MARY KAY C. LANDIS
November 12, 1940 ~ January 26, 2018
Mary Kay C. Landis, 77, of Vancouver, WA, passed away Jan. 26, 2018. She enjoyed a close relationship with her 4 siblings. Mary Kay graduated from Providence Academy in 1958 with her lifelong friends, Sally Reudink and Loraine Vierck.
While working at Clark County Juvenile Hall and raising her children, she graduated from U of P with a degree in Social Work.
Mary Kay worked for Oregon State Child Protective Services for 20 years, first as a caseworker and later as a supervisor.
After retiring, she followed her lifelong dream of entering the Peace Corps at age 66! She spent 2.5 years in Burkina Faso, Africa performing her duties in the health ministry and going beyond the call of duty impacting the lives of so many people in her "village" by providing individuals and groups with most appreciated items of need such as clothes, paper/pencils and multiple soccer balls and shoes for kids who would play barefoot otherwise.
Upon her return from Peace Corps, Mary Kay continued "giving" by volunteering as an Ombudsman to help elderly and disabled in long term care facilities assuring their needs and rights were upheld. She continued this work up to December of 2017 when sadly, she was diagnosed with a serious brain tumor which quickly diminished her ability to continue that important work.
Mary Kay loved her family, coffee, beer, sewing, camping and socializing with everyone (not necessarily in that order)!
Words Mary Kay lived by: "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." (President Kennedy)
Mary Kay is survived by her six children: Christopher (Shelley) Landis, Angela (Cliff) Hayes, Lance (Tammy) Landis, Heather Landis, Shawn (Jodi) Landis and Kara (Jeriod) Klovas; 12 lovely grandchildren; a brother, Wayne (Patti) Mayer; and two sisters, Connie (Michael) Alward and Gloria Nunes.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Dorothy and Max Mayer; and brother, Stan Mayer.
A memorial service will be held Sat., April 7, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. at St. Johns Church, 8701 NE 119th St.,, Vancouver, WA 98662, reception to follow at 10713 NE 117 Ave., Vancouver, WA 98682.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Clark College Foundation in her name for scholarships or the American Brain Tumor Association (abta.org).
Please sign her guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Mary Kay was a best friend to my sister, Eileen and to Eileen's children. I only spent a few days with Mary Kay , but always think of her as a wonderful person. Her wit and love just covered all of us.
Nancy Doherty Oppenheimer
Friend
March 22, 2022
Mary Kay's smile and laughter won't easily be forgotten by those who love her. She had a sparkle in her eye every time I saw her and a deep awareness of the power of kindness in this world. I will remember our cups of tea and laughing out loud while watching Doc Martin episodes. I wish we could have walked those cobbled seaside streets together.
Dechen Dawkins
April 11, 2018
Sorry to hear of the passing of Mary Kay. We are good friends of her daughter Angela and her husband Cliff.
Barbara & Otto Bombach
April 4, 2018
Tom and I were saddened to hear of Mary Kay's passing. I know that Mary Kay and my mother were very close and for that I am grateful. Perhaps Mary Kay and Eileen are enjoying a cup of coffee together and catching up. We still fondly recall our breakfast with Chris and Heather in Vancouver. Please know of our prayers during this difficult time. All our love. Deanna and Tom
Deanna & Tom Henshaw/Lenzmeier
April 3, 2018
Mary Kay was a member of AAUW where she shared her Peace Core experience with our Global Affairs group. She also challenged herself to learn Maj Johngg and played with her buddies in a regular weekly game. When she won she would take a picture of her winning hand to share with family. We will miss her cheerful, lively spirit!
Lorraine Wheeler
April 2, 2018
She was an amazing friend, I miss all of our pool side chats, her smile and sense of humor. She was an inspiration to others, a great story teller, and devoted mother, grandmother and friend. She loved our Church, and I felt so honored to serve her communion. She remains in my heart as a special friend.
Kathleen Seal
April 2, 2018
She was an amazing friend, I miss all of our pool side chats, her smile and sense of humor. She was an inspiration to others, a great story teller, and devoted mother, grandmother and friend. She loved our Church, and I felt so honored to serve her communion. She remains in my heart as a special friend.
Kathleen Seal
April 2, 2018
I was so surprised to read of Mary Kay's passing and the chronicle of her life's journey. She was truly amazing and will be deeply missed. My heartfelt sympathy to all her family. I met Mary Kay when La Leche League was just getting started in Vancouver and we were both knee deep in babies and toddlers. Her devotion to her children and ability to roll with the punches was an inspiration to all the new mothers in the group. That she continued to minister to those in need is not surprising when one looks back and sees her devotion as she raised her family. God grant her eternal rest and perpetual light.
Dolores Monroe
March 30, 2018
Mary Kay was an amazing volunteer and we were lucky to have her service in the South Washington Ombuds office. We will miss her positive demeanor and effective advocacy.
Kathy McCullough
March 30, 2018
Mary Kay and my sister, Eileen Doherty Henshaw were best of friends; I too loved Mary Kay,she is missed;a light has gone out in our world.Such a loss for all of us, especially her family.
Nancy Doherty Oppenheimer
March 28, 2018
We are saddened to learn of the passing of Mary Kay, but grateful for her service to our nation with the Peace Corps in Burkina Faso.
Our Condolences,
The National Peace Corps Association
March 28, 2018
Mary Kay was a outstanding Ombudsman colleague and always had good advice and insights into helping valuable people living in Longterm Care Facilities live with dignity and comfort. I will miss our conversation at the Ombudsman monthly in service meetings. She is missed by many. A wonderful light in challenging world.
Douglas Samuels
March 28, 2018
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