Mary Woodson, St. Mary's School Secretary, Dies

St. John Baptist de La Salle described the Lasallian mission as one that "touches the hearts of its students."

Among those in the long history of St. Mary's College High School at Peralta Park, Berkeley, who certainly touched hearts - every heart that came through the doors of De La Salle Hall and later, St. Joseph's Hall on the school campus - was Mrs. Mary Woodson, who served as school secretary for 26 years, from 1962 until 1988.  She was an El Cerrito resident for many decades.

Mary passed away peacefully after a long illness with her family by her side on Sunday, July 15. Her long career at St. Mary's included her role as the mother of two alums: Dennis, 1968 and Steven, 1970, both of whom predeceased her. Her husband, Dean, beloved by many as perhaps St. Mary's biggest basketball fan ever, died in 1996. Mary is survived by her two sisters, Dorothy and Lois Ann and their families, grandson Paul Woodson of New York (an Albany High alumnus), and her daughter-in-law, Ramona Woodson of Gilroy and her seven children.

At her 1988 retirement party on the St. Mary's campus, Mary was honored with the announcement of a new  scholarship in her name. Mary remained a faithful member of the Belles, attending every annual spring social until this year when illness prevented her attendance.

Her devotion to Saint Mary's High was deep and steadfast.  Mary and her family were a wonderful gift to the St. Mary's community.

Funeral services and burial were held Thursday, July 19 at St. Joseph's Cemetery in San Pablo.

-- Jeanne Gray Loughman