Obituary of Mary Josephine Dubois

On Monday, January 23, 2023, at 8:05am., we lost our dear, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and Aunt Mary, Mary Josephine (Chesi) DuBois.

Mary DuBois survived 107 years and 259 days since her birth day.  Born in Stockton, California on May 9, 1915 at St. Joseph’s Hospital to her parents Joseph “Giuseppe” Chesi and Elisa (Davalle) Chesi, Mary was one of three children, her brother Eugene Chesi (wife Cleo, and children Jackie and Gene) sister Evelyn Chesi Johnson (husband Wayne, children Joseph, William, Terry Michael, Jerri, Wayne Jr., Benjamin, Bradley, Melanie and Douglas) both of whom have proceeded Mary in death.

Mary was married to Lido Chesi in 1933 and prior to Lido’s passing, their son Eugene “Butch” Gini was born and raised in Stockton, California.  They lived many years on 8^th Street within the Italian neighborhood.

Mary worked in Stockton as a Top Jewelry Salesperson for Rodgers Jewelers, then became co-owner of Bechloff’s Dress shop. 

Many asked for her secret to a long life and Mary did not have one answer.  However, if you reflect on her experiences in life, Strife is what kept Mary DuBois alive and optimistic toward the future.  In 1951 Mary endured the death of her Father (Guiseppe) and her Husband (Lido) being buried on the same day. And through her years Mary survived three bouts of Cancer and said that her secret to her recovery was realizing that “you have to accept pain as your friend during periods of life”.

Mary soon remarried to Mark DuBois and moved to Santa Cruz, California, where she spent her final days.  In Santa Cruz she worked as an Account Clerk then promoted to Supervisor for Santa Cruz Probation Department.  She retired in 1981 and took up her painting passion and was surrounded by many lovely ladies that she grew to love.  And during this time Mary was befriended by many neighbors Marybeth & Bob Henderson and Jane and Quinn McKenzie who became her local family.

Mary endured many strifeful events in the World from being born during World War I, Influenza Outbreak of 1918, the Great Depression, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Cuban Missile Crisis, the Assassination of JFK, the Assassination of MLK, the 60’s Anti-War Protestors, Persian Gulf War, 9-11, and the current Covid-19 Crisis, but she never said a negative word about anyone.  She remained positive with all parts Life.

There’s a saying in Life, “find a place inside where there's joy, and the joy will burn out the pain.”
Mary lived her life that way. 

At 97 years old Mary went to renew her driver’s license and walked away from the DMV with a 5 year extension; she was elated but many around her were nervous.  She only drove another 3 years afterward.

Mary was a symbol of hope for the future to those around her, and to her family for almost 11 decades.  But today, she will be missed by her many family members.  Her son Gene “Butch” Gini and wife Dianne Gini, their children Lisa Dianne Gini (deceased), Kevin Eugene Gini and wife Andrea (Children Alexandra, Grant and Luke), Brian Charles Gini and wife Laura (children Gabriella, Madeleine and Hannah), and Craig Joseph Gini and wife Era (child Kai). 

Our family would especially like to thank her final caretakers Lolita, Myrna, Margie and Jeanette; without the care and love of these ladies, Mary would not have made it to 107 years old.  Mary will be missed and adored as the little old lady on Pelton Avenue, from the young surfers walking to Steamers Break to the friends, neighbors and family who surrounded her for many years.

Services for Mary DuBois will be Saturday, January 28, 2023 from 11:30-1:30 (Celebration of Life) at the Crows Nest, and a Viewing and prayer service at Benito and Azzaro at 2:00-4:00pm.  A separate service will be held in Stockton, California at 11:00am., Internment at San Joaquin Catholic Cemetery on Monday, February 6, 2023 and a Celebration of Life to follow at Papapovlos in Lincoln Center at 12:30.