Mary C. Bronson

BRONSON, Mary C.

Beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend passed away May 26, 2011 surrounded by family. Preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Eugene Bronson.

Born in Seattle on July 20th 1920 to Vernon and Margaret Chase, Mary later moved to Spokane. While in High School at Lewis and Clark, Mary took six months off to visit relatives in Honolulu. While there she took Hula lessons which started a lifetime of entertainment for family and friends. Upon her return to Lewis and Clark, she met her future husband Gene Bronson. Both graduated from Lewis and Clark in 1939 and were married two years later while attending Washington State College. After graduation Gene joined the Navy and served on an attack transport while Mary left for Boston to do her internship in dietetics at Peter Bent Brigham Hospital. After working in Chicago and Boston, Mary returned to Spokane where she was the first consulting dietitian when Rockwood Manor opened. She also worked as a dietitian at Deaconess Hospital.

After the war ended Gene returned from the Navy and they started their family. Typical of the times, Mary grew a large garden and canned the fruit and vegetables. Mary sewed most of the children's clothes, complete with matching Easter outfits each year. She was active in the PTA and was a Campfire leader. Her homemade root beer made her a favorite among the neighborhood children.

In their retirement years Mary and Gene enjoyed dancing and traveled throughout the world on cruises. Mary was a 60 year member of the American Dietetics Association, Past President of Women of Rotary, member of Westerners, League of Women Voters and BO chapter of PEO and Lifetime Member of Civic Theatre. Her hobbies included golf, bridge, photography, sewing, and gardening. She was an avid reader and corresponded with many friends around the world.

Though never a smoker, Mary was diagnosed with lung cancer a year ago. That diagnosis did not stop Mary. She quickly wrote out a bucket list and started to live each day to the fullest. At 90 years old she completed the 15 mile Hiawatha bike trail from the comfort of a pedicab. She remained upbeat and spirited throughout her physical ordeal.

Mary is survived by daughters Suzanne McCool (Larry) of Kelso Washington and Mary Moltke of Spokane; grand chillden Kelly Covey of Seattle, Heather Moltke (Tyler Tournabene) of Spokane and Heidi Moltke of New York City, brothers Glen Brush of Tacoma, Jim Brush of Los Vegas, Vernon Chase Jr. of Seattle and an aunt, Glade Beresford of Millbrae, California. Mary is also survived by two daughters estranged from the family, Gail Harsh (Tom) of Seattle and Jeana Deal (Jim) of Wenatchee.

Mary and Gene were always embarking on building projects together. They worked hand in hand building homes and lake cabins. Their summers were spent at their Twin Lakes, Idaho home enjoying fishing, swimming and golfing.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held on Thursday, June 9 at 1 PM at the MAC, 2316 West 1st Avenue. A reception will follow at the Roberts Mansion at 1923 W 1st Avenue.