Mary E Ness' Obituary
Greetings Members and Associate Members. Wanted to let you know that one of our valued members, Mary Ness (Mary Ellen Clements) passed away Thursday night, Dec 28th, 2023. She was in hospice care at home for 2 weeks.
A little bit about Mary. Her hometown was Gloucester, VA, where she was born into a farming family and affectionately nicknamed “Sugarpie.” After high school and during World War II, her first job was personal secretary to the Deputy, Civil Aeronautics Authority (CAA) in DC. It was later renamed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Mary met her future husband, USMC 2LT Neil Howard Ness, on a blind date while Neil Ness was stationed at the 8th and “I” Street USMC Barracks in DC. They married and went on to have two children, Neil Jr. and Gary.
Her husband served in the Korean War where he was severely wounded. After discharge, he became the Vending Machine Manager at Treasure Island Naval Station in San Francisco Bay and later a respected horse trainer in the San Diego area until 1976. He passed over on May 2nd, 2005.
They purchased their house in San Diego on Pennant Way, one of the first houses built in University City. Besides being a busy mom, she also worked in Concord (San Francisco area) as an administrative assistant at the Concord Methodist Church, then in San Diego at UCSD Hospital in the Respiratory Dept.
Mary joined the RWC-Clairemont club years ago and became a valuable member of this group.
What’s your fondest memory of Mary?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mary?
Share a story where Mary's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mary you’ll never forget.
How did Mary make you smile?