Mary Margaret Grady

Mary was the beloved daughter of Rear Admiral E. Neale Blackwood, USNR, and Gertrude G. Carman-Blackwood, both deceased. She was the devoted wife of former Marine officer Robert (Bob) Grady, who preceded her in death. A proud graduate of Morris Harvey College, Mary valued education and cherished the opportunities it brought into her life.

She is survived by her loving children: Robert Grady (wife Laura), Patricia Calvin (husband Dave), Jacquelyn Grady, Tim Grady (wife Linda), and John Grady (wife Laura). Mary was also a proud grandmother to Lindsay Dotzloff, Sean Fitzpatrick, Katie Grady, Kelli Howie, Nicole Fitzpatrick, Sara Holmes, Eileen Brown, Doris Grady, and Colleen Buchanan. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: Charlie and Harper (Lindsay), Aidan and Isabel (Katie), Jennsen, Rowan and Cole (Nicole), Rori and Saoirse (Kelli), Adella, Nora and Tyler (Sara). Additionally, she is survived by her brother Neale Blackwood (wife Jo) and preceded in death by her brothers Dan Blackwood (wife Deb) and Jim Blackwood (wife Sally).

Mary’s life was marked by her dedication to family and her enduring strength. Some of her favorite stories to tell of her childhood involved the antics that her brothers would get into at the Navy base in Pensacola, Florida where her father was stationed. She would also share how proud she was of her father and his dedication to service. After the war, Mary and her family moved back to Charleston, West Virginia. This is where Mary met the love of her life, Bob, on a blind date after he was transferred to the Marine Reserve Center in Charleston. Mary was thrilled to finally find someone that could dance the way she loved to dance. Bob’s career moves had the family living in West Virginia, Ohio, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Kentucky, finding a community of friends in every place they lived. After retiring to Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, Mary waged and won a life-threatening battle against cancer. Having beaten the odds, Mary and Bob spent the remainder of their lives together enjoying time with family and friends, and as always, enjoying lots of dancing and travel. Their happy marriage spanned the course of 60 years before Bob’s passing in 2014. After losing Bob, Mary moved to Indianapolis to be closer to children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mary has always been devoted to her family, encouraging many family reunions and weekly video calls with her extended family. She was a source of wisdom and encouragement to all who were lucky enough to call her Sis, or Mom, or Nonny, or Aunt Mary Margaret or Friend.

Mary will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. May her memory bring peace and comfort to those she leaves behind. The family is planning a private ceremony at a later date to honor her life. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to any of her favorite charities: The National MS Society, Heifer International, Episcopal Relief & Development, or the Salvation Army.