Mary Ethel Cudney was born in Craigville, Minnesota on December 10, 1932 to Daniel Bernard and Mary Gertrude Combs. She moved to California in 1950, where she met Joel Frederick Cudney and married in 1952 in the St. Mary’s Church in Arcata.

Mary and Joel moved to Eureka in 1953, where they raised their family of six boys and three girls. Mary was very proud that all her children attended St. Bernard’s school and later Eureka City Schools.

Mary wanted to leave behind this message in her obituary:

“I have always had a very happy life. Born into a family of 5 sisters and 2 brothers. My husband and children and extended family are my whole life and happiness. My faith in God is my greatest love and most precious gift! I am very thankful to God for my husband, family, friends and all my blessings! My grandchildren and my great grandchildren are a special blessing! My greatest wish and prayers are for all our loved ones to return to their Catholic faith and that we all meet in heaven some day.”

Mary will be laid to rest February 8, 2021 at 2 p.m. at the St. Bernard’s Cemetery.