Mary Sternberg McKinnon's Obituary
Mary Irene Sternberg McKinnon was born October 21, 1939 in Lexington KY and died May 17, 2021 in San Diego CA at the age of 81.
Mary is survived by her husband Jack Keith McKinnon, her sister Cheryl Caldon, her sister-in-law Laura Gilger, her brother-in-law Donn McKinnon, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Randolph and Dana Sternberg, her sister Carol Green, and her nephew Marcus Rabwin.
As a child, Mary showed a talent for the ability to draw and color what she saw. Also she made her own paper dolls, which were popular with children in the mid century. She would design, color and cut out outfits with tabs to attach to the paper dolls. These talents led to a lifelong interest and participation in art, especially painting, and fashion.
In her lifetime, Mary worked at many jobs. Initial jobs used her artistic skills working for Pacific Bell and for defense subcontractors. Later she taught social graces at Patricia Stevens. Her teaching skills led to a job training new tellers and management candidates for San Diego Bank and Trust, and subsequently for La Jolla Bank and Trust. She worked for short times for Ethan Allen and as a personal shopper for Nordstrom. Her last employment was ten years at City of San Diego as an administrative analyst. During all this time, Mary also produced countless works of art with her painting, design, sense of style and creativity.
Mary was an enigma. She was number phobic, yet she taught new bank tellers and future lenders at the bank. People listened to her.
Mary and her sisters Carol and Cheryl were close. Even when separated by long distance they were in constant contact. They shared each other’s joys and griefs.
Mary was fun, funny, interested in the people around her, gracious, kind, she loved children, and she spoke her mind. She was so creative, she produced art in whatever she did. Greg and Tammy Taylor and their children Kathrine and John are favorite neighbors of the McKinnons, and Mary enjoyed teaching Katherine her art skills. Tammy faithfully visited Mary in her last days in a care home and in hospice. Keith and Mary were greats hosts to many festive parties. They enjoyed entertaining together.
She belonged to Point Loma Artists and the Watercolor Society, and she participated in countless art shows. Mary also belonged to the San Diego Yacht Club, where she edited SDYC’s ”Main Sheet” publication for two years.
Mary’s life will be celebrated in two events:
Her burial on June 1 will be attended by only close relatives.
A celebration of life will be held in a few weeks, probably after June 15.
What’s your fondest memory of Mary?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mary?
Share a story where Mary's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mary you’ll never forget.
How did Mary make you smile?
