Mary was born August 23, 1948 in Chicago, Illinois to Nick P. and Rita Besich.
She attended high school at San Juan High School where she earned her high school diploma. She continued her education at Sacramento State University, from which she received a Bachelor of Arts in early childhood development. She started her career as a substitute teacher, a reading resource teacher for Rescue Union School District and eventually became a preschool teacher.
After her retirement she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, playing bunko, attending small Christian community meetings, baking and decorating cakes with her lifelong friend Serena Posner. She also was fond of attending Music Circus with her late friend “Grandma” Julie Posner. She was a long time survivor of breast cancer and an avid supporter of Breast Cancer research. She even had an opportunity to interview Dr. Ernie Bodai and write a magazine article chronicling that meeting.
She is survived by her loving husband of 47 years John Sullivan; two sons Michael (Shauna), Ryan (Melissa) and four grandchildren, Derek, Jacob, Colby, Nathan, and her faithful four legged companion Button.
She was loved by many and will be deeply missed. A committal service and placement will be on Saturday June 15 at 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleum. Her celebration of life will continue Sunday June 16 from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Croatian Cultural Center.
Blessed are those who morn, for they will be comforted. Mathew 5:4.
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