Mary Barbara Dornik Talbott was born on March 13, 1914 in Bisbee, Ariz. to John Dornik and Katie Lupka, immigrants from Germany. She lived in Bisbee until she moved to Miami in 1930. It was there that she met the love of her life, Frank Talbott. They were happily married for 62 years. After they were married, they moved to Lakeside and then to Seneca while Frank worked on the construction of the Salt River Canyon bridge and highway. They moved to San Bruno, Calif. from 1939 to 1944 and then returned to Miami. Mary stayed home and raised her three children, Neva, Frank Jr. and Layton, staying active in many school and community activities. She taught Sunday school, was active in PTA, the Emblem Club, Junior Women’s Club and Rebekah Lodge. She went to work at Miami Inspiration Hospital in 1955 where she stayed until her retirement in 1979. Mary was a wonderful seamstress, making clothes for herself and her family. She loved to crochet, took ceramics classes, maintained a beautiful garden, and enjoyed all types of crafting. She and Frank were active members of the Gila Gem and Mineral Society. Mary, Frank and the family spent many happy times fishing and camping in the White Mountains. She was a legendary cook and baker and made sure her family gathered at her home for Sunday dinners, birthdays and holidays. What great memories she made for all of us!
Mary was an active member of the Miami Senior Center for many years, serving on the board and many committees. She taught craft classes and was a delegate to the Nutrition Advisory Council. She was honored as Outstanding Senior Citizen for Gila County in 1986.
Mary passed away on October 5, 2017 at the age of 103. She is survived by her daughter, Neva Mendiola (John) of Globe, Ariz., her son Frank Talbott Jr. (Debbie) of Apache Junction, Ariz. and Layton Talbott (Linda) of Mesa, Ariz. She was a remarkable grandmother to her 5 grandchildren, Sheryl Berger, Elaine Padilla (Jerry), Kerri Mendiola, John Mendiola Jr. and Frank Talbott III. She cherished her 8 great- grandchildren, Jarrod Kramer (Jessica) and Rhiana Serna (Brian) from Kalispell, Mont., Robbie Berger (Brittany) from Apache Junction, Ariz., Jeremy & Emily Padilla from Chandler, Ariz., Jensen and Jakob Dandurand from Globe, Ariz. and Harrison Talbott from Apache Junction, Ariz. She was proud to be a great-great grandmother to Jonathan and Hunter Kramer, Tyler, Jake and Drew Serna and Orion, Callie and Everly Berger.
Mary was blessed with family and caregivers who lovingly assisted with her care for many years. Our family is forever grateful to her daughter, Neva, who made sure Mary always had the best care. Mary’s grandchildren, John Mendiola Jr. and Sheryl Berger provided loving care for their grandmother during her final years, allowing her to be in the comfort of her own home. We also thank her many caregivers including Maria Crosset, Linda Guerra, Susie Mojica, Amy Gay, Mrs. Palmer and Rosemary Madrid. We’re grateful for her neighbors, Yolanda Garcia and April Galvan for helping Mary throughout the years as well as the support from nurse’s aides, nurses and doctors from Copper Communities Hospice and Aviant Hospice.
Services were held on Thursday, October 12, 2017 at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church in Miami, Ariz.. Visitation at 9:00 a.m., Mass at 10:00 a.m. with the interment to follow at the Pinal Cemetery in Central Heights.
Visit the online memorial at www.BulmanMiles.com
