Obituary
Mary Loretta Richards Griesbaum, a cherished soul known for her kindness, energy, and passion, passed away on September 2, 2024, in Crescent City, California. Born on September 12, 1937, in Mercer, Ohio, Mary lived a life full of love and dedication, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew her.
Mary’s career was marked by her deep commitment to service. She began as a waitress at Kaufmann’s in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where her warm demeanor and attentive care endeared her to many. She later served as a compassionate instructional aide in multiple school districts, including Bethel Park, Upper Saint Clair Township, and the Del Norte Unified School District, touching the lives of countless students with her support and empathy. Her professional journey also included retail work across various stores in Oklahoma, where her positive spirit shone brightly.
Mary was a vibrant individual with a love for playing bingo, traveling, and sports, particularly those involving teams from Pittsburgh. Despite her many interests, her most treasured role was being an adopted grandmother and great-grandmother to Victoria Cochran, Carolyn Cochran, Thomas Cochran, Bryce Stover, Sam White, Chloe White, Violet White, Elena Hernandez, and Maeve Hernandez. Her devotion to her family was her greatest joy and a source of immense pride.
She is survived by her sister, Natalie Connel; her daughter, Sharon Griesbaum; her son, Brian Griesbaum; her daughter-in-law, Jacque Griesbaum; her nephew, Shauwn Connel; and her niece, Kelly Connel. She is preceded in death by her husband, Norbert Griesbaum; her brother, John Anthony Richards; and her brother, Donald Richards.
A celebration of Mary’s life will be held at Ocean View Inn in Crescent City, California, on September 14, 2024, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. All who knew her are invited to join in honoring her memory and the profound legacy of love and kindness she leaves behind.