Lasting Memories

Mary Bourquin
Nov. 3, 1936-March 30, 2016
Los Altos Hills, California

Mary Bourquin, 79, of Los Altos Hills died on March 30, 2016. She grew up in Barrington, Illinois, daughter of Ralph Bard Jr. and Nonabel Bard. She was educated at Ethel Walker School in Connecticut and went on to study at Stanford University where she earned her BA in art.

In 1956, after meeting Kent Bourquin at Stanford, the two were married. They spent 58 incredible years together before her death.

Mary was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a talented artist and avid gardener, and she loved traveling the world, learning about new places and people. Mary had an overwhelming compassion to help others throughout her entire life. She devoted endless hours to serving the community of East Palo Alto through the Ecumenical Hunger Program and RISE - Reaching and Inspiring Success through Education. Mary's spirit will always be a big part of these organizations, and she will be remembered by the staff and children there forever.

She is survived by her husband, Kent; daughters, Dana and Karen, and their husbands, Doug and Mark; daughter-in-law, Ruth; grandchildren, Jeff, Caitlin, Ryan, Shannon, Stephanie, Michael, Erika, Katie, Ryan, Ethan and Michael; great-granddaughter, Andilyn; brother, Ralph; and sister, Katy. She was preceded in death by her son, Scott.

Mary lived her life to the fullest, enjoying every moment and encouraging others to do the same. She was deeply loved by her family, which has always been the most important part of her life. She will live on through their love and memories.