Mary Elizabeth Klauer Bennett passed away peacefully on September 23, 2023 at the age of 77 in Salinas, California with her daughters at her side.
Born in Hollister, California to Eugene Klauer and Pearl Johnson Klauer on May 8th, 1946. Mary was the youngest of the family, growing up in the apricot orchards of Hollister.
In 1965, Mary and her young family moved to her present home in Salinas. She took great pride in her home residing there, until her passing.
She worked as a dental assistant and with local agriculture companies, throughout her life. Mary found her forever job with Elkhorn Packing Company Farm Labor as office manager for 20 years. She considered her fellow employees as family, enjoying many meals, celebrations, and trips to San Francisco with the office girls.
She enjoyed time with her family, neighbors of 50+ years, coworkers, and friends. She always had her phone nearby to chat. Mary had a fantastic memory, and loved to hear what was new in everyone’s lives.
She loved to garden, quilt, and bake. She enjoyed quilting classes, making banana bread for guests and apricot pies for special occasions. Mary enjoyed the occasional trip up north to Lake Tahoe with family or to Maui with her late sister, Barbara and cousins.
Later in life Mary could be found in her backyard, basking in the sun and watering her plants. Or she may be inside watching a baseball game, both Giants and A’s, which was what her grandsons liked! In her final years she became a great-grandmother, and it was clear to everyone the baby brought new life to Mary. Family Christmas dinners will not be the same without our beloved Mary. We will hold the memory of her joy and smiling face, seeing the family come together each year.
Mary is preceded in death by her father, Eugene Klauer, mother, Pearl Klauer, sister, Barbara Recalde, and brother, Eugene Klauer.
Mary is survived by her daughters, Jill (Otto) Kramm of Spreckels, Holly (Steve) Erickson of Dublin, California, grandchildren, Lexie (Kevin) Tom, Connor “Otto” Kramm, Grant Erickson and Drew Erickson. Mary is also survived by her great-granddaughter Teya Elizabeth Tom. Many much loved nieces and nephews, their spouses, children, and grandchildren.
Her family is grateful for the compassionate, loving caregivers and beloved friends who were by her side.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, September 30th, at Spreckels Veterans Memorial Hall at 1:00 p.m. 90 Fifth Street Spreckels, California 93962.
Memorials may be made to The American Cancer Society, or your favorite charity.