Mary Ellen Gulbranson was born in Mason City, Iowa on April 19,
1937. She always kept a piece of Iowa in her heart. She was baptized at
Trinity Lutheran Church in Mason City. Her family moved to California
during World War II.
She graduated from El Cerrito High School in 1955 and received a
BA in Business Administration from the University of California, Berkeley, in
1959. She worked as an Accountant for the City of Richmond for many
years, before retiring in the late 90’s.
Mary loved sailing the Bay and Delta with her friend Gene
Serex, and enjoyed hikes and vacations with long-time friend Barbara
Rauhala. She also enjoyed going to concerts of traditional folk music as
well as Baroque.
She was the perfect Aunt to the children of her siblings: Kris
Gulbranson (deceased 1991), Kathryn Gulbranson (San Rafael), and Karol
Mercier (Yreka), and Bobby Griffin, Illinois. She loved us all and all our
children as well! (Hannah, Kristian and Nikolas Gable; Kristin Jackson,
Lauren and Chase Mercier)
Mary was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2018 and moved to Assisted
Living at Alma Via Assisted Living in San Rafael, where she received loving
care.
Her whimsical sense of humor, her ability to still remember American
folk songs and ditties, and her kindness all fortunately never left her. She
entered life eternal peacefully on May 10, 2025.
A Memorial Service will be held for her on November 15, 2025 at Elim
Lutheran Church, 221 Stanley Street, Petaluma, CA
Mary Ellen Gulbranson was born in Mason City, Iowa on April 19, 1937. She always kept a piece of Iowa in her heart. She was baptized at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mason City. Her family moved to California during World War II. She graduated from El Cerrito High School in 1955 and received a BAContinue Reading
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