Mary Joan Hurley

Born August 18, 1939 and was called unexpectedly home to be with our Lord June 8, 2015.

Mary Joan was born to John and Grace Luther in Hollywood, CA on August 18, 1939. Her father John was a surveyor and the family moved to Bakersfield when Mary Joan was three years old. She resided in Bakersfield for over 70 years. She graduated from Bakersfield High School Class of ’57 where she played flute in the band, participated in the honor court, and Christian endeavor. She was a part of the Class of ’57 reunion committee planning high school reunions for decades. After high school Mary Joan attended University of California at Berkeley for a brief time. Later attending Bakersfield College where she earned an Associate of Arts in Laboratory Technologies. Shortly after graduating she began work at the Kern County General Hospital which eventually became known as Kern Medical Center (KMC). She worked in the laboratory for thirty seven years and earning two more for service for a total of thirty nine years of service to the community of Kern County.

During her time working she met and later married Richard Hurley. She and Richard married on November 22, 1969. On December 12, 1973 their first child together John was born. On August 6, 1977 their second child and last together David was born.

Mary Joan endured the loss of her husband first due to divorce and later to a tragic accident. Throughout her life she kept her faith and Christian beliefs intact leading worship at church, serving on boards for camp and the church, and many stories of encounters with friends and strangers sometimes where she helped them with God’s love even until her last day here.

She was preceded in death by her Mother Grace, Father John, Husband Richard Hurley, Mother-in-Law Gladys, Father-in-law Art Hurley, Sister Martha Rose, Grandson Richard Thompson, and Brother Robert Burger.

Mary Joan is survived by her oldest son John Hurley his wife Rosemarie, two sons Jordan and Jared, and two daughters Kathleen and Kali. Her youngest son David Hurley his wife Araceli, and daughter Rebekah. Her daughter Diana Thompson, and her sisters Grace Hathwell and Ester Howard, and their families.

Viewing will be Wednesday June 17th at Hillcrest Memorial Park 4-8pm

Funeral service will be Thursday June 18th 9am at Valley Baptist Church 4800 Fruitvale Avenue in the Multi-purpose room

Graveside will be after the Funeral service at Hillcrest Memorial Park at 11am

Reception to follow at Valley Baptist Church for fellowship and remembrance at 12:30pm in the Multi-purpose room.