Mary Theresa Spendley

Mary Theresa (DiCristina) Spendley, was born on a small ranch in Pacoima in the San Fernando Valley, September 14, 1930. Her parents, Frank and Dorothy DiCristina had 3 sons and 4 daughters. Mary was preceded in death by her siblings: Joe, Frank, Pete, Marcella, Theresa and Dorothy. Mary leaves behind the Love of her Life, Husband George Spendley of almost 70 years of marriage. Also, Daughter Christine Smentek of Dixon, CA, (Glenn), son, Dennis of Redding, CA, (Peggy), 4 grandchildren: Ashley Smentek, Samantha Hindmarch, (Erik), Tyler Smentek, (Melissa), and Preston Spendley. Mary was also blessed with 5 great grandchildren: Dylan, Cameron, Jacob, Cal, and Kimber.

When Mary was around 19 years old, she went on a blind date with a very handsome young man, (as she described him), by the name of George Spendley, and it was "Love at First Sight," they both said.

One year later, they borrowed $20 from a friend, and wisked off to a Justice of the Peace in Las Vegas. Fast forward a few months and Mary's, "new Husband," Army Corporal Spendley, was deployed to the Korean War. He returned safely several months later to Mary and their baby girl, Christine. Three years later, their son, Dennis was born. They lived in Sunland, CA until the late 1950s. When George became a Burbank Fireman, he was required to live in Burbank, CA, and they enjoyed living there until George's retirement in 1982.

Shortly after retirement, they moved to Redding, CA, and built a lovely, country home on 3 acres. Every day that passed, Mary was happy and contented taking care of her husband, beautiful home, and property.

Mary lived an Amazing, Loving, Active 88 years, and had a youthful, energetic, positive outlook on life. Although Mary never held a driver's license, she did more in a day than any 3 people. She loved shopping, gardening, camping, boating, (even though she feared water), cooking, sewing and cleaning inside the house and maintaining the whole property for her Family, and was extremely "House Proud." She was known to snap-off the heads of grasshoppers, with her Grandchildrens' help, but her "all time favorite yard hobby," was squirting leaves!

Mary was a devoted Matriarch and was fiercely protective of her Children, and Grandchildren and had a wonderful influence on them while having a hand in raising them. When it came to her Grandchildren, her unwavering devotion can be described this way:

"Having a Grandmother is like having an Army. This is a grandchild's ultimate privilege: knowing that someone is on your side, Always, Whatever the Details. Even when you are wrong. Especially then, in fact. A Grandmother is both a Sword and a Shield."

Mary was everything one would want in a Devoted Wife, Generous Mother, Grandma, and Great Grandma. She was a Giving, Graceful, Loving, Caring Sister, Sister-in-Law, Aunt, and Friend to all. She was Beautiful inside, and out, and called everyone, "Honey." Mary was an Angel on Earth, and is now in Heaven waiting for us. There will never be another Mary Theresa.