Mary Dolores Amelia Tucker

Mary Dolores Amelia Fee Marburg (Tucker, formerly Becker) passed away from natural causes in her warm bed, at home, in San Diego, California, at the age of 91. Born in Santa Monica, California, she was the beloved daughter of Charles Fee and Ana Dolores.

Mary’s childhood was filled with adventure and warmth. She grew up in Southern California, in a home surrounded by fig and persimmon trees that she adored. A spirited and good-natured child, she was a bit of a tomboy, brave enough to jump onto slow-moving trains with her friends.

Her life took her to Mexico, where she lived for nearly three decades. She was crowned Queen of Cuernavaca, a title that tasked her with opening bullfights on horseback, a tradition she later regretted due to her deep compassion for animals. As the belle of the ball, she enjoyed chaperoned dancing with friends until the next day, and waterskiing in Acapulco before meeting her first husband, Otto Erwin Becker Estrada, in Mexico City. They married on June 11, 1959, in Cuernavaca. They maintained a cross boarder residency and had three daughters together.

Mary eventually returned to Pasadena as a single mother, later marrying Thomas Goodyear Tucker on March 10, 1973, in La Cañada, California. Together, they built a life in Arizona before his passing, they had one son. Throughout her life, she was surrounded by a large and loving family, including two brothers and three sisters, one of whom survives her. Her home, and the homes of those she loved, will always echo with her laughter.

She is survived by her four children, three cherished grandchildren, a sister, nephews and a niece, comadre and countless memories that will live on in the hearts of those who knew her. Her eldest grandson serves as a Tech Sergeant in the Air Force, her granddaughter is pursuing a Masters Degree of Kinesiology in Exercise Science, and her youngest grandson, a rising star quarterback, is just beginning high school. They all mourn their loving Grammy M….

Over the years, Mary wore many hats: mother, dental assistant, food service worker and school district lunch-cart lady, caregiver, and housewife, before enjoying a well-earned retirement. She had a sharp wit, a playful spirit, and a few favorite sayings, including “Dear” “Vamos a la playa,” “Cada cabeza es un mundo,” “Smile and nod, then do what you want” “Thanks hun”  and, when faced with technology, the ever-classic “Oh, I don’t care… whatever.” Most of all, she would remind us, “I’m still here.”

And indeed, she is forever in our hearts, our stories and memories.

A celebration of life will be held later. Details to follow.