Mary Lee (Harding) Wales

IN LOVING MEMORY

Mary Lee (Harding) Wales, RN

BEAVERTON - Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, church and charity volunteer, and faithful friend-Mary Lee (Harding) Wales died peacefully in Beaverton, Oregon on November 24, 2002 after a long illness. She was 94.

Born in 1928 in Boston, MA, Mary Lee grew up in Braintree, MA spending childhood summers with her family on Woods Pond in Bridgton, ME-a place she returned every year to rejuvenate through nature and rural simplicity.

She graduated from Thayer Academy in 1946, and from Skidmore College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing in 1950. She trained for two years in New York City, on Manhattan's Lower East Side. It was there she developed her passion for public health, the Brooklyn Dodgers, the Episcopal Church and her seven, nursing "buddies"-affectionally known as the "Gang of Eight".

Mary Lee married Donald B. Wales in 1951. They made their home in Milton, MA where they raised their two sons and in later years lovingly cared for elderly parents. In 1987 they retired to Salem, OR to be closer to family. Mary Lee remained Don's first love and best friend during their 56 year marriage and was his primary caregiver for the last eight years of his life.

She began knitting sweaters and warm clothing for the allied troops during WWII and never stopped; later expanding to crocheting baby cloths, blankets, bed spreads etc. for children's charities and the homeless. An avid reader, it was rare to find her at home without a good book to share, or without her knitting needles firmly in hand.

She was a faithful member of St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Milton, MA for 32 years; a source of strength and prayerful peace that sustained her through good and challenging times. After moving to Oregon, she continued her faith journey at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Salem for 34 years, working with parish charities and knitting for the disenfranchised members of her community.

During her long life, Mary Lee committed herself to her loving family, her faith, public health, Red Cross charity work, and to her many, many life-long friends that she developed and retained from the age of 3 to the end of her life. She was a good listener and kept a warm, gracious smile for everyone.

Mary Lee is preceded in death by her husband Don (2007), and survived by her two sons, Donald B. Wales Jr. (wife Marne), John H. Wales (wife Jean); five grandchildren, Ellen (husband Aaron), Sarah (partner Scott), Sandra (husband Ashley), Nicholas, and Joseph (wife Katie); and by five great-children; Parker, Levi, Hudson, Mila, and Alden.

Contributions in Mary Lee's name can be made to the American Red Cross. Services will be private.