Beatrice “Mary” Stettler
STETTLER, Beatrice “Mary”; passed away peacefully in the loving arms of her family at the home of her daughter Patti, in Santa Barbara on Wednesday, March 12, 2014.
Mary was born in Rugby, England on November 14, 1920 to Leonard and Grace Cox. She grew up in Rugby with her younger brother Jimmy and her beloved Aunties. At the age of 17, she went to work as a drafter for a large engineering firm.
In 1941, Mary joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service, the women’s branch of the British Army and became a driver. As fate would have it, Mary attended a USO dance at the prompting of her girlfriend and it was there that she met Warren Stettler, a handsome U.S. Army Air Force meteorologist with the 18th Weather Squadron. Warren and Mary were married in England in 1944. At the end of the war, Mary and her infant daughter Judith crossed the Atlantic with thousands of other war brides on the Queen Mary. Warren and settled in Oceanside, where Warren ran Stettler Brothers’ Plastering Contractors.
Mary’s life was family centered, her home being remembered as a haven not only for her 5 children, but also by many friends & family. In 1995, Mary, Warren and their daughter Terri moved to Santa Barbara to be closer to their children. Warren passed away 3 years later on their 54th wedding anniversary. Mary was a loving wife and mother who instilled her love of animals, nature, music, art and literature in all of her children. She had a quick wit, and was always ready for an adventure!
Mary had a very special bond with her grandson, David. They were the most loyal of friends. She was especially proud of his courage to move across country to No. Carolina last year. She spoke of the similarity between she and David… as she also moved far from family as a young woman. She missed him, but loved his frequent phone calls. Her next trip was to see his new house this April.
Mary is survived by her children Judy Gabler (Don), Patti Weber (Bob), Jim Stettler (Linda), Cathy Stettler (Judi Nattrass) and Terri Stettler; grandchildren Jennifer Love, Glenn Love, Matt Pesendian, Chris Weber, David Weber, Jade Wood, Ben Stettler and Greg Stettler; 11 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandson.
Mary’s family would like to give special thanks to the staff and residents of Garden Court. We would also like to thank her caregiver Hilda Ramirez, whom she adored. The family would be honored by your remembrance of their mother with a contribution to any of the following Santa Barbara foundations: Alpha Resource Center (alphasb.org), Pathpoint (pathpoint.org) or Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care (vnhcsb.org).
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 12th at 2 p.m. at Garden Court, 1116 De La Vina St. Santa Barbara.
In remembrance of Mary, take time to pause, as she did, to feel the wonder of all God’s creations, from the smallest ant to the grandest mountain; to be inspired by the wind, the ocean, the clouds and especially by Trees! Then turn to someone nearby and say “Isn’t it Lovely!” And pick a flower whenever you’re moved to…