MARY MCKIM Obituary

MARY MCKIM

Oct. 2, 1931 – Nov. 28, 2024

Mary McKim, who lived all but the final chapter of her 93 years in El Centro, CA passed away peacefully on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2024. She is survived by her daughters, Lisa McKim-Hill of Tehachapi, CA, & Joanna McKim of San Diego; her granddaughters, Rebecca & Deanna Buringrud, of Los Angeles; and sister, Helen Legakes of San Diego, CA. Mary was preceded in death by her her parents, George & Evangeline Legakes; her husband, Joe Paul McKim; her niece, Vangie Jibran; and siblings, James Legakes, Pete Legakes, Artemis Cobb, and Angela Titsworth.

Born October 2, 1931, in El Centro, CA, Mary was the 5th child of Greek immigrants. Both music and art were a part of the family's heritage so it wasn't surprising that Mary played piano beautifully and at an advanced level during her teenage years. She continued nurturing her passion for music throughout her lifetime by way of supporting school and community musical groups throughout the Valley and fostering music education for her two children, Lisa and Joanna. In the early 1970's Mary was an active Booster parent for the band program at Wilson Jr. High, assisting in the design and purchase of new band uniforms. Together with her close Valley friends, Mary was instrumental in forming and helping maintain the operation of the Imperial Valley Symphony.

Mary graduated from Central Union High School on June 8, 1950. She was an officer of the student council. She married Valley farmer Joe Paul McKim in 1958. Together they built a life that included running McKim Farms and raising a family. Later in life, at age 59, Mary went to work full time for the Imperial Valley County Sheriff's Office. Mary loved working there and adored the friends she made. She continued working for the Sheriff's office for eleven years.

Mary's family and friends will miss her deeply. She was a loving friend, mother and grandmother.

A Celebration of Life in Mary's honor will be held January 4, 2025, at 1 p.m. at St. Peter & Paul's Episcopal Church, 500 S 5th St, in El Centro, CA. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend.

Donations may be made in memory of Mary McKim to the Alzheimer's Association, St. Peter & Paul's Episcopal Church in El Centro, or to St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church, 7950 W Pinnacle Peak Rd. Peoria, AZ 85383.