Mary E. Moore Friends are in mourning today at the death of Mary Moore, 82, wife of James Moore and the mother of 10 children. Mrs. Moore died of natural causes Wednesday, June 9, 2010 at her home in Kentfield, where she had lived since 1963 The family gathered with a visitor shortly after her death to describe their mother - "compassionate," "forgiving," "strong-willed," "kind," "spiritual," "intellectual to the end" - and to discuss their growing-up years in a home that was a gathering place for all their friends. "The coffee pot was always on", said daughter Mary "Mrs. Moore was more than a mother to her own children and their friends-she was also an active participant in parent affairs at her children's schools, serving as president of the Kent School PTA and as a backbone participant in the Redwood International Student Exchange at Redwood High School. "She would plan one-on-one time with each of us", said son Peter. When her children's schedules permitted, she became a teacher's aide at Bacich School. She later obtained a real estate license and worked in the field for 11 years, first with the Scott McCall firm and later in her own firm, MEM Realty. Growing up as an only child, Mrs. Moore longed to have a big family of her own. "She had read 'Cheaper By The Dozen,' and planned to have 12," her husband said, but she hadn't counted on the noise so many children made, son Philip remembered. After the 10th child was born, according to Dr. Moore, she "rethought" her goal. The senior Moore's, who met at U.C-Berkeley, were married on August 2, 1952, at Star of the Sea Church in Sausalito. Mrs. Moore, born Mary Eggers in San Jose on March 9, 1928, was the daughter of Theodore Eggers and Mary Agnes Cunningham Eggers, beloved mentor and "best friend" to her daughter. Mrs. Moore was reared in the Catholic Church and lived by the spiritual concepts of her religion even after she ceased being a daily church-goer. She graduated from San Jose public schools and U.C.-Berkeley, class of 1948, with a degree in Oriental studies with an emphasis on Korea. She earned her college diploma in three years, "eager to spread her wings and fly," said her husband. She sailed to Europe with a classmate, the late Elena Metson, and aboard ship met Beth Van Hoesen, who later became a well known San Francisco artist. The three roomed together in Paris where Mrs. Moore perfected her French. She took a job with the U.S. Army, working both in Paris and Liege, Belgium. Back home after two years, she affiliated with the Junipero Serra Shop book store in San Francisco, a magnet for young, idealistic Catholics, and reconnected soon afterward with her husband-to-be, who had commenced his medical studies at UCSF. Mrs. Moore's goal to become a social worker was short-circuited by her marriage and a quickly growing family. As her husband progressed through medical school, military service and residency training, they lived variously in Berkeley, San Francisco, Tacoma, Washington and Fort Eustis, Virginia. Their last move was from San Francisco to Kentfield. Mrs. Moore had 10 children, all of whom, with Dr. Moore, survive her. They are Mary Carol Moore-Campagna of Penngrove,; James Moore of Hercules,; Monica Moore of Berkeley and Inverness; Ellen Moore of Berkeley; Martha Moore of Sweet Home, Oregon; Peter Moore of Nagoya, Japan; Christopher Moore of Pleasanton; Philip Moore of Washington, D.C.; David Moore of Tokyo and William Moore of Bend Oregon. There are 13 grandchildren. Remembering their mother, the children emphasized that she read voraciously and had a lifelong curiosity about the world around her. Most of all, "she was always interested in people," said Monica. "She was an amazing listener." "She was a big believer in hope and change," said Martha. "She created a lot of both," said Philip. A funeral mass will be held at noon, July 3 at St. Anselm's Church in Ross. A celebration of life will be held later. Burial is planned at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in San Rafael. In lieu of flowers, the family requests gifts to a charity of choice. The Moore family wishes to thank Beth Ashley, a dear friend of Mary's for nearly six decades, for her help in writing this tribute to our wonderful wife, mother and friend.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18