Mary Kathleen Courtney

Born in Long Beach, California, to Marine Aviator Captain John Madden and Marine Sergeant Maxine "Mickey" Madden, Mary K. was the third of six children. Her early years were spent on military bases across the United States, from the Territory of Hawaii to North Carolina, before the family settled in Santa Ana, California. She graduated from Mater Dei High School and later pursued coursework at Santa Ana Junior College and Northwestern Business College.

Mary K. held a variety of jobs throughout her life, from retail jewelry sales to restaurant management, in California, Oregon, and Idaho. She fondly remembered her six years working at Disneyland. In 1976, she began her career at Portland's emergency dispatch center, where she was known for her calm professionalism, quick wit, and remarkable ability to handle high-pressure situations. It was during this time that she met her future husband, John, a Portland Police Officer.

In 1990, Mary K. took a break from her career to focus on her most cherished role: mother to her daughter, Molly. After the events of 9/11, she returned to public service as a TSA baggage screener, where her dedication and commitment earned her recognition, including selection to travel to SeaTac and LAX as part of a special team. She retired after five years from the physically demanding position.

Family was always a cornerstone of Mary K.'s life. As a young girl, she helped care for her siblings, and as an adult, she dedicated countless hours to her nieces and nephews. She was a devoted volunteer, offering her time to West Gresham Grade School, St. Henry’s Catholic Church, and St. Therese School. Whether organizing picnics, auctions, jog-a-thons, or spaghetti dinners, she was always ready to lend a hand. Her care for her family extended to her parents, for whom she traveled to Florida and Arizona to provide support during their final weeks.

Mary K. had a love for travel and adventure, visiting places like China, Mexico, Ireland, Scotland, and cruising through Alaska, the Bahamas, and Central America. One of her fondest memories was taking her daughter, Molly, on a "girls' road trip adventure" in a small motor home, driving across the country to New England and Florida.

Mary K. is predeceased by her parents and her beloved niece, Gabriella. She is survived by her husband, John; daughter, Molly Hark; son-in-law, Shane Hark; granddaughter, Bryce; and her siblings, Michael and Eileen Madden, Don and Bonnie Madden, Patricia Saenz, Dennis and Michelle Madden, and John and Denise Madden. She is also survived by 12 nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved dearly.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Mary K.’s hospice caregivers for their compassionate care during her final days. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Henry’s Catholic Church Care Ministry, where Mary K. devoted much of her time and energy, or to the Portland Police Sunshine Division.

A funeral mass will be at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 16, 2025, in St. Henry Catholic Church, Gresham, Oregon. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 10:30 a.m.

Inurnment will be at a later date in St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery, The Dalles, Oregon.