Mary started her career by attending Pembroke College in Brown University for a Bachelor's degree and in 1952, while attending Pembroke College, Mary was a candidate for the May Queen pageant. In 1975, she continued her education at Duke University to receive her Master's degree in Education. Mary was a housewife, mother to her children first and foremost, but she enjoyed sharing her love for education with the Durham Public School System for more than 20 years. After retirement she volunteered to help others learn to read and took much joy in that. She also volunteered with the Salvation Army of Durham. Helping others was a huge part of her life, and volunteering with the IRS to help others do their taxes was a noteworthy achievement of Mary's.
Mary had several hobbies and interests in her life. She loved to cook and was amazing at doing so. Sewing was one of her passions and was a great seamstress. Playing bridge was always fun for her, along with spending time singing with the musical theater, The Durham Savoyards. Mary was an avid dog lover and took in quite a few strays in her life. Loving and raising her family was by far her greatest achievement, and they will miss her dearly.
Mary is survived by her daughter, Carolyn Stern (Peter); son, David Carson; sister, Barbara Dallinger (Fred); granddaughters, Hope Kenney (Matt) and Lisa Williams (Dane), grandson, Stephen Markham, great granddaughters, Everleigh Markham and Cora Williams.
Mary was preceded in death by her father, John Stephen Mako and mother, Mary Jaskiewicz.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.apexfuneral.net for the Carson family.
