Mary J. Strong's Obituary
Longtime resident of Tucson, Arizona Mary J. Strong (nee: Mayes) was peacefully ushered into heaven on January 10, 2020.
Born May 21, 1936 in Belton, Texas, Mary was the 3rd of 8 children born to Lee Allen Mayes, Sr. and Opal G. Mayes Romero.
On May 4,1959 Mary wed the love of her life, now, S/Sgt David A. Strong, US Army (Ret.). During their union she enjoyed living in many parts of the US and abroad. As a devoted Army wife and loving Mother, she became a pillar of strength and the glue that held her family together in her husband’s absence when the call of duty sounded.
After transitioning to civilian life in the early 70’s she and her family made Arizona their permanent home. Mary opened her home and babysat and ironed for several local families, some of whom became lifelong friends. In later years she was employed at Dillard’s in Tucson Mall in the customer service and gift wrap departments.
In her spare time Mary was an expert seamstress, a master at needle work, crafting, quilting, baking and crossword puzzles. Of all her creative endeavors nothing brought her greater joy than gift wrapping for others from home. Many NW Tucson residents will fondly remember Mary as “The Gift Wrapper” during the Christmas holidays. Her impeccable gift-wrapping skills earned her that infamous title for 25 years.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents Lee Allen Mayes, Sr. and Opal G. Mayes Romero, 2 brothers and 4 sisters and 2 sons Donald Glenn Walter and William Dale Walter.
An amazing woman, loving Wife, Mother, Grandma, Great Grandma, Sister, Aunt and friend, Mary is survived by her loving, devoted and adoring husband of 60 years 8 months,
S/Sgt David A. Strong, US Army (Ret).
Her 5 loving daughters, Susan Bartel of AZ (Bill), Deborah Hosea of MO (Jimmy), Sabrina Kiselicka of AZ (Dave), Pamela Lyngard of AZ (Bob) and Patricia Lipp of MO.
Her loving brother Garland Mayes of TX (Marcia)
In addition, Mary leaves behind 14 grandchildren, 23.5 great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends. She is loved and sorely missed by all.
Mary always preferred the personal touch, in lieu of services she intentionally created loved filled moments in every life she touched. She preferred, she and her life would be remembered and celebrated through personal memories in time with her by those she loves and all who love her.
What’s your fondest memory of Mary?
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