Mary L. Whitney

      While it is possible to receive good counsel from a wide circle of family and friends, few could do it with the skill and aptitude of Mary L. Whitney. She had a true talent for helping others reach their full potential and brought out the best in those who sought her help. Mary was a forward-looking woman whose personality was filled with empathy toward everyone she met. She could be quiet and reserved, but her style of communication was authentic and direct. An excellent communicator, Mary was a master at using imagery when she explained her ideas and concepts. She seemed to have an endless supply of innovative concepts and strategies for how to help those around her. Her sensitivity, kindness and generous attitude made her a wonderful friend for all who knew her.

      From the time she was born on October 10, 1919, Mary showed a deep concern for others. She was a giving and caring individual, ethical and full of integrity and warmth. Her parents were Georgia and Kelsey McCoy. Mary was raised in Castle Rock, Spirit Lake Mt. Helens, Washington.

      A good student who was enthusiastic about learning, Mary was considered by many to be a high achiever. She graduated from Castle Rock High School in 1938. She enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite courses and teachers.

      Mary's talents in writing proved to be an asset for her during her college years. She excelled in classes, even in some subjects that didn’t particularly interest her. Mary became known to her peers as a seeker of wisdom who appreciated all types of courses, especially those in Liberal Arts which allowed her to build on her remarkable retention of general knowledge. Mary attended a Business College in Portland, Oregon. Her favorite courses were bookkeeping and typing.

      Able to maintain a positive focus on the potential good to be found in others, Mary was always ready with solid advice and guidance to offer her group of friends. She was generally friendly to all who knew her, yet to some she seemed quite independent. For those who really knew Mary, they recognized that she could be full of surprises. Mary enjoyed a small but solid group of true friends. She would willingly support those friends when they needed it. Because of her ability to read people, she had an uncanny knack for knowing when a friend needed help. Later in life, she became friends with Kay.

      Mary was romantic, even poetic at times. She was completely devoted to family and friends, able to show her emotions without going overboard about it. On June 16, 1947 Mary exchanged wedding vows with Harold Ernest Whitney at First Christian Church of Portland, Oregon.

      All who knew her would agree that there was a certain kind of magic in how Mary was able to bond with her children. While she could be a firm disciplinarian, she could also fill the role of being a collaborator with her daughter. Mary was always a mentor who helped her family reach its full potential. Mary was blessed with One child, Susan Kay Smith. They were also blessed with one grandchild and one great-grandchild, Amber Louise Stacey, grandddaughter and Eldon McCoy Stacey, great-grandchild.

      Mary projected a subtle but positive influence in her workplace. She was comfortable working behind the scenes to help everyone get their job done, and she worked hard at all times to help others to reach their highest potential. While her colleagues did not view her as a high-spirited type, Mary was effective at working with others to gain acceptance for her ideas. Mary could be a perfectionist at times, but wasn’t one to seek out personal recognitions. She possessed excellent insight and a strong ability to meet schedules. She was an innovator who worked well independently, and she enjoyed the task of meeting a constant array of challenges. Her primary occupation was Bookkeeper. She was employed for Pendleton Woolen Mills.

      As an imaginative and inventive person, Mary was comfortable showing her creative spirit. She enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Once Mary took on a new project, she saw it through to its completion. Her favorite pursuits were vacationing at cabin at Mt. St. Helens, reading, sewing, music and enjoying family gatherings. She was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

      Mary was one who put forth her best effort in every aspect of her life, and that carried over to her participation in sports as well. Her sense of diligence inspired others and in turn drew best efforts from her teammates. Recreational sports included church bowling league. Mary was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were ice skating.

      Because Mary was a person who enjoyed helping, teaching and working with others, she was a perfect fit for many types of organizations. Her ability to encourage others, energize the group and her ability to solve all sorts of problems made her a desirable member of a wide variety of organizations. Throughout his later years, Mary was an active member of the 4 H church commitee.

      Mary's attitude of working to make every day better was a way of life for her. It was a philosophy that she carried into her community activities and service. Politically, Mary was one who wrote many political letters to congress and govenors.

      Mary was a woman with clear convictions and high principles, and her faith was important to her. She was an inspiration to many people who recognized her sense of commitment and esteem for others. During that time, she was church bowling league.

      Mary possessed strong skills in long-range planning and project completion, a quality that positively influenced her travel and vacation planning. Favorite vacations included a trip to Europe twice, a trip to Canada & US travels and Beach trips.

      Mary was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Mary's favorites was German Shepard as a child and a shagy stray dog and many casts during her adulthood. They were best friends for 6 years.

      As someone who treasured harmony and quiet, Mary accepted retirement and made the most of it. That day finally came in 1986, and Mary was well prepared. Her new life involved relocating to stayed in Portland, Oregon. In retirement, she found new pleasure in music, travel, plays and bingo.

      Mary passed away on April 17, 2009 at Simmons Foster Home. Last years suffered from Alzheimer's. She is survived by her husband, Harold; daughter, Susan; son-in-law, Michael; granddaughter, Amber; great-grandson, Eldon. Services were held at Cherry Park Methodist Church. Mary was laid to rest in Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, Oregon.

      Though she could be a private person at times, Mary was always able and willing to give of herself. She was so in tune with others that she often seemed able to read their minds. Mary carried with her an almost mystical sense of life. She was a person who was highly original in her thinking and used metaphors and symbols to describe many aspects of her life. A poetic, intuitive “teacher”, Mary L. Whitney shared herself freely and family and friends will remember Mary for the strength of her convictions.