Mary Ellen Telford passed away on Sunday, October 4, 2020, after a fifteen month battle against pancreatic cancer. Mary fought this cruel illness with courage and optimism, but was unable to overcome it. She passed away at home, with her family by her side.

Mary was born in Evanston, IL, on August 20, 1951, to Melvin and Martha (Braun) Wicklein. She grew up in Des Plaines, Illinois, where she attended St. Stephens Catholic Elementary School and St. Patrick's Academy, Class of 1969.

Subsequently, Mary studied computer science, and joined the AH Robins Company in Des Plaines, where she worked in product distribution and customer service. While working at AH Robins, Mary attended Roosevelt University of Chicago, and earned a baccalaureate degree. Also while working at AH Robins, she met Donald Telford, whom she married in 1982, and to whom she has been a loving and devoted wife for 38 years.

In 1983, Mary accepted a promotion to an AH Robins distribution center in Garden Grove, CA. It was then that Mary and Don moved from Illinois to Orange, California, where they settled and have remained since. Mary and Don had one son, Patrick Telford (Kelly Telford) and one daughter, Alyson Telford, both of whom grew up in Orange.

In 1996, the AH Robins facility in Garden Grove closed as part of a business reorganization. Mary decided to begin a new career as a Paralegal. She completed a Certicate of Paralegal Studies at UCI, and also obtained a California Notary commission. Mary worked as a Paralegal for Attorney Donna Bashaw, and subsequently, for the McGonigle & Hunsaker law firm, a total of 24 years. She preferred to work less than full-time most of her Paralegal career in order to spend more time with her children and to volunteer. She was active in the La Veta Elementary PTA, El Modena Band Boosters, and was also a Girl Scout troop leader.

Mary's interests and pastimes included ocean sailing, bicycling, pickleball, roller-skating, baking, reading and travel. She made many friends along the way, and was known by all as a kind, generous and gentle soul. In 2014, Jack arrived, the first of Mary's two grandchildren. In 2017, he was joined by sister, Madelyn. Nothing gave Mary more joy than spoiling her grandchildren, which she did at every opportunity. In recent years, Mary volunteered in support of the Lestonnac Free Clinic of Orange, which provides free medical and dental care to under-served families.

Mary is survived by her brother Melvin Wicklein, of DeKalb, IL; brother Paul Wicklein and sister-in-law Mary Whitson Wicklein, of Trevor, WI; sister Marcia McIntosh and brother-in-law John McIntosh, of Hayward, WI; and husband Donald Telford, son Patrick Telford, daughter-in-law Kelly Telford, daughter Alyson Telford, and grandchildren Jack and Madelyn, all of Orange, CA. Mary was predeceased by her parents Melvin and Martha Wicklein, and by her sister Barbara Wicklen.

A funeral mass is scheduled at La Purisma Catholic Church, 11712 N. Hewes St., Orange, CA 92869, at 10:00 am Friday, October 23, 2020. Guests are asked to practice social distancing and wear masks.

A Celebration of Life is also planned for a future date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Lestonnac Free Clinic, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (Pancan) or other charity of your choice.

Arrangements under the direction of Chapman Funeral Homes - Terry & Mary Harmon, Funeral Directors. Toll free (855) 628-0447.

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Obituary notice for Chapman Funeral Homes. Please visit www.chapmanfuneraldirectors.com .

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