Mary Elizabeth Wetsel, lovingly known as "Deni," passed away on November 15, 2024, at the age of 94. Born on December 19, 1929, in Seattle, Washington, Deni lived an extraordinary life filled with adventure, artistry, and a deep connection to her family and community.

Deni was predeceased by her parents, Mary Elizabeth Cornelison Wetsel and George Denison Wetsel, a U.S. Navy captain who served in the Pacific Fleet. She is survived by her three children, John Michael McNamara, George Denison McNamara, and Mary Louise Higgins; her six grandchildren, Sean McNamara, Trevor McNamara, Lucas McNamara, Alia Berlin, Amy Auerbach, Shannon Higgins; and a legacy of countless friends and admirers.

As a child, Deni lived the traveling life of a military "brat," moving with her family across the globe. Her early years were spent in Balboa, Panama (1935), Norfolk, Virginia (1937), and Mare Island, California (1940). In the wake of the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, Deni and her family returned to Honolulu, Hawaii, a place her family holds near to their hearts. Her grandparents, parents, and uncle had moved to Hawaii around 1910, creating a multi-generational love for the islands.

Deni graduated from Punahou School in Honolulu in 1947 before attending Mills College in Oakland, California, where she earned a degree in occupational therapy in 1951. After college, she embarked on a career as a stewardess with United Airlines, embracing her adventurous spirit. In 1955, Deni married Neal McNamara in Honolulu, a partnership that lasted 30 years and brought three beloved children into the world: Mike, George, and Mary.

In 1959, Deni settled in Marin County, California, where she spent the next 65 years making her mark on the community. She ran Wetsel Ranch, formerly the McNamara Ranch, a cherished horse ranch where she boarded horses, hosted events, and built a gathering place that drew visitors from across her community. A founding member of the Marin Horse Council, Deni was passionate about equestrian life and fostering connections within the horse enthusiast community.

Deni was also a gifted painter, capturing the beauty of Marin County’s landscapes and vistas. She was a founding member of Marin Museum of Contemporary Art, where she shared her work and supported local artists, further cementing her role as a pillar of the community. She once said: “It really pleases me when I hear someone who is looking at my paintings say “Oh I know that place, I’ve been there.”

The Wetsel Ranch became the heart of her family life, hosting holiday BBQs, birthdays, and gatherings filled with joy and love. Her warmth, humor, and creativity brought people together, leaving lasting memories for all who knew her.

Deni spent her remaining years at The Tamalpais Retirement Community in Greenbrae, where she was cherished by staff and residents alike. She lived a full and radiant life, always lighting up every room she entered. Her legacy will live on through her family, her art, and the countless lives she touched. Never forgetting to tell everyone in her life She loves them.

Deni’s remarkable life is a testament to her adventurous spirit, her devotion to family, and her boundless love for her community. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered.