Mary C. Church

Mary Cecilia Driscoll Church, age 103, died peacefully at her home in Sacramento of natural causes on March 16, 2021, in the presence of her family who had been caring for her.  She was born on October 30, 1917 at home in Fruitland, Idaho as the first child of Anna Elizabeth and John Joseph Driscoll. She was raised in that farming community until she moved to Boise at age 16 to complete high school at St. Theresa Academy.  Following her graduation, she attended business school and began working for the Diocese of Boise. She soon became the secretary to Bishop Edward K. Kelly, managing the initiation of his correspondence catechism course for over 600 people throughout the state of Idaho under the nom de plume, "Father John."  

At a New Years Eve Dance in Boise welcoming in 1938, she re-introduced herself to James F. Church, a widower with three young children who she had known growing up as their families were both members of the St. Aloysius Church in New Plymouth, Idaho.  Both having come with dates, they shared one dance that night and began dating soon after.  On January 16, 1940,  Bishop Kelly officiated at their marriage in St. John’s Cathedral in Boise, Idaho.  The family then moved to Sacramento, California, where they became life-long active members of Immaculate Conception Catholic Parish. Over the next 81 years, her family grew to include 14 children, 16 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.  She was active and leading a busy, full life as she reached her 100th birthday in 2017 with a festive 3-day celebration with family and friends coming from all parts of the country.  

She was beloved by anyone who knew her, throughout her life.  Loving care and kindness were her special forte.  She had an inherent ability and interest in making the world a better place by responding to anyone in need of help and supporting those people and organizations that shared her philosophy of loving devotion to those in need.   

Her faith was the cornerstone of her life.  She quietly and steadily lived her beliefs, sharing her grace wherever she went.  She had a special love for young children.  Nothing brought a smile to her face faster than a chance to hold a baby, or engage with a youngster.  This enjoyment continued even to the end of her life, as she watched with glee via FaceTime her youngest great-grandchild learn to walk and play with his dog. 

After 40 years of marriage devoted to work and family, she and her husband, Jim became world travelers, beginning with their first trip to Ireland in 1980.  She loved to recount all the places they had visited over the next decade from the Holy Land in Israel to Russia and Rome, Europe and beyond.   

She was preceded in death by her husband, James F Church, and 4 of her children, Msgr. James Church, Catherine Church Jones, Elizabeth (Bette) Church Pickford, and Kevin Church.  Surviving children include: Jack (Jan), Mike, Bernie (Jody), Fran, Peggy, Kevin-deceased (Pam), Ken, Monica, Terry (Chris), Tim and Maureen. 

A Memorial Mass will be held at Immaculate Conception Church, 3200 Broadway, in Sacramento on Saturday, September 18, 2021 at 11:00am.  Following the Mass, a Reception will be held in the Church Hall.  The family is requesting that those wishing to attend the Mass and Reception, will have received the COVID-19 vaccinations.  Masks will also be required except when eating or drinking. Thank you for your cooperation. 

Memorial donations may be made to two of Mary's favorite charities: Wellspring Women's Center, which provides respite and services based on hospitality with dignity and love since 1987 (www.wellspringwomen.org) and Clara's House, a no-cost adult primary health care clinic for those without health insurance (www.clarashouse.org).