Mary Fake Hlawatsch

Mary Fake Hlawatsch, age 82, of National City, California, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, January 27, 2022. Her parents, Elwood Fake and Frances Herron Fake, and her sister, Elizabeth Christel, preceded Mary in death. She is survived by her husband, Alfred G. Hlawatsch; her daughters, Joy Trunzo and Frances Hlawatsch; her grandchildren Elizabeth Miller (Jeff) and Angela Trunzo; her great-grandchildren Alexis Ashworth and Samuel Miller; her four siblings, Guyanne Renigar, Ellen Watson (Tom), Barbara Shanley, and George Fake (Sandy).

Mary was born to Elwood Fake and Frances Herron Fake on September 13, 1939, in New Jersey. She attended Morristown High School in Morristown, New Jersey. During high school, she became a skilled baton twirler and during her senior year, was elected Drum Majorette by the student body. Mary graduated with a diploma in 1957. She began her college studies at Hofstra University on Long Island, New York, and later transferred to The King's College, a Christian liberal arts school in Briarcliff Manor, New York. There, Mary earned a bachelor's degree in psychology while working part-time as a typist, a seamstress, and teaching baton-twirling lessons.

After college, Mary worked with the Urban League and helped found the Harlem Prep School and Street Academy in Harlem, New York. The school served as an alternative for disadvantaged urban youth who had left the public school system. Mary fostered academic success, with numerous students continuing on to college. She also provided opportunities for "city kids" to explore nature, often escorting her students on field trips into the wooded areas of upstate New York and New Jersey. Mary cared deeply for her students and maintained close relationships with many for decades.

After moving to California in 1970, she commenced a 30-year career with the County of San Diego Probation Department. She worked as a child abuse investigator for three years before being assigned to conduct pre-sentencing investigations on adult offenders with felony convictions. In this complex and rewarding work, she found a balance between supporting crime victims, advancing offender rehabilitation, and ensuring public safety. Throughout her career in public service, she fought fiercely for the vulnerable, championed the underdog, and promoted integrity and accountability in public service.

As a strong-willed and heart-centered person, Mary touched many people's lives. "Aunt Mary," as she was known to local youths, spent much personal time tutoring and mentoring neighborhood children. She emphasized the importance of reading, writing, and especially logic. With warmth and hospitality, Mary served as a positive role model and offered a safe haven to many young people experiencing difficulties in their lives. The Hlawatsch family home was a hub of activity where neighborhood children played in the backyard and were often invited to stay for dinner.

Mary's Christian faith underscored every aspect of her life. She expressed her love for Jesus in her personal and professional interactions and wanted everyone she engaged with to know they were worthy recipients of God's love. In retirement, Mary authored "All God's Children Got Jobs," a collection of essays and Bible stories designed to inspire job seekers to develop rewarding and successful career paths by trusting God to guide them in finding the work for which they were destined. Mary was very proud of this project and hoped that it would help others find a connection to God and career success.

Mary's last days were spent at home in the care of her loved ones. She maintained her quick wit, sharp sense of humor, and appreciation of fun until the end. She laughed with her family, enjoyed plenty of ice cream, and had the opportunity to communicate with loved ones around the country.

A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, March 12, 2022, at 11:00, with a small reception to follow. The service will be held at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 3990 Bonita Road, Bonita, California 91902.