Mary Boerger, age 97, a long-time resident of La Cañada Flintridge, died peacefully on March 1. She was born on Sept. 19, 1920, in Los Angeles as the daughter of Raymond and Alice (Smith) Bradford. Mary attended St. Agnes High School in Los Angeles. She married Frederick Robert Boerger on June 21, 1941, and settled into the foothill community of La Cañada Flintridge where they raised six children. She was a longstanding member of St. Bede’s Catholic Church and was active in her community serving as an officer in several organizations such as La Cañada Valley Beautiful, the La Cañada Thursday Club and the Stardusters. Mary was a past president of the Colonial Dames of America and the XVII Century and a proud direct descendent of Gov. William Bradford of the Mayflower.
Mary was a community journalist and wrote a society column for the Ledger in earlier years and more recently authored the “Your Garden” column for The Outlook until she retired at age 86. She had a passion for gardening, but also enjoyed reading, writing, dancing and playing the piano. Mary was a vibrant and enthusiastic lady who placed her deep love of family, faith and friends as most important in her life.
Mary is preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, “Bob” Boerger 89, her daughter Julie Anne Jennings, 50; her son Rodderick Boerger, 21; son Terrence Boerger, 23; grandson Jon Fox, 22; and great-granddaughter Jessica Schrader, 24.
Mary is survived by her children Donald Boerger (Rosemarie) of Wickenburg, Arizona; Maura Fox (Jim) of Arroyo Grande, California; Christopher Boerger (Anna) of Orcutt, California; 14 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and four great-great-granddaughters.
Rosary and visitation will be held at St. Bede the Venerable Catholic Church in La Cañada Flintridge on Friday evening, March 9, at 7 p.m.
The Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Bede’s Catholic Church on Saturday, March 10, at 10 a.m., with interment immediately following at Resurrection Cemetery in Montebello.
Flowers can be sent to St. Bede’s Catholic Church or, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mary Boerger’s name to the Alport’s Syndrome Foundation: P.O. Box 4130, Scottsdale, AZ 85261-4130, email alportsyndrome.org.
