Mary K. Stegner, 84, beloved mother, wife, and sister, longtime resident of Redwood City, psychology professor and co-founder of the Stegner Registry, passed away in Redwood City on Thursday, February 6th, 2025.

Born in Lexington, Kentucky, on March 23, 1940, she grew up with her younger sister Patsy. She graduated with bachelor's degrees in Psychology and Drama from Centre College in 1963 and, throughout college, was active with Centre Players, where she performed in many of its theatrical productions. She went on to receive both a Master's in Psychology and Master's in Counseling from the Florida State University and Eastern Kentucky University. She began her teaching career at Somerset Community College, where she taught psychology. While at Somerset, she also directed a series of plays. In 1964, she had her daughter Cassie. In 1975, she moved to Redwood City and married Paul Stegner, with whom she had two boys, Scott in 1975 and Dustin in 1978. Mary K. taught psychology in the San Mateo Community College District and worked for the local chapter of American Federation of Teachers. In 1990, she co-founded Stegner / O'Neill Registry (later the Stegner Registry), an elder placement service, with her friend and colleague Donna O'Neill. Mary K. was also a founding member of the Racqueteers Tennis Club in 1977.

Mary K. loved to travel, play tennis and ping pong, garden, walk and hike, and spend time in the mountains in Arnold California. Above all, she was an avid and amazing card player who always loved to play a card game with her family and friends. Mary K. was devoted to her family and friends. She was always there for others, and all of those who loved her could not have been more grateful for having such a wonderful wife, mother, sister, and friend.

Mary K. is survived by her loving husband Paul Stegner; her daughter, Cassie; sons, Scott and Dustin; grandchildren, Devon, Ainsley, and Jacob; her brothers, Michael and Mark; and numerous extended family and lifelong friends in Kentucky and California.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Anthony Padua's Dining Room in Redwood City