LIFETIME 4-H MEMBER & LEADER TEACHER FOR 67 YEARS
DKG GAMMA ZETA MEMBER FOR 57 YEARS
Mary Lash was a lifelong service volunteer and leader, educator, mentor, colleague and friend. Her honors, awards and recognitions are too vast to count. It is who she was, not
just what she’s done. We honor and celebrate her life. We are grateful for everything she gave us. Even when she is not with us any longer, she will inspire us, she will motivate us to be all we can be because we have known her.
4-H, as early as 1945 Mary received the 4-H “All Star” award. In 1975 & 1986 she was commemorated as Volunteer 4-H leader of the year. Then in 2012 the California State 4-H program recognized Mary as the recipient of the Keith Barnes 4-H Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award (Golden Clover).
In education, her contributions were recognized as exemplary. Some are; advisor for the FHA club which won numerous awards, leader of PHS Corsairs, the longest continuous service club on campus, PTA Continuing Service Award, the 25 year pin for Future Homemakers of America Advisor. Mary Lash helped write the State Curriculum for Home Economics. Nearing her retirement the US House of Representatives recognized Mary as the longest serving credentialed teacher in California. Throughout the years, Mary earned Teacher of the Year for 1987, ‘94, and ‘95. Extraordinary!
Delta Kappa Gamma, Gamma Zeta member, Mary has served as VP in 1982 - 84, as President in 1984 - 86, and as Treasurer in 1989 - 97. Mary was our Golden Rose recipient in 1999 and she earned the DKG Community Service Award for all her contributions within 4-H, FHA, Corsairs, organizing summer camps and volunteering at the Downey United Methodist Church.
Mary Lash is our inspiration. All awards and honors do not change the relationships she had with family, friends and students. Mary was available for conversations and visits. People, young and old, eagerly awaited her greeting with a hug. They sat close to enjoy her warmth, kindness and loving nature. We thank you. You will always be our motivation.