husband Aaron Belsher, a grandson, Aidan Belsher, and a granddaughter, Sophia Belsher.
Mary moved back to Little Falls, MN, for high school, where dancing was her favorite activity and she sang in the church choir. She moved to Southern California when she was 21, and it was there she met the man she described as the love of her life, West Los Angeles native Robert Wilkinson, after joining a bowling league. They married and settled in the suburb of Glendale to raise a family.
Professionally, Mary Wilkinson spent her working life in various aspects of the grocery industry, first at Procter & Gamble in Downey, California, then at the Western Association of Food Chains in Pasadena and Eagle Rock, California. The W.A.F.C. job allowed her to travel extensively with her husband, making frequent trips to Hawaii, which she loved. Throughout her married life, Mary was an active member of Chapter J.I. of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, a U.S.- based international women’s organization where she made lasting friendships.
Mary was also a dedicated homemaker, wife, and loving mother. She was an active member of the P.T.A. and enjoyed volunteering time and energy to the organizations important to her children. She was never without a bright smile and was known for her kind and compassionate spirit. In her later years she enjoyed traveling, reading, lunches with friends, and playing bridge. She cherished the time she spent with family, and her grandchildren, recounting their accomplishments and achievements with great pride.
A private family service will be held Monday, March 22nd, at Forest Lawn, Glendale. May she rest in peace, and may her memory be a blessing. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in Mary’s name to the P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education (PCE). Donations may be made online at: https:// donations.peointernational.org/peo-donation-pce.
