Mary Izett passed away on February 16. She lived a full and rich life, including being on the board of Mt Diablo Peace & Justice Center for numerous years.
Mary’s first husband worked for Voice of America and they lived in Greece for several years. It was there that Mary first became familiar with Arab speakers and the Palestinian cause.
They moved back to San Francisco in 1967, at the height of the anti war movement. The whole family, with kids and all, joined protests in the streets against the US war on Vietnam.
Mary worked as a paralegal for the ACLU, then studied and apprenticed for the bar. She passed the bar in 1983 and practiced as a public defender and an attorney for children in the foster care system.
Around the same time, she became active with the group known as Women in Black (WIB). They did educational outreach around the Palestinian cause. Mary remained dedicated to WIB for her entire life.
Mary was an early member of the Rossmoor club Voices for Justice in Palestine. She hosted many meetings of the VJP board at her condo.
Mary’s daughter Robyn says that her mother “had a soft spot for the underdog”.
We remember her with great appreciation and fondness. She was warm and gentle but strong and dedicated.
A Celebration of Life for Mary will be held in Rossmoor on Saturday April 18 at 2 pm.
If you would like to receive an invitation, contact Mary’s daughter Robyn Blakely at VintageSadie@gmail.com
Mary Izett RIP.