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Mary Wade Obituary
February 12, 1915 ~ August 31, 2011
Mary Wade, a 95-year resident of Clark County, passed away on Aug. 31, 2011 in Bend, OR at the age of 96 with the support of her immediate family - daughter, Corky and Don Senecal, grandson, Skooter and Dana McCaron, great-grandson, Seth McCaron, and grand-puppy, Zoey, all of Bend, OR. Mary was born Feb. 12, 1915 on the family farm in Heisson, WA, the 2nd of eight children of John and Nanny Wedin. She grew up in Vancouver, WA and then returned to the family farm on Kelly Hill near Heisson.
She attended Beauty School in Vancouver and enjoyed her profession as a beautician.
As a teenager, Mary met George Purvis and they married on Valentines Day 1936 - at the height of the depression. Mary never remembered them as hard times but rather as a time of everyone sharing and caring with others.
In the early 1940's George went to work for the Teamster's Union, his career until his death in 1964.
Mary began using her many talents as a hostess and family travel planner as she and Corky traveled with George as often as they could. They were also active in Henry Wentworth Chapter, Order of Eastern Star and Mary was awarded a Life Membership.
Mary began a 2nd career in 1960 as an Office Manager in a chiropractic office and continued in that profession for thirty years. It was there that she met her 2nd husband, Ed Wade, whom she married in 1970. For fifteen years they enjoyed an outdoor life, traveling in their RV with their boat, going dancing on their Friday Night Dates, and spending time with friends and family.
Mary had a strong sense of community and volunteered at FISH Food Bank in Vancouver for twenty years. She was involved in PTA, Jobs Daughters, Camp Fire and ALCOA Little League. She was featured in a newspaper article about a Bunco Group she started over 40 years ago that is still active. She was an avid Seattle Mariner fan and was recognized by the broadcast crew during a game earlier this season. She remained the hostess until the end when she was concerned about having cookies for the "girls" on her Hospice team and Pastor Dave.
In addition to her immediate family, Mary is survived by her sister, Vicki Cresap of Battle Ground, WA; and numerous nieces and nephews spanning four generations.
She was preceded in death by her two husbands, George Purvis and Ed Wade; parents, John and Nanny Wedin; aunt, Theresa Hagberg; brothers, Gust, Ernie, Curt and Eric Wedin; and sisters, Billie Staley and Ruthie Wedin.
A memorial service will be held on Mon., Sept. 12, 12:30 p.m. at Evergreen Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Partners in Care Hospice, 2075 N.E. Wyatt Court, Bend, OR 97701 or the Humane Society.
Please sign Mary's guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Wade
Mary McDonald
September 1, 2019
That smile,.,.. oh my what a sweet lady,,, always loved to hear what Corkie and Don were up to,.,,
Pam Larsen
September 16, 2011
My mother Joyce Shipman lives at Arbor ridge Apartments. Mary was one of the first people she met when she moved in. Mary was such a wonderful woman and mom considered her one of her friends. I know I always enjoyed talking to her when I was there. I can only hope to be as spry and young as Mary was if God is willing to let me live as long. I want to extend my condolences to you and your family on behalf of myself and my mother.
Sue McDonald
September 13, 2011
Corky and Don, I want to extend my deepest condolences. I loved Mary so much! She always had such a wonderful smile and friendly greeting when she would shop at Safeway. I remember when she moved from her home and how she shared funny stories of you both so far away in Bend. I lost my birth mother this last month and can relate Corky how deep the pain can be. My heart goes out to you both.. Blessings Sue McDonald
Frank Soderlind
September 10, 2011
Corky and all of the family, My deepest condolescenses in the loss of Mary. I still fondly remember the "luncheon date" that I went on with her and Neomi a few years back at the Hidden House and our conversation over some of the old times. Glad to hear that she was the gracious hostess till the end, just like Aunt Nannie, always having a plate of cookies and coffee ready for company. My prayers are with you.
How you can show support
September 10, 2011
I have missed not seeing Aunt Mary in Hazeldell,yes I considered her my Aunt too. I feel so blessed to have know her. She always was such a pleasant lady to be around. She was also so good to my friend Marie, they always teased each other about being only 2 months apart in age. So many great memories, thanks for sharing. Love to all.
Chuck and Billie Ann
Ed and Cyndi Malcom
September 10, 2011
We heard about Mary by accident. We think about her and Grandma's Pie Day frequently and will miss her.
Wayne Ritter
September 10, 2011
Corky,Don, Skooter and family! Mary lived a long and interesting life. It was so nice to know her along the way.. Love to your family from the Ritters, Wayne, David, Elizabeth,Steve and God Bless our Pat!
September 8, 2011
Dear Don & Corky, Sounds like your Mother had a good life! I smiled @ the part about the Mariners as my Mom who died @ 85 also loved those Mariners:) Please know our thoughts are w/you. Love & Sympathy, Caroline & Terry Meredith
Carla Klein
September 8, 2011
Dear Corky and family - I too will miss Mary, she was so wonderful to be around and a faithful friend to my mother, Neomi Thomas.
I am also a member of Eastern Star and spent many years with Mary at our meetings.
I appreciate so much all that Mary and my mom got to do together with other friends and to be in my home, also on Kelly Hill near Heisson. Gary's family has lived here on the hill since 1940.
We all share your grief and have loved every minute we spent with Mary and all of you when the chance arrived.
God bless all of you - Carla Klein
Neomi Thomas
September 8, 2011
Dear Corky, Don and family - I have many wonderful memories of Mary, traveling, Eastern Star members, going to musicals, theatres, and most wonderfully, being friends for many years.
I have not been able to write much the last year or so, and reside in care center still. I think of you all daily and my prayers are with all of you at this time.
My deepest sympathy and love - Neomi Thomas
Teresa Bergeron
September 7, 2011
I was so glad to know Mary. She was our neighbor and friend as we grew up and shared her time with us. Later I enjoyed playing Bunco as a sub with Mary and other lovely lady friends, including my Mother. Corky, I'm sorry for your loss. Thanks for sharing your Mom, she was a treasure.
September 7, 2011
I will miss my Aunt Mary. Mom and I enjoyed our last visit with Aunt Mary a few months ago in Bend. Lots Of love to Corky, Don, Scooter, Dana, and Seth.
Kim Reed
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