BORN

1946

DIED

2014

FUNERAL HOME

Keith & Keith Funeral Home -Yakima

902 West Yakima Ave

Yakima, Washington

Mary Pinkerton Stevens Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jun. 10, 2014.

Mary E. Pinkerton Stevens, 67, died June 7, 2014, at home; of metatastic liver cancer.
Mary was born on July 25, 1946, the youngest child of John L. and Edith W. (Straub) Pinkerton.
She attended St. Paul's Grade School and graduated from Yakima Central Catholic High School in 1964.
Following high school graduation, Mary majored in Elementary Education at Marylhurst University, receiving her BA degree in 1969. This opened the door to a thirty-two year wonderful and fulfilling career working with students in the Richland School District, Richland, WA. & East Valley (Yakima).

During this time, Mary also received her Master's Degree and Administrator's Credentials from Central Washington University and then enjoyed not only the work of a classroom teacher, but also that of a Reading Specialist/Program Administrator and Assistant Principal. Finally, having satisfied her career goals, Mary retired in 2003.
While living in Richland, Mary met Charles E. "Chuck" Stevens on a blind date, and they were married in July, 1982. They enjoyed twenty years of golfing, fishing and working together on various household and gardening projects until his death in 2002.
,
Following Chuck's passing Mary began to explore other areas of her life, hiking, snowshoeing, creating electric train layouts, raising goldfish, making home improvements, as well as being an avid fan of the Seattle Seahawks and Gonzaga Bulldogs. Donating time to various ministries at Holy Family Church was something that became a very important and enriching part of Mary's life.
In 2010, Mary's health began to deteriorate, first with breast cancer, followed by the discovery of a benign spinal cord tumor. Following surgery to remove the tumor, Mary had to relearn how to
walk and do other daily living chores. Following that three year recovery, her health again failed
with the development of liver cancer
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Tom and John, her sister Audrey, and her husband, Chuck.
She is survived by her stepsons, Darrin (Carole) Stevens, Bremerton, WA; Dan Stevens, Clarkston, WA; brother-in-law, Victor (Karen) Stevens, Springfield, OR; sister-in-law, Barbara Chambers, Yakima; special cousin, Joan (Peter) Cunningham, Covington, WA, as well as numerous other cousins, their spouses and children.
Memorials may be made to the Tieton Drive Animal Clinic, in care of Dr. Brian Kegley, DVM
A Vigil Service will be 6:00 p.m. Monday, June 16, 2014 at Keith & Keith Ninth Avenue Chapel. A Graveside Service will be 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 17th at Calvary Cemetery. A Memorial Mass will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 17th at Holy Family Catholic Church. To share a memory of Mary, visit www.keithandkeith.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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June 7, 2015

Kyle Bennett

I,m glad I got the honor of getting to know such a wonderful person in Mary. I will miss her dearly.

June 19, 2014

Mary gave a valiant fight and I am privileged to have been able to visit with her even though only on the phone. We were hoping for a reunion of students from St Paul's grade school 8th grade class of '60. Of course she will be missed.

Jerie Mulcahy Briggs (Union Gap WA)

June 16, 2014

Brian Kegley

I am very proud to have gotten to know Mary over the past 8 years. A loyal and compassionate caretaker of all, Mary found joy in the nurturing and caring for her beloved pets. Mary knew only one way to live and that was by giving everyone and everything she encountered her undivided consideration and love. The acts of kindness, compassion, and unconditional love toward her beloved animal companions were admirable and often unbelievable! I learned so much from Mary about how I want to live my life. Her grace and bravery in the last few months is truly inspiring. Mary will forever live in the animal memorial that she left me to advise. I thank her for entrusting me with this tremendous privilege and responsibility. Peace be with you Mary.

June 16, 2014

Greg Garner

Mary, you were a special part of my life during our school years and although we have been separated by many miles you have always been in my thoughts and my heart. God Bless

June 15, 2014

Greg Squires

Rest in the peace of the loving God you served so well. I know that He welcomed you into you next adventure with open arms and a boundless love. You are one of the sweetest spirits I have had the pleasure to know. Thank you for your smile, warmth and passion. You used the talents God gave you to the max. Goodbye dear Mary until we meet up again.

June 14, 2014

Marlene (Goode) O'Halloran

I hate to say goodbye to a wonderful, vibrant friend and fellow teacher. We were golfing buddies a few years back and I enjoyed spending time with her. She was always upbeat and tons of fun! She will be missed.

June 14, 2014

Kathy (Thomas) Nedrow

In loving memory of Mary....my classmate, friend and Scrabble Buddy. I will miss one of my most worthy opponents; and we all will miss you at our 50-Year High School Reunion in September. I know that you had planned to be there. We didn't have much contact after high school, but I will always remember the little blond pixie-like girl, first in the maroon uniform of St. Paul Grade School and later the plaid skirt and blue blazer of Central Catholic High School....just like mine. God Bless you and may God Bless another former classmate, Kathy Ryan Palmer, who took care of you when you needed it most. Kathy Thomas Nedrow, YCCHS Class of '64

June 13, 2014

Karen Stevens

Thank you Mary..for being the "sister" I never had...I will miss you always.

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Funeral services provided by:

Keith & Keith Funeral Home -Yakima

902 West Yakima Ave, Yakima, WA 98902

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