Mary Ann Irby-Gamble

Mary Ann Irby-Gamble was born at Mary Washington Hospital in
Virginia to proud parents James and Sarah Irby. The loving
middle child, she grew up in East Harlem, New York, where she
shared a lifelong bond with her siblings, Linda Irby and James
“Nicky” Irby (Elaine).
After attending Brandeis High School, Mary Ann Followed her
heart and sense of adventure, Mary Ann made her way to sunny
San Diego, California — a place she would joyfully call home. She
was a devoted mother to Linda Gamble (Marvin), James Richard
“Ricky” Gamble Jr(Cathryn), and Brandon Michael “B” Irby-
Gamble (Latoya), and a proud grandmother to Joshua and
Jayden Prather, Tenielle and Landon Gamble, Johnathan and
Veronica Ashby. She also deeply cherished her nieces and
nephews, Trista Cardona, Taryn Irby, Todd Irby-Ranniar, Scott
Irby-Ranniar, and her grandnieces, Rasario and Reyelle Cardona,
who brought her endless joy.
Mary Ann began her nursing journey as an LVN at Alvarado
Hospital Convalescent Home, where her natural compassion and
drive to care for others quickly shone through. Her passion for
helping people led her to continue her education and earn her RN
and later her Master’s in Nursing and Health Science. Over the
course of more than 40 years in nursing — including over 20 in
the fast-paced Emergency Room at Alvarado Hospital. She
touched countless lives with her skill, dedication, and heart. She
eventually retired from UCSD, leaving behind a legacy of care,
courage, and compassion.
When she wasn’t caring for others, Mary Ann was cheering for
her hometown team as a proud twenty-five year season ticket
holder of the San Diego Padres! She loved traveling, exploring
new places, and creating memories with her family and friends.
Her home was always open filled with warmth, laughter, great
conversations, and the comforting smell of good food.

Mary Ann had a gift for making everyone feel seen and loved. Her
laughter could light up a room, and her spirit uplifted everyone
around her. Her family and friends will forever remember her
unwavering support, her humor, her kindness, and her incredible
heart.
Mary Ann passed away peacefully on October 25, 2025,
surrounded by love. Her legacy of faith, strength, and generosity
reminds us to keep our hearts open, our doors welcoming, and
our spirits joyful. She is preceded in homegoing by her father,
James N. Irby Sr., and her daughter-in-law, Cathryn P. Gamble.
She was truly one of a kind, and her light will continue to shine
through all who were blessed to know her.

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