Mary D. Wimberley

Obituary

With profound gratitude for a life well-lived, the family of Mary D. Wimberley announces her passing, after 73 years of being a bright presence in this world. Mary was a beloved mother, grandma, sister, teacher and friend. She passed peacefully on June 22, 2026, surrounded by loved ones, after the sudden discovery of cancer paired with ongoing heart issues.

          The first half of Mary’s life was spent in Southern California. Mary grew up in Alhambra and was the oldest of three girls. Mary spent her childhood singing in choirs, playing musical instruments, looking after her sisters and traveling cross-country in the back of a station wagon. Her favorite teenage memories included hanging out with boys, driving around in cool cars, and breaking all the rules. Mary excitedly went off to college at UC Riverside, where she met her first husband, Charles Farrar. The two ultimately went separate ways in life, but Mary enjoyed reminiscing about their adventures to the Hollywood Bowl and San Francisco.

          Upon graduating college, Mary was fortunate to find her true calling in life -- helping individuals in the Special Education and Deaf communities. Mary served as a Special Education Teacher and American Sign Language interpreter for over 40 years. She taught Deaf students, students who were both Deaf and Blind, behaviorally challenged kids, and adult students with cognitive impairments and mental illnesses. Mary had a knack for seeing and bringing out the best in others; she truly cared about making life better for those who are often overlooked and forgotten by society. Mary approached life with compassion and acceptance, and the effect of this was her positive impact on countless lives through her professional pursuits. She was especially proud of her work and embodied the phrase “do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.”

          In the 1980s, Mary worked at Camarillo State Hospital, where she met her second husband, Ron. Mary and Ron moved to Sonoma after the birth of their daughter, Jessica, who was the greatest light of Mary’s life. As a mother, Mary was unparalleled—always present, profoundly caring, and boundlessly loving. She poured 100% of herself into being the best Mom imaginable, and she succeeded. Her dedication, hard work and intelligence made her an extraordinary mother.

          In the 1990s, Mary started her 30-year career helping patients at Napa State Hospital. It was decades later that she fell in love with a mechanic there named Mike La Point. Mike and Mary moved to Lake County in the early 2010s to pursue dreams of living in an earth-sheltered home, designed by Mary and built by Mike. They enjoyed living in the middle of a mountain on 40 acres until Mike passed away suddenly in 2019. Mary returned to Sonoma, missing the man she considered the love of her life.

          Mary was a talented musician throughout her lifetime. For over 30 years she played various instruments with the Sonoma Hometown Band, including flute, piccolo, baritone and percussion. In the past she enjoyed singing with the Sonoma First Congregational Church, making music with the New Horizons Band, playing flute with the Napa Seventh Day Adventist Church, and countless other community groups. Mary’s musical talents, humor, wit, and vivacious personality brought joy and connection to all she encountered.

          Mary delighted in taking care of plants and stray animals, traveling, going to concerts, rooting for the Raiders football team, and indulging in good meals at nice restaurants so she didn’t have to cook or do dishes. Her outlook was always refreshing and inspiring; she was open-minded, fiercely independent, and a free spirit. She believed in equality, kindness, and generosity, and exemplified this in the way she lived.

          Mary is survived by her adoring daughter, Jessica, and her son-in-law Matt, whom she loved deeply as if he were her own son. Mary was a cherished Grandma to her grandchildren, Jack and Ali. Both grandkids brought her immense joy and laughter and were the light of her world in recent years. Mary is greatly missed by her sister, Lois Wimberley, her sister-in-law Kathy La Point, and nieces and other in-laws who adored her fun spirit. Mary was predeceased by her husband, Mike La Point; by her sister, Anne Wimberley-Robinson; and by her parents, Phyllis and Charles Wimberley. Mary also leaves behind several lifetime friends who were dear to her heart and brought her delight and true companionship: Raylene Carpenter, Jim Cunningham, and Kelli Waggoner. They meant the world to her.

          A joyful celebration of Mary’s life will be held on the Swiss Hotel patio in Sonoma on September 27, 2026, from 2 to 6 pm. All are welcome, and purple or colorful attire is encouraged. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mary Wimberley Memorial Scholarship, which will be given annually to a local student to pursue their musical passions.
May we all live life to the fullest, as Mary did.

Gallery

Memories

September 19, 2026

The slide has deteriorated, but this still captures Mary’s spirit

Chuck

September 19, 2026

I have a photo of Mary talking with my aunt Suzy. Suzy had a rather severe manner that intimidated many people, but not Mary. Mary could talk with anyone! She was comfortable in her own skin.

Chuck

September 19, 2026

Once in a while Mary would return from work scratched and bruised, having been assaulted by one of her special-needs charges. Never perturbed, she would just search her memory for warning signs she might have missed. Unflappable!

Chuck

September 7, 2026

Sail on Pretty Lady, and thanks for the beautiful ride.
A piece of my heart goes with you.

Al Schaller

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