Mary Louise Herlihy

Mary was born in Los Angeles, California on February 16, 1934 to Clarence and Dolores Felt Tepe. She was the oldest of four children. Mary attended Bishop Conaty Memorial Girls Catholic High School in Los Angeles. She met Jack while she was working as a dental assistant in LA. He came back a few weeks later and scored her phone number. While on Christmas leave from White Sands Proving Grounds, Jack proposed to Mary. She had always wanted to be a June bride. They were married on the first weekend in June, which happened to coincide with Jack’s birthday. He never forgot their anniversary! They were married in Los Angeles June, 4rth, 1955.

Mary was an avid volunteer at the parish, Our Lady of Lourdes in Northridge, CA while raising their 6 children, Eileen, Tom, Mike, Jim, John and Cary. She was preceded in death by her sons Mike in 2021 and Jim in 2018. She was a room mother for all 6 kids, helping with school lunches and fieldtrips, while also teaching CCD on Saturday mornings to the kindergarten class. She was the Flower Chairman for several years to ensure that the flowers were always beautifully in-place on the altar for Sunday morning Masses. Mary was a member of the Parish Guild, Women’s Council President in 1979, and held many other Chairmanships throughout the years. She cooked many meals, for visiting clergy, meetings and confirmations. She assisted with the needs of Little League and Football games, and was even the San Fernando Valley Cookie Chairman for the girl scouts. This annual event filled the Herlihy garage to the rafters. She hosted and coordinated many gatherings, bridge games, and pool parties on Donna Avenue, with family and dear neighborhood and church friends.

She was a member of National Charity League, a Mother-Daughter Leadership organization. She fulfilled many roles including Past President, and San Fernando Valley Chapter Chairwoman. Her work entailed helping young women and encouraging their confidence, leadership, awareness, compassion and support of local community services. Her efforts with National Charity League for nearly 20 years, and managed their Thrift Store for over 10 years. She also helped raise money for the Crippled Children Society of the San Fernando Valley as well as multiple other community projects.

After the family was raised and starting their own lives, Mary worked in a doctor’s office at the Valley Presbyterian Hospital and stayed there until they moved to Henderson, Nevada in 2002 at which time Mary decided her years of volunteering and work were over, and it was time to truly retire.

Mary loved to cook and bake, especially her famous fudge or anything chocolate, worked many jigsaw puzzles and crocheted a few special blankets. Each Grandchild receiving their own unique and special blanket, made by Grandma Mary to celebrate their birth.

Mary passed on Thursday, March 31 at St. Rose Hospital, here in Henderson

Mary will be greatly missed by her family and friends, who she loved so much, especially her loving husband, our Dad & Papa Jack.