Obituary of Mary Wilbur

As in her favorite song, Mary Ann Wilber crossed over the rainbow to her next life of peace and beauty on December 5, 2007. We know that her heaven will include hearty laughter, beautiful music, lively conversation and bingo games at all hours. Mary grew up in Mentor Ohio, enjoying a childhood full of family and cousins who all lived nearby. She had fond memories of picnics, beaches, sledding, games and a lifetime of fun. She attended Andrews Academy and Ohio State University before beginning her first career as wife and mother, raising four children. Mary's second career led her to working with physicians in private practice before she left Midwest winters and moved to Salinas, CA in 1975. As a Public Administrator for the Monterey County Sheriff's Department she worked in the Coroner's office for 20 years before retiring to start her final career as a volunteer. She volunteered for the local Republican Party and acted as a polling monitor during elections. Mary bought a van just to be able to drive for Meals on Wheels. She joined the Service League of Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital in 1996 and logged over 4300 hours as a volunteer. She worked in the League gift shop, led museum tours and served on the Executive Board as Secretary and Treasurer among other positions. Mary was preceded in death by her parents Nellie and Maurice Covert and her eldest child Gary Wilber. She is missed by many, including her devoted sister Marcellene Kinman and her loving brothers Donald Covert and wife Margaret (Peg) and Mark Covert and wife Joan, who all brought laughter and love in recent visits. She leaves behind her beloved family, including her son Philip Wilber, his wife Daria and their daughter Leslie of Colorado, daughter Mary Elizabeth Wilber of Arizona, daughter Lynn Michon of Ohio and her children Jeremiah, Adam and Rachel along with Mary's great-grandchildren Casey and Lillith. Her son Gary's widow Sheri Wilber and their daughter Ashley reside in Georgia. The cousins scattered around the country will remember Mary with affection. The family is grateful for Mary's medical team headed by Dr. Robert Olsen and his staff along with niece Randi Kinman who devoted months to Mary's care. We have no words to describe our thanks to the dedicated care providers at Katherine Evergreen Hospital who became Mary's appreciated and loved second family. There will be no local services. The family asks that you remember Mary's laugh and sharp wit and take the time to honor her by giving of yourselves to others. Donations can be made to the charity of your choice or to the Service League of Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital, attn: Shannon Graham, 450 E. Romie Lane, Salinas, CA 93901.