Mary was born on December 16, 1938 in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Denis and Jane martin both who where immigrants from Ireland. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by the love of her life, James f. Harper, Sr., who she was reunited with in heaven to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary together on June 4.
She was a Philly girl at heart and was very proud of her Irish heritage.
She was a graduate of Ancillae Domini Academy, Germantown, PA, Class of '58. to this day, she kept in contact with her high school friends.
Mary was known for her endless friendships, great sense of humor, vivacious personality and infectious laugh. She loved shopping, decorating and traveling the world with her beloved husband, seeing places most people only get to dream about and, of course, making new friends along the way. Once you met Mary, you were her friend for life! She is, was and always will be our best friend! She was the light and strength of her family. Her presence will definitely be missed.
She was most proud of her family, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. she is survived by her 5 children and their spouses: Sheila Harper Lockard and husband Jim; James F. Harper, Jr. and wife Sheila; John D. Harper and wife Barbara; Katie Harper Gainey and husband Andy, and Maureen Harper Metzger and Husband Michael. Her grandchildren Amanda Lockard Kochosky and husband Scott, Katie Lockard, Jamie Lockard, Emily Lockard, Matthew Dowell and wife Megan, Victoria Harper, Jacob Gainey and fiancé Grace Norton, Jeffrey Gainey and wife Danielle, Sarah Jane Gainey and boyfriend Brad Harrill, Jackson Metzger and Nichole Metzger. Her great-grandchildren Autumn, Kaycee, James, Riley, Penelope and Juniper. Her brothers Dennis martin and wife Kate, John Martin and wife Joanne, Brother-in-law Geoffrey Harper and wife Debbie and Sister-in-law Kay Harper. Many nieces and nephews that she adored and they her.
A funeral mass will be held at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic church in Charlotte, NC at a future date so that all who loved Mary will be able to attend and give her a proper Irish send off.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 4600 Park Rd., Suite 250, Charlotte, NC 28209 or to Holy Angels, 6600 Wilkinson Blvd., Belmont, NC 28012. Please mark on the donations that it is in Mary's name.
McEwen Pineville Chapel is caring for the Harper family.
Online condolences may be shared at www.mcewenpinevillechapel.com.
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