Mary Biondich

Mary Threse Biondich
Mary Threse Biondich died January 4, 2014, at the age of 97 in Campbell, CA.  She was born in Elcor, MN on June 17, 1916, to Marko and Mary Louise Biondich, immigrants from Croatia.  She was raised in Gilbert and was a graduate of Gilbert High School.
She was one of eight children: John, Ann, Sophie, Catherine, Joseph, Betty Jean, and Elizabeth.  She was preceded in death by her brothers John and Joseph and Mark John Biondich, her husband.
Of interest, it’s a fact that she was Mary Biondich before she married her husband, also a Biondich.  Her mother was a Mary Biondich, and she also married a Marko Biondich.  The families knew each other in Lika, Croatia and Biondich was a clan name.
Mary and Mark were married in 1939.  Shortly after Pearl Harbor, Mary joined her husband in Southern California to work in the defense industry.  Once arriving in Southern California, they lived in Burbank and Long Beach, and later moved to Saratoga, CA in the 1960’s (Northern California) where they remained for the rest of their lives.
She was “the woman behind the man.”  While Mark was pursuing a successful career with Ford Motor Company, she was his helpmate.  She enjoyed cooking, bridge, arts and crafts, and Kolo dancing (Balkan circle dancing).
She is survived by their daughter, Patty; sisters; and many nephews and nieces.
Her funeral will take place on Saturday, July 26, 2014.  Visitation will be from 10—11 AM at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.  Mass will begin at 11 AM.  Interment will follow the Mass at Maple Hill Cemetery.  Funeral arrangements are with Dougherty Funeral Home, Hibbing.  To leave on online message of condolence, please visit www.doughertyofhibbing.com.

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