Mary Joan Dukesherer

On May 29, 2021, our dear Mary Joan Dukesherer entered the gates of heaven. She was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley John Dukesherer, a son, David Joseph Dukesherer, and twin daughters, Joan and Marian.

Mary was born in Detroit, Michigan on July 20, 1928. She was the second of four children born to Lloyd and Margaret Thompson. Mary grew up caring for her siblings, John, Dolores and Margaret, and devoting her life to her Catholic faith. She attended Nazareth College and her roommate soon introduced her to Stan, a friend from her roommate’s hometown, Benton Harbor, Michigan. Mary and Stanley were married on September 18, 1948.

After their first year of marriage Mary and Stan moved cross country to California with their son, John, in 1950. They settled in Westchester where they were blessed with six more sons (Thomas, Daniel, David, Kevin, Philip and Paul), and three daughters (Christine) and twins who died at childbirth (Joan and Marian). Mary dedicated her life to raising her family.

In 1976, after living in Puerto Rico for three years, the Dukesherer family moved to San Pedro. Mary continued serving God by teaching Catechism at Mary Star of the Sea Church. Mary loved babies, and was an amazing grandmother to her 24 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren. She will always be remembered for her long-winded conversations and many cups of tea with her family and friends. Mary was an incredible role model and leaves us with many, many happy memories which we will dearly cherish.

Funeral Mass will be said on Monday, June 7th, at 10:30 AM:
Mary Star of the Sea Parish
877 West 7th Street
San Pedro, CA 90731

Burial Rite:
Green Hills Memorial Park
Garden of Reflection
27501 South Western Avenue
Rancho Palos Verdes