Many things can be said about Mary L. Wright. Known to friends and acquaintances as a friendly, energetic, empathic and decisive woman, her compassionate nature would always shine through, revealing her charm, warmth and conscientious demeanor. She was warmhearted, gentle and organized in all the things she sought to accomplish. Mary was a mentor, a natural “teacher” capable of seeing things clearly, leading others and bringing out the best in all of those around her. She generally had a focus on harmony and peace.
Her parents were Kathleen Murray and John Hopkins. Mary was raised in Jersey City, New Jersey and then moved to California at age 15. When she was young, Mary's friends and family found that “straightforward” and “honest” were perfect words to describe her. Even as a child, Mary demonstrated strong qualities of self-confidence, perceptive ability and a disposition that was enjoyable to those around her.
Mary grew up being one of six children. Her brothers and sisters were Cathy, Jack, Billy, Gloria, Colleen, and Lora. Mary was constantly involved in all sorts of activities with her family. She was even-tempered, taking care not to get involved in too many family conflicts. This quality served her well, in perpetually bringing harmony, understanding and a sense of peace to the family. Mary carried these traits into her adult life and served as one of many reasons why family and friends found her pleasurable and delightful to be around. Mary was a person who genuinely understood and cared for others, making powerful connections with those she knew.
As a young girl, Mary was imaginative, ingenious, clever and a “novel” thinker. Regardless of whether her peers were older or younger, or came from different backgrounds, Mary could easily relate to other kids. She was an active child who took part in softball, baseball, double dutch, and dodge ball. She was a member of Saint Ann's Church. In her spare time she liked marbles and jacks. Mary's memorable achievements included a Spelling Bee in 6th grade. However, to Mary, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with her family and friends.
During her high school years, Mary had a natural flair for cheering on and applauding just about everyone. She was constantly offering her support and encouragement to fellow members of the groups and activities in which she participated. She did well in school and genuinely enjoyed telling stories in a way that drew people to her. In this way, Mary had a talent for becoming the center of attention, a kind of social catalyst. Mary was often found to be the lead person facilitating a group activity, frequently filling the role of being “the life of the party.” Teachers and classmates knew Mary as an excellent listener. She placed a high value on learning and always understood that there was a new lesson to be grasped waiting for her just around the corner. The teacher she enjoyed learning from the most was Mrs. Mendelson. Mary also was voted in school as having the best penmanship.
Mary did well in college, as a result of her being intuitive and finely organized. Mary attended Business Management courses. She also obtained her cosmetology license as well as her Insurance Brokers license. The skill of being a good communicator helped Mary immensely during her college days. She was comfortable with abstract information and theories and tended to thrive on the subjects that forced her to think. No matter what class it was, Mary was always very perceptive and embraced the mental challenges that her college experience provided.
Always considered a “good” friend, Mary sought to understand the things that others enjoyed. For this reason Mary always seemed to possess a never-ending collection of acquaintances. Mary’s friends found her easy to know and get along with because of her talent for being socially at ease, adept at conversation, and always amiable in her dealings with others. Mary would always seek to learn what her friends enjoyed, and she would go out of her way to make sure that their needs were met. Mary was always seen as the type of person who was the more gracious giver. In fact, she sometimes felt ill at ease when she was the one on the receiving end. Throughout her life she had many friends. While growing up, her best friend was Linda Texiera. Later in life, she found her greatest friendships came from her siblings and her four girls.
Mary’s quality of being a caring and tolerant person who was very accepting of others translated to being a good mother to her children. Mary shared these values with her four daughters, Diane, Patty, Debbie, and Cindy. Mary was also blessed with 16 grandchildren, she has 7 grandsons and 9 granddaughters., Kenny, Nicky, Ashley, Alyssa, Andrew, Christian, Priscilla, Grace, Josiah, Tiffany, Rachel, Christian, Hosanna, Lilly, Nehemiah, and Christa. Mary related well to children of all ages and was able to connect to them on their level. The children always loved her and she was completely and totally devoted to them.
Mary experienced success in her work life over and over again. Her primary occupation was as a business owner of Right Insurance Marketing. Mary opened her own commercial insurance business in 1984. Mary always made the effort to understand what was needed at work, and was well known by her staff as a team player. Mary took pride in managing her professional responsibilities and seemed to always know what was necessary to successfully complete a project. Mary was one to take the initiative and her skills at working cooperatively were highly valued. Mary continually sought to learn what her employees did well and how they were most effective, a talent that enabled her to help them develop their own potential.
Because she was organized and methodical, Mary took great pleasure in her various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were Karaoke and she collected perfume bottles. Mary enjoyed sharing her passions with others and could singularly focus on one hobby at a time.
Mary derived much satisfaction from sports. Because she was so instinctive and could always grasp the big picture, Mary delighted in the strategy and inner workings of a competition. In high school, Mary played baseball. Recreational sports included volleyball and softball. Mary was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching her favorite teams' events whenever she got the opportunity.
Though she never did anything solely for individual recognition, Mary was given accolades for her many and varied efforts throughout her life. If the truth were known, Mary was always a little uncomfortable with being singled out for recognition. Some of her most prestigious awards included an award for Most Successful Business Woman in Orange County. In 2010 she was ranked 36.
Mary enjoyed traveling, and because she was so well organized, she would take on the responsibility of planning and scheduling all of the family vacations. Her gift for keeping things lively meant that vacations with Mary were always enjoyable. Favorite vacations included Big Bear and Las Vegas as well as New York City and New Jersey.
Mary was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Mary's favorite was Baby. They were best friends for 16 years. Her family was rounded out by her Lucky and Tiny.
For Mary’s, retirement was not an option. Mary loved her work and company. She worked up until the week before her surgery.
Mary passed away on August 13, 2010 at Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo, California. She is survived by her four children; Diane, Patty, Debbie and Cindy. Her 16 grandchildren; Kenny, Nicky, Ashley, Alyssa, Andrew, Christian, Priscilla, Grace, Josiah, Nehemiah, Christa, Tiffany, Rachel, Christian, Hosanna, and Lilly. Services were held at Shoreline Church. Mary was laid to rest in Westminster Memorial Park.
Throughout her life, Mary was a gregarious and enthusiastic woman. She was generous in sharing her personal attributes, giving and helping those she knew and loved. She would often fill the role of coach, bringing out the best in everyone. She was imaginative, original, tender hearted and easy to get along with. Mary leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and cherished memories. Everyone whose lives she touched will dearly remember Mary L. Wright.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.9.5