Mary Katherine Vogeli

Mary Kathrine Vogeli was born in San Francisco, California, on December 19, 1927, and passed away peacefully on May 6, 2026. She was the daughter of Marian and Katie (Povlov) Grassi.

Mary met our father, Lockwood Vogeli (dec. 2004), at a Newman Club dance in the basement of the Cathedral, and they married in 1949.

Her family moved to Sacramento in 1935, where she attended Cathedral Grammar School (Holy Angels), St. Joseph’s Academy, where she served as Student Body President, and Sacramento Junior College. Prior to becoming a full-time mother, she worked for the California Highway Patrol.

Mary was a social person, evident by the many groups to which she belonged, including All Hallows Mothers Club, ICF #183, Elks #6 (PEARLS), Valley Hi Country Club, several golf groups, and the American Slavic Social Club. However, the groups closest to her heart were the Lujbica Club, her birthday group, and her Sunday morning breakfast group — known as “The Golden Girls” — who met at Stingers after Mass.

Mary lived independently until the last several months of her life, maintained an active calendar, and was always happy to see you with a smile on her face.

Mary leaves behind her four children: Patrick (Sarah), Jane Rojas (Joe), Kitt Haman (John), and Annamarie McSweeney (Brian).

Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were, as she wrote, “the lights of my life.” Grandchildren include Ryan Vogeli (Elizabeth), Kevin Vogeli (Emily), Megan Gonzales (George), Katie Duchesne (Nick), Josh Rojas (Carin), Nick Rojas, Erica Kramer (Andy), Peter Haman (Alexis), Chase Haman (Katie), Riley McSweeney (Madison), and Kelly McSweeney.

Great-grandchildren include Abby and Samantha Vogeli; Ellie and Robin Vogeli; Cruz Gonzales; Lola and Max Duchesne; Lockwood Jack and Oscar Rojas; Soleil and Georgene Kramer; Chloe and Zoe Haman; Hayden and Taylor Haman; and Hadley, Hank, and Harry McSweeney.

Mary was the last of her generation in our extended family and deeply appreciated the kindness, respect, and love showered upon her by her many nieces and nephews. It delighted her soul.

She was preceded in death by her brothers Peter Grassi (wife Jean, her dear friend), Boza “Bob” Grassi (wife Babe), and John Grassi; sister-in-law Margaret Monaghan; and cousin Katie Stambuk.

Our family would like to thank the Mercy Hospice team — especially Stephanie, her nurse, and Kristina, her social worker — for their unwavering support of our mom. We also extend heartfelt thanks to her loving caregivers: Donna, Ash, Mariana, and Dianne.

Services will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Monday, May 25, at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Christian Brothers High School, Jesuit High School, St Francis High School or St. Mary's Catholic Church.