Obituary of Mary Esther Geck

Mary passed away on July 28, 2023, at the age of 86 in Boise, Idaho surrounded by her Boise family.  She is now reunited with her dear Teddy Bear, her sister Betty, and the faithful departed. 

Mary was born in Salem, Oregon on January 17, 1937, to Joe and Eva Jakubec. She spent most of her childhood in the surrounding Willamette Valley, growing up with her sister, grandparents, many cousins and stepmother, Margaret. Soon after graduating from Sacred Heart Academy, Mary attended nursing school and began working as an LPN for several years. She met Ted, who just had to meet that "cute blonde", at the Singles Club picnic in Salem and they married in 1961. Together they raised five children: Jon, twins Laura and Linda, Joe, and Rose. While raising the family, they designed and built their "A" frame house in the woods on Chehalem Mountain and, in addition to children, raised cows, pigs, chickens, a goat, some rabbits and several dogs. Mary was an active volunteer in her church and community while taking care of the kids and the small farm. As the kids started leaving the nest, she found a job driving a school bus for Groner Elementary School in Scholls where she enjoyed dressing up for the holidays to surprise the kids. Ted and Mary eventually sold their mountain retreat and retired to Salem, and later to Sublimity, where Ted passed away in 2019. Mary continued her volunteerism in Salem with her church, the American Legion, and the VFW, among others.

Mary’s loves in her life were Jesus, her dear husband Ted (fondly her Teddy Bear), her family and her church community. She was always joyful in God’s creations and would point out that neat tree, or the pretty flower, the hummingbird, the interesting cloud, or the delightful sunset. She enjoyed the Oregon coast and would spend hours walking the beach looking for pretty shells and colorful agates. She played cards with deliberation, shot a good game of pool, tended garden with conviction, and always, always thanked God for her blessings. 

Her smile, her wonder and her honesty are missed by her children (5), grandchildren (13), great grandchildren (14), nieces, nephews, family and many, many friends.  "God Bless!"

Funeral Mass will be held at St Vincent De Paul Catholic Church, Salem, Oregon on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at 11:00 am. Reception to follow in parish hall. Interment will be at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon.