Mary Dendy Graves

Mary Dendy Graves, 58, of Dunwoody died unexpectedly on November 20, 2014. She was born in Anderson, SC, grew up in Hartwell, GA, and was the daughter of the late Champ and Helen Dendy. Mary graduated from Hart Co. High School and the University of Georgia, where she was a member of the Redcoat Band and the UGA Chorus. Her love of music also included giving classical guitar lessons during her college years. It was during her college years that she met the love of her life, “Robbie” Graves. Their mutual interest in music led to their friendship and happy 38-year marriage. After college graduation, she became director of instructor training for the Richard Simmons Anatomy Asylums in metro Atlanta. When she and Bob moved to Los Angeles in 1986, Mary became the Director of Special Projects for Richard Simmons, Inc. Her activities included teaching aerobics, choreographing exercise videos, managing Simmons in Beverly Hills, writing participant materials for “Richard Simmons Cruise to Lose” trips and managing the Richard Simmons website. At the age of 50, she decided to make a major career change and earned a graduate degree in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University in Los Angeles. Then she entered an internship at the Southern California Counseling Center, working toward licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist. When she and Bob returned to Atlanta in 2011, she entered an internship program at The Link Counseling Center. Mary was loved by so many people for her sense of humor, her positive attitude, and especially her ability to listen and understand and empathize. She always had a smiling face, tons of energy and love for her family, friends and animals. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her brother, Bobby Dendy. She is survived by her husband of 38 years, Bob Graves; sister and brother-in-law, Ann and Bob Addison; father-in-law, Arthur Graves and many beloved nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Link Counseling Center, 348 Mount Vernon Hwy., Sandy Springs, GA 30328. A memorial service will be held at a later date.