There are not enough fingers on both hands to count the number of Downey organizations who came to celebrate Dr. Mary Stauffer’s SuperCentenary Birthday Party last Friday.

Congratulating Dr. Mary’s 101st were Dr. Wendy Doty, former superintendent of the Downey Unified School District, where Dr. Wendy has given over $5 million. Proud to call her a fellow Rotarian were Greg Welch, president of Downey Rotary, and Tom Hutchinson, enjoying the cool breezes in the Casa de Parley Johnson, the stately hacienda-style mansion that is the headquarters of the Assistance League of Downey.

Mario Guerra was there to congratulate Mary. “This is my first day without a cane,” said Mario, who is recovering from successful heart pacemaker surgery.  Rotarian Bill Kirkwood, in his Greek fisherman’s hat, shares Dr. Mary’s passion for educating young people. Bill is founder of Downey’s Kirkwood Christian Schools

Gigi Saab came to thank Mary for her contributions to women and children, on behalf of Downey Soroptimists.  Gigi is also a candidate for School Board, and sees her young daughter as being an Assisteen someday.

Dorothy Pemberton, also a long-time Soroptimist, was there. Dorothy now heads Downey Council PTA Helps, the PTA pantry for needy families. Stan Hanstad, former chair of the Downey Federal Credit Union, and current CEO Ray Mesler, were there, both Rotarians too. The DFCU started as Downey School Employees Credit Union 61 years ago and shares Dr. Mary’s concern for the education of young people.

Judy Faust took care of the refreshment table, cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches, deviled eggs and little lemon cream pastry cups filled with fruit.  Judy is a long-time Assistance League member and also a supporter of the Downey Symphonic Society. 

Dr. Mary’s Stauffer Foundation donates 20 tickets for each Downey Theatre performance so students can come and hear the Symphony in full concert. Dr. Mary was one of the original planners of the Symphonic Society’s Music In the Schools Program, an outreach which started with Maestro Dr. Tom Osborn 30 years ago.

Publisher Jennifer DeKay was there, with Eric Pierce. He is about to take on the responsibilities of Kiwanis District Lieutenant Governor. Barbara and Bill Berney (she’s a long-time Assistance Leaguer), and Roger Brossmer, Dr. John Garcia, Dr. Ed Sussman and Dr. Ed Potter, of the Downey School District were there also. 

“This is what makes Downey great,” Nancy Swenson, Downey School Board Member said. “So many volunteers sharing common community objectives.”

Dr. Mary sported a diamond tiara for the day, and attacked her fluffy pink-icinged cupcake with vigor.  She has announced that she will be living in a senior residence in Boyle Heights, but her heart is in Downey.