Mary A Bodger

Mary Alice Bodger (nee Allen) was born to Winfield and Irene Collins Allen on 21 July 1920 in Oklahoma City, OK. She died on 26 July 2015 at the age of 95. She was married to Walter C. Bodger (LCDR, USN-ret) for 69 before his death in 2013 at the age of 94. Mary frequently stated that “Old age is God’s penance for a misspent youth,” and it appears there may have been some truth to that.

As a Navy wife, Mary lived in many places, including Oklahoma City OK, Falls Church VA, Pensacola FL and San Diego CA, as well as Baghdad, Iraq. She and Walt stayed in Corpus Christi after his retirement from the service. As a mother, she was always willing to play ball, climb trees, read stories, encourage artistic endeavors and watch the neighborhood children’s theatrical productions. She also taught kindergarten Sunday School at Grace Presbyterian Church (CC) for many years, made lots of costumes for school plays, and donated tons of goods for PTA bake sales.

Mary and Walt were staunch Republicans and served as precinct chairs, as well as regional and state representatives to several Republican National Conventions. Their garage on Handover Drive was the polling place for many Republican primary elections. Mary was also active in the Republican Women’s Club, the League of Women Voters and the Seven Arts Study Club. She served as the director of the 1970 census for a three-county area. Mary and Walt were both fierce bridge players.

Mary was an amazing homemaker and gourmet cook. She could whip together a dinner party for a visiting admiral, including six tables of bridge, on 90 minutes’ notice. She not only made clothing for herself and her daughters, but also created fashions for their dolls.

Mary and Walt lived in Corpus Christi from 1958-1973. From 1973-1980, they managed several properties in Richardson, College Station and Portland TX, before returning to Corpus Christi to manage the Las Brisas Condominiums on North Beach for 20 years. They lived at Las Brisas until 2013 when they moved to Houston to be closer to family.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Lisa Chaput, and her grandson, Jacob Chaput. She is now reunited with Walt, the love of her life, as well as their daughters Holly and Diana (and many, many cats). They are currently sipping icy martinis, listening to Frank Sinatra and looking for bridge partners. When you remember Mary, please celebrate her life rather than mourning her death, and think of her if you ever hear bagpipes playing on the beach.

Memories may be shared on her on-line Tribute Page at http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Mary-Bodger&lc=2091&pid=175407623&mid=6538230&cid=em.legacy.dm.2091.6538230

Donations may be made to the American Glaucoma Society at http://www.americanglaucomasociety.net/