Mary L. Gurnee

Mary Louise Gurnee, 90, of Flagler Beach Florida, passed August 5, 2021 surrounded by family. She was born October 19, 1930, in Philadelphia Pennsylvania, the daughter of late Helen and Hugh Gillespie. She was the 3rd of 4 children (Hugh, Eileen, and Frank). In 1952 she married the late James Bryan from Springfield Pennsylvania. They divorced sharing 4 children. Several years later she married George Keene Gurnee of Lexington Kentucky where she welcomed her husband’s children into the family, Pat and Jack (deceased) Gurnee into the family. Mimi was born thereafter, completing the family.

Mary graduated from Rosemont University of Philadelphia in 1952 with a degree in Biology. She served in the Navy Reserves – Waves from 1950 - 1952. Mary was an educator throughout her professional career, as science teacher and department chair at Bunnell High School from 1966 to 1978. She then continued her career as a professor of Chemistry and Biology for Embry Riddle University. Mary, a strong advocate for education went on to receive her master’s in education from Stetson University and continued advance studies in chemistry at Bethune Cookman well into her sixties. Mary developed the first Environment Science classes at Embry Riddle where she retired at the age of 76 and was awarded the Professor Emeritus.

Mary was an active member of her community serving as a city commissioner and on the planning board of Flagler Beach as well as advocate for protecting the Flagler Beach coastline and marshes.

Mary is survived by her Sister Eileen, brother Frank, and children Jim, Pat, Helene, Frank, Joe and Mimi, 16 grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren.

Mary will be missed by all who knew her. A service will be held at Santa Maria Del Mar of Flagler Beach on September 3 at 11:00 am, followed by a reception to celebrate her full and inspiring life. All her many friends, family, students, and colleagues of her and her family are welcome.