March 26, 1960 – October 23, 2019
Mary Bridget Haunani Todd (Dugan), 59, of Astoria, passed away peacefully in her sleep after bravely fighting an aggressive bout of cancer. Mary was born to Patrick Anthony Dugan and Alicia Punilei Dugan (Burrows), in Astoria, on March 26, 1960.
Mary attended St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Catholic School and graduated from Astoria High School.
She married Gerald (Jerry) E. Stilwell and had three children together.
She later married Richard “Dick” Thomas Todd. Together, they owned The Worker’s Tavern, later named Mary Todd’s Workers Bar and Grill.
Mary retired in 2017 and enjoyed a short but sunny retirement, spending most of that time in La Pine.
Mary is survived by her children, Victoria (Curtis) Tippery of Port Orchard, Wa., Noah Stilwell of La Pine, Bridget (Justin) Linville of Astoria, and Celia Todd of Springfield; Step-daughters, Heather (Ed) Stilwell-Kelley of Portsmouth, New Hampshire and Tiffany Stilwell of Astoria, New York, companion, Wade Gustafson of La Pine, siblings Patrick (Ingrid) Dugan of Astoria, Kerry (Holly) Dugan of Arlington, Wa., Maury Dugan of Astoria, Tim (Margie) Dugan of Renton, Wa., Mike (Patty) Larson of Portland, Paul (Cheryl) Larson of Svensen, Jim Larson of Portland, Rick (Dori) Larson of Svensen, Jody Burkholder of Astoria; loving aunt, Erika “Tante” Dugan; her angel faces (grandchildren) Ava, William, Madeline, Penelope, McKade, Bailey, Sofia, Isabella, and Katerina and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Mary is preceded in death by her husband, Richard Todd, parents Patrick and Alicia Dugan, stepmother, Marilyn Larson-Dugan, and older brother, Sean B. Dugan.
Mary will be remembered for her incredible gift of hospitality, generous heart, living a life of gratitude, never letting a single person go hungry in her presence, raising thousands of dollars for various causes, and for facing cancer with grace, courage, and faith in God that encouraged others to live fearlessly no matter what they’re facing. She was a feisty Hawaiian-Irish and could cook a feast blindfolded if she had to. She looked for opportunities to serve and celebrate others, baking homemade meals and treats, and hosting parties whenever she could.
Life wasn’t always peaceful for Mary, but in her own words, “by the grace of God, the support of loving family, friends, and customers who were like family, I made it through the darkest days.” Mary’s daughter Bridget said, “She almost lost everything. We almost lost her. God gave us an extra 8.5 sober years with her, and we know how very grateful and humbled she felt receiving a second chance. When it came to overcoming some of her struggles and how she stayed sober while owning and living above a bar she would say to people, “if I can do it, you can do it! When you wake up, thank God for another day and a new chance to start over.’ And that’s how she did it. One day at a time until it was her time. She believed that anybody, no matter how far gone they thought they were, could turn their lives around, and she made it her mission to make sure everyone she encountered knew that. Even when her body was failing, and she was nearing the end of her life she was helping and encouraging others. I know there are dozens of people she helped who are alive today because she saw through their walls and brokenness. She would do whatever she could to help someone in need. She really was special. Our family will never be the same, but she taught us how to love unconditionally and that ohana is everything.”
The family of Mary Todd would like to thank Lower Columbia Hospice, St. Charles Oncology in Bend, Caldwell’s Luce-Layton Mortuary, and the many friends and family who came near and far to help make the last days of her life as comfortable as possible.
A Celebration of Life Luau will be held on March 28, 2020 at 4 pm at the Clatsop County Fairgrounds. All who called Mary a friend are welcome. Appetizers and refreshments will be provided.
Questions, further information, or if you would like to share any photos of Mary with her family please send them to bridgetnplinville@gmail.com.
