Obituary of Wilda Mabry

Wilda F. Mabry, 85, died January 26, 2010 of cancer at Oak Knoll in Paradise. Wilda was born March 27, 1924 at home in San Jose to Agnes and Leroy Kammerer. She graduated from Pacific Grove High School in 1941. Wilda received degrees from Salinas Junior College in 1943, and Stanford University in 1946. Wilda's first job was working as a visiting nurse in San Francisco. While attending church, she met James M. Mabry, who became her husband of 62 years. Wilda and Jim moved to Red Bluff for many years, where Wilda worked as a school nurse. In 1967, Jim and Wilda moved to Chico. Wilda worked as a public health and school nurse in Butte County for many years. She loved children and volunteered with Camp Fire Girls and Boy Scouts. She spent many summers being camp nurse for Camp Fire Girls. After her retirement from nursing, Wilda volunteered as a reading partner at Emma Wilson Elementary School. Wilda also volunteered with AFS, hosting numerous foreign exchange students. Wilda was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church, where she served as head of the Altar Guild, member of the Care Group, and taught religion classes through EFM. Wilda mentored new members of the church. She also volunteered as church camp nurse. Wilda loved God and shared her devotion with others. Wilda enjoyed needlepoint and was an avid reader. She and Jim liked to travel and attended Elder Hostel classes throughout the world. Wilda was a great wife and mother. She was known for her strong shoulders, which many came to lean on. She opened her home and her heart freely to those in need and loved everyone equally. Though in her last days, Wilda suffered from Alzheimer's, she still had a genuine loving nature and caring heart. Wilda will be remembered for her wonderful sense of humor, abundant love, and great counsel for those in need. Wilda is survived by her husband, James of Paradise; her son and his wife, Andrew and Shirl Mabry of Fort Fairfield, Maine; her daughter and her husband, Virginia and James Partain of Paradise; three grandchildren, James (Sarah) Mabry, Elizabeth (Chris) Nice, and Noah Rush-Mabry; four step-grandchildren, Shawn Neff, Craig Neff, Steven Partain, and Daniel (Annette) Partain; two great-grandchildren; three step-great- grandchildren; her cousin, Debra; her best friend, Margaret; and her many "adopted" children, Ellen, Carissa, and Trish to mention a few. Funeral services for Wilda F. Mabry will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 2, 2010 at St. John's Episcopal Church, 2341 Floral Avenue, Chico, California. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Paradise Hospice, Alzheimer's Association or American Cancer Society. We would like to thank all of the staff at Oak Knoll for their loving care of Wilda. Also we want to thank Paradise Hospice for their support and help.