Obituary of Mary McNally

Mary D. McNally, 90, passed away peacefully at 11:30 pm on February 9 at home surrounded by her family.

Mary was born on September 10, 1932 in Buffalo, New York, to the late James E. and Ellen D. Durkin.

On December 3, 1971, she married James McNally in Watts, CA. They enjoyed 51 wonderful years together. She was a loving wife, mother and nana.

She is survived by her husband James and three children, Douglas Richards (Nancy), Ellen Johnston (Tom), and Mary McNally (Steve). She has six grandchildren; Lisa, Christie, Matthew, Thomas, Timothy, and Benjamin and five great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her brothers John and James Durkin and her sister Elizabeth Lefevre.

Mary graduated from D’Youville College in Buffalo with a BS in Nursing. After graduation, Mary moved to California and started her career at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Los Angeles. She served for years as a registered nurse for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. For 18 years, she worked as a psychiatric nurse in the emergency room at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara helping alcoholics, addicts and mentally challenged patients. At age 58, she received her Masters Degree in Psychology from the University of San Francisco. In 2000, Mary retired from nursing to spend time helping people, traveling and enjoying her family.

Mary had a deep and effective spiritual life as a 52 year sober member of Alcoholics Anonymous. Mary guided and supported many women to achieve and maintain sobriety. The legacy of her amazing work ethic, compassion, love and support of her family and friends will always be remembered. Her contagious laugh and beautiful smile will live on in all of our hearts. Mary will be deeply missed by her family, friends and all who knew her.

Mary will be interred at Santa Barbara Cemetery in a private family ceremony. Donations may be made in her memory to Santa Barbara New House, Casa Serena , or VNA Hospice.