Mary McCleary was often referred to as a “modern-day Florence Nightingale.” She attended to the medical needs of hundreds in the community in a professional capacity and as a volunteer. She was an active member of St. Anthony’s Parish since the early 1950’s. Mary was born in Hartman, Arkansas to Rigo and Elsie Baldinelli. She married William McCleary in 1945 and settled in Manteca in 1953. Mary received her nursing degree in 1971. She worked at San Joaquin General Hospital for 25 years and at Doctor’s Hospital of Manteca for 15 years. Mary was also one of the first Mobile Intensive Nurses in San Joaquin County. Mary gave unconditionally to her church community. She was a member of Ladies Sodality, the Ministry of Consolation and Bereavement, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Legion of Mary, served as a sacristan, and was a Eucharistic Minister. Mary was also an avid bowler, bowling as many as three days a week. She continued to bowl until the age of 90. Mary was honored by many for her service to the church community, as well as the Manteca community. She received the Women of Distinction Award for her service to the community by Manteca Soroptimists on two occasions, she was inducted into the Manteca Hall of Fame for Health Care in 2005, she received The Bishop’s Award in 2007 for Life of Community Service and received a nomination for San Joaquin County Employee of the Year in 1980. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Rigo and Elsie, her husband of 29 years, William, her sister, Clara and her brother James, and her daughter, Judy. She is survived by her sons, William of Thornfield, MO, Jim (Peggy) of Phoenix, AZ, Michael (Gayle) of Livermore, CA and her daughter Cheryl (Mark) of Carson City, NV, 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. P.L. Fry and Son is honored to serve Mary’s family. A memorial mass will be held on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at 1:00pm at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, 525 East North Street. Mary will be laid to rest privately alongside her husband at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please make donations to a charity of your choice, Saint Vincent de Paul Society, 525 E. North Street, Manteca or Hospice of San Joaquin, 179 W. North Street, Manteca, CA.

Manteca (Calif) Bulletin

.Friday, June 1, 2018