Mary Josephine McCaffrey

Mary Josephine (Corbett) McCaffrey — a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, great-aunt, and friend entered eternal rest on September 2, 2026, in Petaluma, California, surrounded by the love of her family and the faith that guided her every day of her life.

Born in San Francisco on September 22, 1927, Mary was the daughter of Eugene and Emma Corbett. She graduated from Star of the Sea Academy and Dominican University.

In 1951, Mary married Jim McCaffrey. Together they built a life full of adventure, moving fourteen times in fifteen years, finally settling in Petaluma in 1966.

A woman of deep Catholic faith, Mary was a cherished member of St. Vincent’s Church, and she enjoyed her strong ties to the Community Guild, the Dominican Alumni, and the Petaluma Educational Foundation. Above all, she treasured her faith, her family, and friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim; her siblings; her children; Kathleen, Jeff, Mike, Kim, and her son-in-law, Tom. She is survived by her son, Chris (Maria); her daughter-in-law, Patty; her grandchildren Laura McCaffrey, Joan Hunter (Andy), Chris McCaffrey, Ryan McCaffrey, Megan Mack (Ben), J.R. Nelson (Nancy), and Kevin Nelson (Jessee); her great-grandchildren, Eamon and Nori Hunter; and her loving nieces and nephews.

Mary is also survived by an extraordinarily expansive circle of friends who knew her to be a confidante, an inspiration, and a member of their own families.

If asked, Mary would say, “Life was indeed a pleasure.”

Family and friends are invited to attend the Rosary Service on Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 5pm at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 35 Liberty St., Petaluma. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, September 11, 2026 at 11am at St. Vincent de Paul Church. Online condolences at ParentSorensen.com