Mary Louise Mark (1958-2023)

Mary, 64, died in the early morning hours of January 23, 2023.  Not only was she a beloved sister, a devoted friend to many but also truly understood the meaning of service. As a dedicated member of her church, Saints Peter and Paul Episcopal in southeast Portland, Mary often served on the front line of helping the most unfortunate among us.

Born as the second child of four to Joseph Daniel Mark and Jean Anne (McCormick) Mark in Eugene, Mary was raised in western Oregon except for brief stops in Medford and Camas (Washington).  She graduated from South Albany High School and Southern Oregon State College.  After completing her bachelor’s degree, Mary resumed her career with the State of Oregon in 1985.  Her longest stint as a state employee was with the Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland, doing payroll and nurse staffing.  She retired at the end of 2015, having held a variety of administrative positions with OHSU, having started in the public sector as long ago as 1977 in the mail room at Oregon State University.  In between OSU and OHSU came short term jobs in the Portland offices of Corrections, as well as Geology and Mineral Industries.

Her love of art, landscapes, and study related to the past was reflected in the college major she chose (geography) and a recurrent urge to travel.  This latter pursuit took her on several trips to both the United Kingdom and Spain, but also to Canada, Mexico, Nicaragua, as well as Argentina, Antarctica, and the Middle East in the company of family or friends.  She will be greatly missed by all who knew her well.

Mary is survived by her brothers Steve, Ken (Joanna), and Doug, in addition to first cousins Mike, Lani, Lori, Lisa, Louie, Tina, Pam, Alan, Billy, and Paul.  A memorial service for Mary took place at Saints Peter and Paul Episcopal Church, Portland, on February 2, 2023.  Donations in her name to that parish are urgently needed and will be gratefully acknowledged.