Mary E. Wallace

Wallace, Mary E.
passed away at age 100 and nine months on April 17, 2011 in Scottsdale, AZ. Mary was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and dear friend to many people around the world. Mary was an Art Educator for 30 years and received her BA and MA degrees in Art Education from Ball State Teacher's College, Muncie, IN, where she was also a member of the Alpha Sigma Tau sorority. Her love of teaching, unique and creative approaches, coupled with her ability to see beauty in all things, was shared with students at the Chemawa Indian School in Salem, OR, and Winchester, Montpelier, Bluffton and Elkhart schools in Indiana. Until she retired, Mary was an art professor at Broward Community College in Fort Lauderdale, FL, where she was fondly known as the "Kite Lady" for flying kites above the campus every day. Mary's generous spirit was contagious as were her warm hugs. As a member of the Baha'i Faith, she opened her home to many, always sharing her love with all mankind, especially with her family whom she loved deeply. When asked how she was, Mary would reply, "I'm happy and joyful and glad to know you!" As a widely traveled world citizen, her memory will be cherished by others forever. Mary was preceded in death by her husband Robert W. Wallace and brothers Lee A. Davis and Gene P. Davis. Survivors include her son R. David Wallace (Cynthia Coleman) Phoenix, AZ; daughter Nancy J. Showalter (Irvin) Indianapolis, IN; sister Jane B. Skillen, Salem, IN; brother Paul W. Davis (Lois) Indianapolis, IN; four grandchildren: John R. Wallace, Susan E. Rees, Stuart W. Showalter, Jennifer A. Brough and great-grandchildren Greyson Wallace, Therin Showalter and Alexandria Wallace. Services will be held on Saturday April 23, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at the Desert Rose Baha'i Center, 1950 W. William Sears Drive, Eloy, AZ. Flowers are welcome at the Desert Rose Baha'i Center for the service and contributions in memory of Mary Wallace may be made to any Baha'i Community. Please visit Messinger Mortuaries website at www.MessingerMortuary.com to leave on-line condolences.