Mary Theodore

Mary Darlene Faulkner Theodore (also known as M.D. and “Greatest Aunt Mary”), age 76, went to go be with The Lord on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026.

She was born in Dallas, Texas, on Oct. 2, 1949. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Ponderosa Basin Chapel on Feb. 21, 2026, at 2 p.m.

In 1989 she moved to Mariposa as a realtor, and quickly became a well-known figure in the community. She met and married her late husband, Richard Theodore.

Mary Darlene was strong in her Christian faith and was a longtime member of Ponderosa Basin Chapel. Her love for Jesus came first and foremost, then her love for Rich, her family, Mariposa family/friends and animals (particularly her horses, llamas, dogs and cats).

She also loved county living, country music, football, skiing, singing, serving food at fundraisers, speaking French and being the “Greatest Aunt Mary.” he had a particular fondness for raffles and loved to play bingo, being absurdly “lucky” and always having the winning ticket (giving her prizes away to others as soon as she won them).

Mary Darlene was active in numerous organizations, including the Mariposa Mountain Riders, the Mariposa Pioneer Wagon Train, Mariposa County 4-H, California State Horsemen’s Association, North American Trail Ride Conference (NATRC), American Endurance Riders Conference (AERC) and the Western States Trail Foundation (TEVIS). She was instrumental in helping to host the endurance ride “The Run for the Gold.” She was also involved in the Mariposa Yosemite Rotary Art, Wine & Wheels Festival.

Above all, Mary Darlene will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, faith, sense of humor and steadfast presence leaving behind a legacy of community service and compassion.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Theodore; her parents, Raymond and Mary Pauline Faulkner; sisters, Lois Hartline and Barbara Clark; brother, Billy Faulkner; and nephew Byron Smith.

She is survived by nieces, Loretta (Ray) Marean, Lisa (Ritchey) Tillet and Courtney (Corey) Crawford; nephew, Daniel (Melissa) Clark; great nieces, Sierra Marean and Cheyanne (Calvin) Campbell; great-nephews, Ritchey Tillett II and Chris Tillett; great-great-nieces, Hannah Clark, Elisabeth Clark and Tuesday “Peaches” Marean; great-great nephews, Aidan Clark, Connor Clark, Aerlin Maxon, Caden Calhoun, Rush Campbell, Rylan Campbell, Levi Clark and Missy.