Rep. Peters Announces Bill to Name Post Office After Pacific Beach Icon

Mary served the people of Pacific Beach for over 50 years. She sat on the Pacific Beach Town Council in a variety of capacities, from booster to board member to executive secretary. As a testament to her work, Mary was named honorary mayor of Pacific Beach in 1991 and was recognized as Woman of the Year by the California State Assembly

 

“Mary was an iconic figure and fierce champion for the Pacific Beach community. She touched the lives of everyone who crossed her path, far beyond the Town Council” said Rep. Peters. “Naming this post office after Mary will ensure that her contributions to Pacific Beach are remembered and that her legacy of compassion and service lives on.” 

 

“Few individuals have left as profound of a mark on Pacific Beach as Mary Wilding. Mary established traditions of civic service and appreciation that continue to this day,” said Pacific Beach Town Council President Charlie Nieto. “Her legacy lives on not only through the lasting improvements she made to Pacific Beach, but also through her family, who have continued her commitment to serving the community. Renaming this post office in Mary's honor is a fitting tribute to the decades of dedication, leadership, and advocacy she devoted to Pacific Beach.” 

 

“Our mom, Mary Wilding, was an English Literature major and had a profound love for the written word. Multiple trips to this post office allowed her masterful letters and clever ideas to reach far and wide,” said Mary’s daughter, Katy. “Her many talents and hard work helped gain support for the PB Town Council. This contributed greatly to her legacy, as well as to the betterment of her beloved Pacific Beach.” 

 

“Mary certainly had a special way with people. Her sincerity and witty sense of humor, allowed her to bring people together to work toward common goals,” said Mary’s family. “She had great initiative and a wonderful imagination. It was often said that she knew everyone in Pacific Beach! Mom’s pleasing personality was truly a gift.” 

 

Mary dedicated herself to improving the Pacific Beach community through practical beautification projects, including the addition of a pedestrian walkway, seawall, and landscaping on Ocean Boulevard.  

 

She was also a strong advocate for small businesses and local law enforcement. She founded the Police and Emergency Services Appreciation Night (PAESAN), an annual community block party and barbecue honoring local first responders. She also spent several years as a docent at the San Diego Museum of Art.  

 

Mary passed away in 2016 and is survived by her eight children, all of whom have continued their mother's legacy of public service.