December 11, 1923 – September 20, 2018
Born in Hollister, CA
Resided in Hollister, CA
Mary Anna Underwood, age 94, passed away on September 20th, 2018 surrounded by family. She was born in Hollister, CA on December 11th, 1923, to George and Anna Stangohr. She lived her entire life in Hollister. Home for many years was the family poultry/egg ranch on Nash Road until 1974 when they moved into town. Mary Anna attended San Jose State University, majoring in education. Her teaching career was always in San Benito County Schools. Principal at Willow Grove, team teaching for 18 years with Dianne Francis (Bourdet) and multiple other schools. Some of her favorites: her 1968 white Chevy convertible, avid Giants baseball fan, refinishing furniture, cards (Blackjack, Pedro and Bridge), dancing, motorhome travels, motorcycle riding, camping and following the activities of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mary Anna was most famous for her yearly Christmas “Santa Cookies” baked for 63 years (the tradition lives on with her granddaughters. At the age of 82, she came home from a visit to Texas and SURPRISED her family with a butterfly tattoo on her ankle done by her great nephew. Over the years it has attracted lots of comments.
Mary Anna was preceded in death by her loving husband of 67 years, William A. Underwood and her son in law, David Bellina. She is survived by her daughter, Kathleen Bellina and son, Bill (Jennifer) Underwood. Her grandchildren, Lainie (Mike) Magano, Brian (Amanda) Underwood, Shelane (Garry ) Dormandy, Mary (Sean) Finney, Steven Underwood and Alan Underwood. Her great grandchildren, the “stars” of her life, Austen and Anessa Underwood, James and Kylie Dormandy, Aiden and Ian Finney and Brandon Mangano. Mary Anna is also survived by; her brother, Edward Stangohr and her sister, Martha Carol Shelton.
No services will be held at Mary Anna’s request. Private inurnment will be at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella, CA beside her husband, William.
Donations are preferred to the charity of your choice in memory of Mary Anna.
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Courtesy of Black-Cooper-Sander Funeral Home
