Mary Ann Dillon

November 5, 1921 – March 27, 2024

With a waning full moon illuminating waves and sky, and a receding tide, Mary Ann Dillon peacefully slipped away in Carmel on March 27 at the age of 102. Her three children were by her side. They were guided by VNA Hospice and assisted by Halo Specialized Care. The family is forever grateful to daughter Deborah who oversaw her care for nine years, contributing to Mary Ann’s enjoyment and comfort. Views of ocean and wildlife; especially otters, pelicans and oyster catchers, were a blessing. Mary Ann was a peaceful, kind spirit, who always asked, “How are the children?”

Born in Pittsburg PA, she moved to California with her parents, Charles Park Walker and Helen Duncan Wilcox Walker; brothers David Wilcox Walker and Charles Wilcox Walker. She attended Lowell High in San Francisco, graduating Stanford University Class of 1943. She married classmate Donald Floyd Dillon August 17th. After a short honeymoon at the Fairmont Hotel, he began active duty in the Navy during WWII.

After Don returned to San Diego as Captain of Destroyer Escort 588, the family of five moved to Mill Valley. When they were bringing their third child, Don Jr., home from the hospital, Don who was in the Navy Reserves, received a call to return to duty for the Korean War. Mary Ann did the family balancing act until he returned in 1953.

Then, they joined Don’s parents, Floyd C. Dillon and Mildred W. Shawver Dillon in their fledgling Dwarf Citrus nursery business, Four Winds Growers. Mary Ann juggled working part time at the nursery and raising a family. Dedicated employees; Fred Real, Barbara Real, Mike Andrade, Don Jr and the Perez family were key to the success. Mary Ann was very proud that Four Winds Growers is still a successful family business after nearly 75 years. It is now operating in Watsonville under the leadership of her son, Don and his two children, Aaron Dillon and Lexa Dillon.

Mary Ann participated with Don Sr. in the incorporation of five small agricultural towns into the City of Fremont. Don served on the Fremont City Council (1962-1978) and as Mayor. Mary Ann was known as the “Conscience of Fremont,” promoting libraries, starting 22 Girl Scout Troops, and promoting recycling through TriCity Ecology. She and Don were active members of the Niles Congregational Church.

The Carmel Pine Cone Nov. 12-18, 2021 issue featured Mary Ann at 100 years “Born too late to be a suffragette, she will never be too old to vote.” In fact, she was a founding member of what became the League of Women Voters of Fremont, Newark and Union City. President from 1980-82, she was honored for 50 years of participation in 2007.

When the kids were grown, she and Don enjoyed traveling, especially with the Friendship Force International, as well as with family and friends. Mary Ann and Don Sr. enjoyed 72 incredible years of marriage, until his death in 2015.

Mary Ann is survived by her three children and their spouses, Mary Helen (John), Deborah (Warren) and Don (Donna), six grandchildren: Toby and Galena Seeger, Aaron and Lexa Dillon, Chris and Jennifer Limacher, as well as numerous great grandchildren. She is beloved by her younger brother Charles Wilcox Walker, his daughters and their children as well.

No formal service will be held. She told us, “To remember me, have a picnic on the beach.” Her remains will be interred at El Carmelo Cemetery in Pacific Grove.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor can be made to the League of Women Voters Education Fund, or the League of Women Voters Fremont/Newark/Union City chapter or a charity of your choice.