Mary passed away peacefully in her home on May 8, 2016; she was 78. She was born February 24, 1938 in Salem, Utah to Fornatus and Lavina Marchant Thompson.
She is preceded in death by, her mother, father, baby brother Oscar, precious granddaughter, Kera Ann and beloved son, Jason. She is survived by her caring son, Craig Casimir; Brothers Evan (Norene) Thompson, and Albert (Faye) Thompson; sister, Maxine (Lyle) Skabelund; granddaughter Chelsey (Scott); and great granddaughter, Courtney. She had many nieces and nephews of which she had a special bond with her niece Deanna and great niece, Brittany.
She was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She had a strong testimony of the Gospel and loved her Savior.
Mary grew up in Salem, UT and graduated from Spanish Fork High School. She continued her education at Beauty College and Barber school. At the age of 23, she moved to Las Vegas, NV, and at 36 she moved to New Orleans, LA. After one year she returned to Salt Lake City, Utah, which she loved and called home. She was an amazing Stylist/Barber and owned several salons over her 43 year career. To supplement her income, she delivered The Salt Lake Tribune downtown and through Emigration Canyon. She did this tirelessly for many years and rarely took a day off.
As a single mother, she felt her greatest accomplishment and joy was being a mom to her two sons. She was always very proud of them.
She had a quick wit and loved to make others laugh. She enjoyed working outside in her yard and always had the most beautiful gardens. She also enjoyed second hand stores and yard sales. Mary didn’t always do things the conventional way; but did it her way selflessly. She was a great story teller, listener, and always made time for others.
To know Mary was to love her; she had a love for people and knew no strangers. She was grateful for what she had, but would give it away to help someone else. Mary changed the course of so many lives and always left a lasting impression on anyone she met. She always felt people deserved another chance and believed in those who had lost hope in themselves. She gave even if it meant she went without. Her life wasn’t always easy; but she never complained and always made it work. Mary exemplified strength, courage, determination, and love.
Even in her last days she stayed positive and was witty in full Mary fashion. In her words, “I am Wonderful!”
She will be missed but never forgotten.
Graveside services will be held Saturday, May 21, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at the Salem City Cemetery, 130 East 965 South, Salem, Utah.
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