Mary Elizabeth Mallory, was a Teacher (Ret.) at Weed Elementary School who lived in Medford for more than 20 years. Surrounded by her family Mary died peacefully, in the privacy of Granddaughter Michelle’s, and her husband John’s home, where she had lived the last 2-yrs. She was 98years old.
Mary was born in Muskegon, MI on March 17,1924. Dora Nahrgang and Fred Paul Berger, her parents were Austrian and German immigrants. She had a spark for the American Dream, Patriotism, Politics and History.
When she was 3, her father was killed, while walking to work and was run over by a car that jumped the curb. She and her two brothers were placed in an orphanage for 5yrs. Her Mother was pregnant & ill from her Father’s death, and could not care for them. Mary quit high school in order to work and bring income into the family. She was a Nanny for a Doctor. She moved to Florida when she was 18, worked and took night classes to obtain her diploma.
Mary met her husband, Robert H Mallory “Bob” at the USO Club. He was in the Navy. They married 6-mos later on May 26,1946, at St Augustine, Fl. They moved back to Weed so Bob could help run Mallory Chevrolet Co. They raised three children, Ron, Ken and Renne’.
Mary enjoyed cooking, reading, studying birds, flora, fauna and knew their scientific names. She loved teaching: Ski lessons with Mt. Shasta Harold Ski School; swimming lessons including Life Saving at Dunsmuir Pool and Weed Pool. Early on she was a teacher at Edgewood Elem and then 6th Grade at Weed Elem. She loved camping, Nature, starting in the 50’s Bridge Club, Dance Club and all card games. In 1962 she took her children on a trip across the USA, camping daily, except for a rare occasional motel stay. She wanted her children to see Historic Landmarks, National Parks and her family. Yearly, Bob and their family would go Aboloning at the coast. Medicine Lake was also summer camping. She and Bob traveled to many places throughout the world.
Mary and Bob had girls from Japan, Mina & Ritsuko, going to COS, live with them. Mina stayed for 2-yrs. A Navy Seal and his German wife, Mikalia stayed with them while attending COS. During the Winter storms with roads closed, the church needed families take in people who were stranded. She and Bob were always welcoming and had many families stay with them throughout the years.
Mary was one of the first graduates from COS, with an AA degree. After her children were grown, she graduated from SOSC with a Bachelors & Masters degree in teaching. She retired after 20 yrs of teaching 6th grade at 70 yrs old. She enjoyed learning to speak some Italian and Spanish.
The last two decades of her life, Mary and Molly her dog, moved to Medford to live close to family. Her husband, Bob and three brothers, Paul, George & Fred preceded her in death.
Mary, lovingly referred to as Noni & Mary Sunshine, is survived
by her children: Ron(Amanda)Mallory of Point Reyes Station, CA, Ken (Christy) Mallory of Weed, CA & Renne’ (Mike) Mallory-Davis of Medford, OR. Her 3 Grandchildren Bryce, Michelle and Ryan with their spouses, 8 Great grandchildren and 2 Great Great Grands.
