Marie M. Mather

On August 18, 1923, in the town of North, South Carolina, a twinkly, blue-eyed baby girl was born to Dr. Wade Cooper Myers and Marie Lederle Myers. She joined siblings Dan, Marian, Wade and Mahon. Her name was Marie, and she would go on to live a loving, inspiring, faith-filled life brimming with enthusiasm for an enormous variety of activities and accomplishments. She died in Yakima, Washington, on December 17, 2013, in the arms of her beloved family: her faithful husband, Dr. Robert Mather, and her daughters Carolyn, Linda, Mary and Barbara. “Little Marie” grew up in Tampa, Florida, was graduated from Hillsborough High School and received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Temple University in Philadelphia. In 1945, she married Robert Wayne Mather, an ophthalmologist who would soon be stationed with the Army in Helena, Montana; this would be the southern belle’s first introduction to the Wild West. She was eager to begin her new life of horseback riding, hiking, and numerous other outdoor adventures. Upon Marie and Bob’s return to Philadelphia, Carolyn and then Linda were born. In 1953, the family struck out for a new life in Yakima, where Bob established a medical practice and they welcomed first Mary and then Barbara.

Marie’s life centered upon her family, for whom she created countless magical traditions during all times of the year. She embraced her new community and a way of life that was filled with celebrations of nature, dedication to philanthropy, and most importantly, devotion to her Christian faith.

It is almost impossible to list all the ways in which Marie enriched the lives of those around her, fostering growth in countless community projects. From her involvement in the renovation of the Yakima Valley Museum, to the development of the Greenway, her commitment to the Salvation Army, and her support of the Nature Conservancy . . . the list goes on and on. Her faith, nurtured within the walls of First Presbyterian Church, presented so many opportunities to serve others. Marie’s life demonstrated her great desire to nurture others. She did this quietly, with grace, intelligence, compassion and a lovely smile. She was a true servant leader.

Marie leaves behind her loving family: Bob, her husband of 68 years; her daughters Carolyn, Linda, Mary, and Barbara; sons-in-law Marc, Don, Patrick, and Roger; her grandchildren Rachel Marie, Sarah Louise, Caitlin Marie, Erin Elisabeth, Joseph Robert, Catherine Marie, Daniel Patrick, Ryan Elias, Marie Dorothy, Jennifer Lynne, Emma Christine; and her great-grandson Ethan Nicholas. She will be missed by so many.

Marie loved flowers: wildflowers, lilies, and especially the Rose. Years ago, Marie wrote, “Happiness is the out-of-doors. For our family, this is a very true statement. Many of our happiest times have taken place in the out-of-doors. In the beauty of nature, the varying moods of the seashore and the mountains; the enchantment of watching wildlife; discovering the unexpected; tasting adventure . . . we have come to a better appreciation of each other.”

How blessed are we to have been loved by Marie.

In memory of Marie, and in lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to Nature Conservancy of Washington, First Presbyterian Church (Camp Ghormley), and/or Children’s Village.

A service celebrating Marie’s life will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 9 Southwest 8th Avenue, at 2:00 PM on Sunday, December 29, followed by a reception in her honor.