Mary Ann Gordon

She was born on October 7, 1936 to the late Clarence and Cecilia Hoppe, in Appleton, WI. Mary’s work ethic was established at a young age when her family purchased a Sno-Cap Root Beer Stand. At the age of 13, she was already working as a carhop, delivering trays of food and root beer floats to their customers.

Mary graduated from high school in Stevens Point, WI and in 1957 received her teaching degree from Stevens Point State Normal School now called University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point. She taught kindergarten for 8 years in Edina, MN, where she really enjoyed teaching and being close to her sister Joanie’s family. After her marriage to Tom, they moved to Ohio, where Mary gave up teaching. The couple grew their family very quickly, welcoming three daughters in the next three years. Mary was a wonderful mother who made holidays and birthdays so special. She was very creative and enjoyed sewing Halloween costumes for the girls and making many holiday decorations. Her home was always very welcoming and festive!

Tom and Mary made many life-long friends during their ten years in Cincinnati. However in 1976, Tom was transferred to California, and the family soon moved to Huntington Beach. Mary became an active volunteer at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church where she taught CCD; worked hamburger and rib concession booths at the annual church festival; assisted young children completing the Rite of Christian Initiation; and spent many years at the parish HOPE office distributing food and clothing to people in need. Additionally, she volunteered for over 20 years at SOS (Share Our Selves) in Costa Mesa, preparing food boxes and groceries for the food insecure.

Mary loved attending the annual Rose Parade in Pasadena on New Year's Day with family and dear friends, and always brought along her famous deviled eggs. She was an avid bicyclist, enjoying Sunday rides with Tom along coastal bike paths, often culminating with a beer at a local pub. She also enjoyed her weekly walks with a group of friends, which lasted for over 32 years. In retirement, their travels often included biking in interesting locations, such as Ireland, along the rivers of France and through New Zealand.

Becoming a grandmother was the highlight of Mary’s later years. Her oldest granddaughter Allison gave her the nickname “Mocha,” which was quickly adopted by everyone who knew her. She was a very loving and fun grandma who enjoyed having the grandkids over for slumber parties and other activities. She enthusiastically attended all of their sporting events, recitals and birthday parties.

Mary is survived by her three daughters, Jean and her husband Paul Kerins, Cathy and her husband Jeff Caruana, and Susan Carroll; five grandchildren that she cherished - Allison, Jason and Matthew Kerins, and Natalie and Conor Carroll; younger sister Alice Scheibe; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Tom Gordon and sisters Betty Hermsen and Joan Ostlund.

A funeral mass will be held Friday, October 6, 10:00 am at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Huntington Beach. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Hospice Foundation of America.