Mary Kathleen Bivens

Bivens, Mary Kathleen, went to meet her heavenly father on Friday, March 19, 2021 at the age of 78. She was born in Los Angeles County to Leon Rudy Henson and Prackcydia Kurkiewicz. Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 5 years, and partner of 17 years Leroy Bivens, her brothers Richard Lautastanski, and Jack Henson. Mary is survived by her four children, Donald Friday Jr. of Sonoma, California, Kathy (Sherman) Smith of Rio Vista, California, Tammy Warford of Galveston Texas, Robin (Roger) Toll of Pearland Texas, 7 grandchildren, Jarod, Brandon, Christopher, Elycia, Justenn, Megan, April, 1 great granddaughter, Ella Rose. Mary attended Napa Junior College in 1968 where she earned her certificate, took and passed her State Boards receiving a license to practice as a psychiatric technician by the State of California. Mary began her career in 1969 working for the state of California at Napa State Hospital, as a psychiatric technician. Mary accepted a promotion to Senior Psychiatric Technician for Agnew’s State Hospital in San Jose. After a year of commuting from Napa Mary transferred to her final place of work to be closer to her home, Sonoma Development Center (SDC), where she worked until she retired at the age of 62, after working for 35 years. SDC is where Mary met Leroy and they became a couple in 1983, and later were married in 1995.   In 2006 Mary became interested in her local Sonoma chapter moose lodge, where she became a member. Mary immediately became involved with the Women’s group where she helped in planning and organizing monthly events that reached out to the community.  In 2008 Mary met her current companion Earl Foster of 13 years. After meeting Earl, Mary became a member of the moose lodge in Clearlake, taking on an even bigger role in her local club. For many years Mary would travel with Earl to the yearly moose convention held in Reno. Mary also enjoyed traveling abroad, she went on multiple cruises, visited many different states, but of all the places Mary traveled to, Ireland was her favorite. When Mary was not traveling, she enjoyed cooking and having family gatherings, reading a good book with her cat Oscar, and Princess Peach sitting next to her on the couch, or sitting on her deck outside, feeding and watching the birds.

There will be a private burial service at Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno California. Pallbearer will be Donald R. Friday Jr.

In lieu of flowers, Mary has requested donations be made to your local humane society or ASPCA.

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