Obituaries

Mary was surrounded by family on July 3, 2017. She was laughing and loving until the time of her departure at 11:15 p.m., at Kaiser of San Leandro, CA. Mary was born March 10, 1947 in Bellingham, Washington, the daughter of Brooks and Della (Morseman) Carpenter. Mary delighted in being a loving parent & grandparent. Her children and grandchildren were her greatest joy, a love that knew no end. As a devoted grandmother, Mary attended sporting events and school activities, while also contributing to her grandchildren's love for reading and art. All the cousins loved going to Aunt Mary's house because she was a playful spirit who offered the gamut of fun activities to take part in. Aunt Mary was kind and sweet, she made you feel safe and supported.

In 1965, Mary graduated from Washington High School. She would exchange marriage vows with Danny Crank on May 5, 1973 at St. Leonard’s Church. Over the last 30 years, Mary became a well-loved librarian at Millard Elementary, where her love for reading was contagious. So much so, that a former student wrote her a note to tell her. In it, he shared that prior to meeting her, he had zero interest in reading. Today, he has become an avid reader, which he attributes solely to her influence.

In her free time, you would find Mary working on ceramics, watching a play, going to the beach, visiting San Francisco or simply hanging out with her family and friends.

Mary is survived by husband, Danny Crank of Fremont, daughter, Jodi & Son-In-Law, Bobby Inocencio of Newark, son, James Crank of Union City, and grandchildren Kaylee & Ethan Inocencio. Mary was preceded in death by her brother, Bruce Carpenter of Fremont. She is survived by siblings, Patricia (Carpenter) Price of Wishon, CA, Roberta (Carpenter) Valenzuela of Fremont, CA, Elizabeth (Carpenter) Pine of Fremont, CA, and Burt Carpenter of Reno, NV.

A service will be held at Fremont Memorial Chapel, 3723 Peralta Blvd., Fremont, CA 94536, to honor her life on September 9, 2017 at 12:00 p.m.

Mary will be remembered for her acceptance and love of everyone she met. She truly made a difference in the lives of many and we will always carry her memory in our hearts.

To honor Mary's love for reading to children...

Here's a special trick I know When I'm sad and scared to go. Take my hand and kiss it here. This kiss from you, I will hold dear. Down my hand and up my arm, Into my heart the kiss goes on. -From the Kissing Hand Poem