Mary Marston - Founder




In 1957 Mary Morston was asked by the Chico Chamber of Commerce to organize a club for women who were new to Chico. That organization evolved into the Chico Newcomers Club that now has a membership of over 250 women who join together in social activities.

Mary was the first woman to serve on the Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors and was one of the early members of Las Senoras. Additionally she volunteered over the years for the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, Cystic Fibrosis Foundations and the Enloe Hospital Auxiliary where she served for over 25 years. In 1988 she was named Senior Woman of the Year.

Mary worked as a receptionist for Newton-Bracewell Chico Funeral Home and was active at the Nazarene Church, St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church and Butte Bible Fellowship. Women who have been members of the Chico Newcomers Club over the years since 1957 are truly indebted to Mary for making this organization possible. Mary remained active in Newcomers until her death in 2008.

A bench in memory of Mary Morsten was dedicated on December 2, 2012. The bench is located at the Enloe Children’s Park in front of the hospital tower. This was the culmination of five years of fundraising by Newcomers meant to provide a permanent tribute to their founder. Mary’s bench will provide a place of comfort and reflection to all who visit the park.