05/21/2026
"My daughter, Mary Pope, was a mother, daughter, sister and friend.
Mary had a zest for life, a laugh that could lift your spirits, and a smile that could light up a room. She was loyal, loving and deeply cared for by everyone blessed enough to know her. Family was everything to Mary, and her heart will forever live on in her two boys, Travis and River Pope. They were only 6 and 1 year old when they lost the most important person in their lives.
Mary tragically passed away from a choking accident at just 31 years old. Through organ donation, she was able to donate her liver, both kidneys and pancreas, helping three separate families. Even more people were helped through tissue donation, including a woman who had lived with pain for 30 years due to spinal degenerative disc disease until receiving a spinal graft with Mary’s tissue. She later wrote that it 'literally changed her life.'
Mary was born, raised and lived in Lakewood, California. She loved weekend trips with family, sporting events, concerts, wine nights, watching her oldest son play sports, and she even coached his soccer team. Her family and lifelong friends will always carry a piece of her with them.
Our family participates in the Donate Life Run Walk every year and plans to continue for years to come. In addition to raising awareness about organ donation, we want Travis and River to grow up knowing their mother was a hero."
—Theresa P.
