Mary Frances (Kutil) Edwards passed away peacefully in Eureka on September 7, 2024.

Mary was born in Springfield, Illinois on September 27, 1942 to Frank A. and Ruth V. Kutil, while they were en route from Wisconsin to California to join Frank’s father, Frank J. Kutil. The family first lived in a small cabin below the airport in Dows Prairie, but after the birth of her brother, Frank G. Kutil. the family moved to Eureka, where Mary lived for the rest of her life.

Mary attended St. Bernard’s Elementary School beginning with Sister Monica’s kindergarten class of 1947. Back then, the school was staffed almost entirely by nuns of the Sisters of St. Joseph Of Orange. After eighth grade, Mary moved on to St. Bernard’s High School, graduating with the class of 1960. While still in high school, Mary got her first job, working in the kitchen at St. Joseph Hospital.

After graduation, Mary attended Frederick and Charles Beauty College and became a licensed beautician. She worked as a beautician in Eureka and in Nice, California. She also worked for several years, as the receptionist for a local law office. Soon after that, she and a friend had a kite making business in Eureka. They often had a booth at local special events. Much later, Mary owned and operated a costume shop in Old Town, Eureka. But of all the jobs she had over the years, the one she was most proud of was homemaker. Mary took very good care of her home and her family. Cooking and canning were two of her many specialties.

In 1965, Mary married John Livingston and in 1969, they had a son, Frank D. Livingston. Mary and John later divorced, but they remained lifelong friends. In 1990, she married Bob Edwards and they were married until Bob’s death in 2012.

Mary enjoyed weaving, knitting, crocheting and quilting. For several years, she had her own hand made spinning wheel and loom. As you might guess, her family and friends were the recipients of many beautiful creations. Mary was a member of the Moose Lodge, the Red Hat Ladies, the Horseless Carriage Club of America, the Humboldt Bay Model A Club, and TOPS. Mary will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She will be greatly missed.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Frank A. and Ruth V. Kutil and by her husband, Bob Edwards. She is survived by her son, Frank D. Livingston (Michelle), grandsons, Bradley Livingston (Nicole) and Hunter Toland, granddaughter, Rachael Livingston, and best friend since kindergarten, Madeline Stagnoli.

The family wishes to thank the staffs at St. Joseph Hospital, Caring Companions Care Home, and Hospice of Humboldt for the special care Mary received in her final months. Pall Bearers will be Dennis Grinsell, Paul Jerland, Weldon Benzinger, Bradley Livingston, Hunter Toland, and John Livingston Jr.

Visitation will be Thursday, September 26 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Sanders Funeral Home, Del Norte and E Sts. A rosary will follow there at 7 p.m., with Mary’s classmate, Father Michael Cloney officiating. The funeral service will also be at Sanders, on Friday, September 27 at noon, officiated by Father Michael Cloney. Interment will immediately follow at St. Bernard’s Catholic Cemetery, officiated by Father Michael Cloney.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Humboldt, 3327 Timber Fall Ct, Eureka, CA 95503 or to a favorite charity.