Mary was born on 16^th August, 1948, at Cheshunt, Hertfordshire; she was the eldest of three children. The family moved for father’s work, settling finally in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire.

Mary went on to Sheffield University to study Mathematics and followed this up with a career firstly in insurance, then as a computer programmer and systems analyst. Jobs moved her around, eventually to Lytham – where she met Rod and they were married on 8^th May, 1976. In time they moved to Preston, where Angela and Heather came along to complete their family. Mary developed health problems but she was a determined lady and, despite her struggles, enjoyed Scottish Dancing and Line Dancing alongside a love of the outdoors and for walking. This love must have come from her early years of Guiding in which, up until Lytham, she played a leadership role.

Mary’s family had URC roots which she followed and was involved in until she moved to Fulwood Methodist Church in 1991. Here she has held a number of offices, including a strong link with the ‘After Eights’ group.

She was a determined person who knew what she wanted and made the most of whatever came her way – not complaining about anything, even in her latter days when it was clear the future was very limited. She sought to put all in place and sort things out so that all should know what was to be done.

Her faith upheld and strengthened her and she certainly has received the outcome of that faith, the salvation of her soul.