La Grande, Oregon
Mary Ann Talbott
Mary Ann Talbott, 92, of La Grande died Feb.2 at a local care center. A funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday at Daniels Chapel of the Valley. Burial will follow at the Hillcrest East Cemetery.
Mrs. Talbott was born Sept. 27, 1914, to Matthew and Matilda (Matijevich) Svetich in Bingham Canyon, Utah.
Her father had come from Yugoslavia to Utah in 1910 and two years later was joined by her mother and eldest sister.
After her father died as a result of working in the copper mines, her mother met and married Joseph Thomas, who had eight children of his own. The combined family moved to Oregon in 1930, and Mrs. Talbott finished her schooling in La Grande.
On Sept. 1, 1935, she married William Edward Talbott in La Grande. The couple had one daughter, Virginia, born in 1937, who died of cancer at the age of 18. The Talbotts lived in the same area of town their entire married life.
Mrs. Talbott worked as a housekeeper for the Bohnen-kamp family for many years. She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church. She and her husband loved the mountains and camping. Her family and fishing were her passions.
Survivors include her brother, Matt Svetich of Walla Walla; stepsisters, Kate Talbott and Mary Sanford, both of La Grande; and numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, two months ago; two sisters, three brothers and six stepsiblings.
Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of choice in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 Seventh Street, La Grande 97850.
The Observer – Obituaries for the week ending Feb. 10, 2007 – Published: February 10, 2007