Mary, 97, a longtime Mercer Island resident passed away peacefully at her care facility on November 14th. She is survived by Steve and Gena Sears, Janice Sears and Tom Brown, Taylor Sears and Elle & Hannes Kranich. Her husband, Robert (Bob) S Sears preceded her in death.
Born as Lorraine Hood to Jessie, 41, (milliner) and Fred, 35, (entrepreneur) Hood in Seattle on February 19th, 1924, Mary grew up as an only child in Aberdeen with many delightful memories. She graduated from Garfield High School in 1941 after her family moved to Seattle. Mary (aka Peach) went on to attend University of Washington where she met her husband and graduated in 1945 with a degree in Home Economics.
Choosing marriage over a relocation to New York City, Mary wed Bob on July 2nd, 1947, following his return from WWII as a glider mechanic.
In 1950 they purchased land on the south end of Mercer Island near Mary’s college roommates. While building a small 1950’s home they lived at Shorewood Apartments. As planned, they raised their son, R Steve Sears and daughter Janice Sears in a wonderful place. (They also had two foster children, Karen and Mike, in the early 60’s).
Mary’s passions were her family, faith, friends, children and politics, probably in that order. She also enjoyed socializing, crafts, sewing and being active in the Mercer Island Schools, and in her church on the island. In midlife, she cared for several family elders.
Later in life Mary was able to travel, which she loved. The only regret she ever voiced was not having been to Europe. Mary, being an independent person, stayed in the house after her husband passed away in 1996, with the help of others, until she relocated to Covenant Shores, former Shorewood Apartments, in 2012, going full circle.
The last several years of Mary’s life were not easy. But she will be fondly remembered for her smile, kindness, perseverance, good humor and, of course, her cookies!
Having outlived most, per her wishes there will be no service. The immediate family will gather at Lakeview Cemetery in Seattle where she will join Jessie, Fred and Bob.
Memorial donations can be made to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound.
