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Mary Granger Obituary

MARY GRANGER
October 9, 1932 ~ November 27, 2010

Mary Kathryn Granger passed to her rest Sat., Nov. 27, 2010, at home in Vancouver, WA. Mary was born in Portland, OR to Robert and Kathryn Petersen in 1932. She spent her childhood in Seaside, OR, and Vancouver, WA where she graduated from Vancouver High School in 1950. Mary was a loyal Beaver, attending Oregon State University starting in 1951. While in college, Mary also became a proud member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. It was at Oregon State where she met her future husband, Richard Alan Granger, Sr., on a blind date.
Called upon to serve in 1980 by Gov. John Spellman, Mary enjoyed four years as the Governor's Representative to Southwest Washington. Having a strong desire to continue her service to the community, Mary was founder and organizer of the following organizations: Community Foundation for Southwest Washington 1983; Women in Action and Women in Action Foundation 1984; Sculpture Garden on Broadway 1994 and I Have A Dream of Southwest Washington 1995. As a result of her philanthropy work in the community, Mary was recognized for her efforts by receiving numerous awards. They included: Clark County First Citizen l987; YWCA Woman of Achievement 1989; SW Washington Health District Health Recognition Award 1990; Vancouver Rotary Hall of Fame; and Lewis and Clark College's Aubrey Watzek Award 2001.
Mary was a loving, and much-loved wife to Richard Alan Granger Sr. Their life together was one of great contentment; enjoying family, traveling to their winter home in Indian Wells, CA, and being together as true friends. Both found a spiritual home as members of Columbia Presbyterian Church. Mary will be remembered with deep respect and love for her dedication to her family and community. The character, honor and integrity she brought to that service was proudly acknowledged by her husband, Dick Sr.; her brother, Marley Petersen; sister, Susan Petersen-Burgy; her daughter-in-law, Pam Granger; her daughter and son-in-law, Janis and Greg Call; her son, David Granger; her son and daughter-in-law, John and Lisa Granger; and her son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Trisha Granger. Mary truly enjoyed watching her grandchildren grow up, and she will be missed by Brian, Allison, Andrew, Jaymie, Jason, Kristen, Jack, Evan and Marin.
She was preceded in death by her son, Richard Granger, Jr.
Mary recognized and delighted in the blessings of family. Kids and grandkids coming home always meant spirited discussions about current events and also included watching her beloved OSU Beaver football and basketball games and celebrating countless family birthdays.
Mary died as she lived; courageous against cancer, faithful in adversity, and trusting in the amazing power of God to work all things together for good.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Sat., Dec. 4, 2010 at First Presbyterian Church, 4300 Main Street, with Fitz Neil officiating.
Memorial gifts may be made in Mary's honor to either I Have a Dream Foundation, or the Mary Granger Sculpture Gardens, c/o The Community Foundation, 1053 Officers' Row, Vancouver, WA. On the web, visitwww.cfsww.org.
Arrangements by Vancouver Funeral Chapel.
Please sign Mary's guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.

Published by The Columbian on Nov. 30, 2010.
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Memories and Condolences
for Mary Granger

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My memory of Mrs. Granger dates back to the early 70's when Mark and I would play together near our home's at Chelsea and old Evergreen HWY in Vancouver after school. Wonderful memories of a very refined woman and safe times. My prayers go out to the Granger Family.

LTC Dirk Levy

December 8, 2010

Words cannot describe the sorrow that we all have for Mary's passing. She was one of the most caring and compassionate women I have ever known, and achieved so much in her path along the way. My condolances go out to Dick and the whole family! I know how it feels!

Nancy Lematta

December 3, 2010

December 3, 2010

I met Mary Granger when she brought the life-altering I Have A Dream scholarship and mentoring program to the Vancouver School District. I had the privilege of working with her as the students and families of Hough ELementary School's 4th grade class were "adopted" by Mary and the other sponsors of the "Dream" program.

Mary had such tremendous vision and energy. I learned much from Mary during my time working with her and found her intellectual curiousity, her philanthropic dedication, and her generous spirit inspiring.

Mary's positive impact on Vancouver School District students, their families and our schools will long be remembered.

Susan Cone
Principal - Vancouver Public Schools

Susan Cone

December 3, 2010

May your candle burn on! Your memory will!

Renee Law

December 2, 2010

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

Jessica Gerlack

December 1, 2010

Gracious, strong, opinionated and compassionate. What a pioneer! Mary was and will continue to be a mentor to me and many. We will miss her. She and my mother were true ladies. My deepest sympathy to her family.

Susan Courtney

December 1, 2010

Mary and I grew up together when she lived on Willamette Blvd in Portland. I lived just around the corner from her on Denver. We went to Beach grade School together. We are hoping to come to her memorial on Saturday.
Yvonne Breding Cieloha.

December 1, 2010

We had the pleasure of being neighbors of Mary and family for many years. Our kids grew up with John and Mark, and have remained close friends all these years. Mary gave back to her community in so many important ways, and she did it sincerely and without fanfare. She was an awesome lady. We will miss her. Arlene and Calvin Clark

Arlene Clark

December 1, 2010

Dick: We know this is a difficult time for you and the family. Just want you to know we are thinking of you LOve and YITB...Ed and Carol Dey

Ed Dey

December 1, 2010

I remember the 1st time I met Mary Granger it was 12 years ago and they was telling my daughters 4th grade class at Harney Elementry that they was adopting them for the I Have a Dream class. When she made the announcement. She continued caring about those kids. Taking and showing love and care for each one of them.

She will be greatly missed.

Lena Miller

November 30, 2010

Mary Granger was one of the first women I met when I moved to Vancouver from Lake Oswego. Her warmth and graciousness has stayed with me over all these years. Her enthusiasm for helping children has no parallel in our community. She was a giant among women. Her wonderful "gardens" will continue to blossom.
Donna Roberge Nozel

November 30, 2010

My deepest sympathy to the whole family. I believe all of Vancouver will miss her charm, energy and her gracious and wonderful smile.
My prayers are with you all.
Sincerely,
Joanie Whitesides

November 30, 2010

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