Mary Ina True

Mary Ina Graham was born in Clover Bend, Arkansas on April 29, 1925, the fourth of five children. When Mary was three years of age, her siblings and her parents contracted typhoid fever. Sadly, both of her parents died from the illness, and Mary and her siblings went to live among extended family members. In her late teens, Mary moved to Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, where she found work as a telephone operator. It was there in 1944 that Mary met Philip W. True, a dashing Air Force lieutenant, who swept her off her feet. Mary and Philip married shortly after meeting, although the timing of their marriage was arguable. Philip said it was five weeks after their meeting, but Mary insisted it was six. In any case, no one disputed the fact that it was love at first sight.

Given Philip’s military career, the couple found themselves moving many times over the course of their first years together. In 1945, they moved to Meridian, Mississippi, where their first child, Philip, was born. In 1950 while living in Mount Clemens, Michigan, their second child, Mariam, was born. In 1964, their third child, Kirby, was born in Rome, New York. During this time of her life, Mary was active in the lives of her children and with volunteer work, serving as a Cub Scout den leader, a Girl Scout cookie organizer, and a volunteer as a Grey Lady at the base hospital.

Upon Philip’s retirement from the Air Force in 1966, the True family moved to Riverside, California, where they spent many happy years. Philip passed away in 1977 and Mary, ever resilient, made a new life for herself. Mary and her son, Kirby, subsequently moved to San Diego in 2002.

Mary was an excellent bridge player. She achieved the status of Grand Master, and played contract bridge locally and in tournaments. Mary also enjoyed traveling, reading, cooking, and baking. She loved See’s candy, especially coconut cream, and occasionally enjoyed a wee nightcap at the end of the day.

Mary True, one tough cookie, lived to the remarkable age of 100. She passed away peacefully on June 20, 2025 of natural causes. In addition to her husband, Philip, Mary was predeceased by her son, Philip; and her siblings, Lowell, Paul, Pauline, and Vernon. She is survived by her daughter, Mariam True; son, Kirby True; daughter-in-law, Jacquie True; grandsons, John and Mark True; and long-time friend, Ivon McDonald.

The family expresses their deep gratitude to Mary’s doctors, Saima Lodhi and Bobak Salami, for their kindness and their care. Very special thanks go to Mary’s loving caregiver, Ava Zablan. Private services have been held in accordance with Mary’s wishes. A celebration of life is being planned for later in the summer. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Peninsula Community Senior Center (1475 Catalina Boulevard, San Diego, Ca 92107) or the American Heart Association of San Diego (9404 Genessee Avenue #240, La Jolla, Ca 92037).

4080, Mom, we will miss you greatly.