Mary Martha Hewes Tupper

Mary Martha Hewes born October 30th, 1921; died peacefully July 14th, 2024. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, she grew up there, and in San Diego and Colorado. She attended San Diego State, joined the Alpha Phi Sorority and met the love of her life, C. John Tupper. She worked at Consolidated Aircraft Corporation for money for school, supporting the WWar II war effort with drawings of the B-24 bomber. Mary and John married on August 4th, 1942 and moved for John to attend medical school at the University of Nebraska, Omaha. Mary supported them by working as a draftsman at HDR Engineering. In the late 1940’s they moved to University of Michigan for John’s internship, residency, and employment. Daughter Libby and son John were both born there. In 1966 came the move to University of California, Davis for John to found the School of Medicine. Mary’s parents, John’s mother, and John’s sister Grace Blossom (Licursi) and family lived in Sacramento, creating a strong circle of family. Mary was active in the local art scene, helped found the Davis Pence Gallery, and became a docent and board member for the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento. She continued to paint in her own studio, and collected works of local artists. She had personal friendships with well-known artists Wayne Thiebaud, Gregory Kondos, and Larry Welden, to name a few. Meanwhile, John’s medical career included his participation in the California Medical Association and American Medical Association, serving as President of both organizations. He traveled the world as their representative, with Mary by his side. Mary and John loved their cabin in the Sierra at Strawberry on Highway 50, enjoying wonderful times with many friends and family. The cabin reminded her of Hewes-Kirkwood Inn at Estes Park, Colorado, that her father, uncle and grandmother had homesteaded. John Tupper passed away suddenly in 1998. Heartbroken, but resilient and independent, she had many friendships at El Macero Country Club; Niners Golf, bridge groups, dinner and luncheon get-togethers. She was active every day tending her garden. She lived independently in her El Macero home until shortly after her 100th birthday. A broken hip in 2021 led to a move into a lovely apartment at the University Retirement Community. She developed deep friendships with many people there.

Mary is survived by daughter Libby and son-in-law Tom Smith, son John and daughter-in-law Heather, grandchildren Stephenie Carlson (Dennis), Lucas Taber (Jobie), Lena Tupper Orello (Ray), Francie Tupper, and Auggie Tupper. Step-grandchildren Kris (Franca), Jenny, and Jason (Shannon) Smith were welcomed in and much beloved by her. Great-grandchildren include Cassie, Sweden, and Finn Carlson; Sydney, Mallory, and Nate Taber, Stella, Leo, Dylan, Wyatt, and Maddy Smith. The family will have a private graveside service to lay Mary to rest.

A Celebration of Life luncheon will be held at 12:00 noon on Sunday, August 4th, at the El Macero Country Club. All family and friends are cordially invited. If you plan to attend, it would be appreciated if you could notify Libby by phone or text at 916-539-1820.

Donations are welcomed In lieu of flowers, to the University Retirement Community Employee Scholarship Fund (assists staff members who wish to further their education) or to the UC Davis Geriatrics Program Fund. Checks for University Retirement Scholarship can be made out to URC, with a note that it is for the Scholarship Fund and mailed to 1515 Shasta Dr. Davis CA 95616. For UCD, payable to UC Davis Foundation, noting “UC Davis Geriatrics in memory of Mary H Tupper”, and mailed to: Health Sciences, PO Box 160186, Sacramento, CA 95816.