Mary Ann Talbott

Mary Ann Talbott, age 92, of La Grande, died February 2, 2007 at a local care facility. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. at Daniels Chapel of the Valley. Committal and interment will follow at the Hillcrest East Cemetery.

Mrs. Talbott was born on September 27, 1914, the daughter of Matthew and Matilda (Matijevich) Svetich in Bingham Canyon, Utah. Her father came from Yugoslavia to Utah in 1910 and two year's later his wife and young daughter joined him. They had six more children and then Mr. Svetich died as a result of working in the copper mines which left Mrs. Svetich to raise seven children alone. She later met and married Joseph Thomas, who had eight children of his own. He moved the combined families to Oregon in 1930 and Mary finished her schooling here in La Grande. On September 1, 1935 she married William Edward Talbott in La Grande. The couple had one daughter, Virginia, born in 1937 and she died of cancer at the age of 18. They lived in the same area of town their entire married life.

Mrs. Talbott was a homemaker and also worked as a housekeeper for the Bohnenkamp family for many, many years. She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church. She and Bill loved the mountains and camping. Her family and fishing were her passions.

Survivors include her brother, Matt Svetich of Walla Walla, Washington; step-sisters, Kate Talbott and Mary Sanford, both of La Grande; numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by two sisters, three brothers and six step siblings. This past year has been a difficult one as Mary lost a sister-in-law in July, a brother in November and her husband just two months prior to her death.

Those who wish may make contributions in memory of Mrs. Talbott to the charity of one's choice in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande 97850.