Mary Norton Dryden

Mary—affectionately known as “Bobba” to her family and close friends—was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, remembered for her love, kindness, and generosity. A devoted supporter of the arts and a committed community volunteer, she gave her time and energy to causes that uplifted women and children. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Mary was born on May 11, 1937, in Arlington, Virginia, where she spent her childhood. She graduated from the National Cathedral School in Washington, D.C., and went on to attend Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland, earning her bachelor’s degree in 1959. She later pursued her passion for history, completing a master’s degree at the University of Rhode Island in 1961.

Following graduate school, Mary began her career teaching high school in Baltimore, Maryland. She later paused her professional work to raise her children. After relocating to Buffalo, New York, she resumed her career with the Greater Buffalo Girl Scouts Council and later served as Program Services Director for the Sahuaro Girl Scouts Council in Tucson. In 1989 she became Executive Director of the Tucson Center for Women and Children, a role in which she made a lasting impact before retiring in 1998.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Mary dedicated countless hours to volunteer service. In Williamsville, New York, she co-founded the Amherst Girls Softball League, served as historian for the village of Williamsville, and was honored as a lifetime member of the Williamsville Parent Teachers Association for her years of service to Academy Elementary School. After moving to Tucson, she continued her commitment to community engagement through her work with 4-H and as a neighborhood lead for the Myers neighborhood Christmas in April project, which provided free home renovation services to families in need. For several years she served as secretary for 29th St. Community Advisory Neighborhood (CAN), an organization focused on supporting elderly and disabled neighborhood residents. She also volunteered for the Tucson Symphony Orchestra and was a generous donor to many local arts organizations. In 2012, Pima County Supervisor Ramon Valadez nominated her for a Pima County Leadership Award.

Mary is survived by her children, Jonathan (Lauren), Stephanie (Robbie), and Nathan; her grandchildren, Ben Smith-Dryden (Sallie), Seth Smith-Dryden (Gillian), Chad Boerth-Dryden, Lara Boerth-Dryden, and Nicki Boerth-Dryden; her great-grandchildren, Adeline and Melanie Smith-Dryden, and her sister, Honor Johnson.

Mary’s life was defined by a deep and abiding commitment to family, community, and service. She had a gift for bringing people together and for making others feel seen, valued, and cared for. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the communities she strengthened, and the family she cherished.

A celebration of Mary’s life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Southern Arizona Regional Health Center of Tucson, AZ in her honor.