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Mary Alice Gordon, 85, died on November 29th, 2019. She traveled from Lawrence, KS to Fort Collins, CO with her daughter that day, arriving in time to watch her grandson-in-law bake a pie for a Saturday Thanksgiving Feast. Mary experienced a stroke a few hours later, and passed peacefully that night, surrounded by her family.
Mary, known to her grandkids (both biological and not) as "Gamby," was born to Leslie and Florence Demeritt on November 12, 1934, in Lawrence, KS. She lived in a farmhouse that didn't have running water or electricity until she was 14 years old. Growing up, she was athletic and was a softball pitcher for the town of Clinton and eventually played basketball while at University of Kansas. In 1955, she married Charles Gordon, principal of then-known Central Junior High, gaining two young step-daughters, Kathy and Mary. She had her daughter, Lori, in 1957. She and Charles divorced in 1962, though she maintained close relationships with her step-daughters throughout her life. Aside from 4 years spent in California, she spent her entire life in Lawrence, KS.
Mary graduated from the University of Kansas with a B.S in Physical Education and taught at Central Junior High and Haskell University and later obtained an M.S. in Education from KU. She earned certification in Special Education for Visual Impairment from the University of Northern Colorado. She became a teacher for blind and visually impaired students of the Lawrence Public School District, working in multiple schools and teaching summer school for the blind from her own home. Being a student of Mary Gordon's didn't end with graduation, as she taught most of her students from pre-school through adulthood. Her kids learned how to be successful in every subject they took and every interest they had, while also absorbing extensive life skills along the way. She began coordinating with the BOLD program (Blind Outdoor Leisure Development) for blind and visually impaired individuals. For 20 consecutive years, she raised funds from various community groups to make these ski trips to Aspen by school bus a reality. They included students from both Kansas and Missouri school districts.
While working as a full-time teacher, she also became the President of the Association for Education and Rehabilitation for Blind and Visually Impaired, as well as President for the Lawrence Teacher's Association. She was a member of the Clinton Lake Historical Society, Phi Delta Kappa, Delta Kappa Gamma, the Lawrence Education Association, Mortar Board Alumna, Daughters of American Revolution, K-NEA, and life member of NEA. In 1988, she received the Kansas Special Educator of the Year Award. In 1993, she earned the Kansas Master Teacher Award from Emporia State University, as well as the Outstanding Educators Award from the University of Kansas. In 2003, she was inducted into the Lawrence High School Hall of Honor (She'd be the first to tell you she was inducted in 2003 along with Danny Manning).
Following her retirement in 1999, Mary continued to dedicate her life to serve others. She became a director of the Lawrence Lions Club, an international organization dedicated to bettering the lives of blind and visually impaired individuals through community outreach. She worked as a volunteer for Lawrence Memorial Hospital and was previously on the board for the Visiting Nurses Association of Lawrence. In an unofficial capacity, she dedicated her efforts in fundraising and providing for the needs of her former students. Being a student of Mary Gordon meant being her student for life.
Mary was an adoptive mother and grandmother to many. She loved her Jayhawks, and proudly showed it with a wardrobe that was almost completely red and royal blue. She couldn't go to a restaurant without seeing an old friend, and almost just as frequently, making a new one. She was often late, but it was usually because she was chatting with an old student on the phone or filling her bird feeder at the last minute. She planted her garden to be a perfect habitat for monarch butterflies. Although Mary spent her whole life in Lawrence, KS, she loved exploring new places and cultures, including China, Egypt, Turkey, Costa Rica, Netherlands, Greece, and even above the Arctic Circle. She loved her family, friends and the Lawrence community with all of her heart. She was always genuinely happy to see you and you felt loved when you were with her. She would've been glad to know that she went quickly, without a fuss, and with her loved ones holding her.
Mary was predeceased by her parents Leslie and Florence Demeritt, her brother Leslie "Laddie" Demeritt, and brother-in-law Robert "Bob" Parker. She is survived by her daughter Lori Tilson and son-in-law Wayne Tilson, step-daughter and son-in-law Mary and Dale Mitchell, step-daughter Kathy Gordon, grandchildren Joe Heacock, Megan Gleeson (husband Sam), Scott Mitchell (wife Lorena) and Kristen Hase (husband Chris), and sister Martha Parker. She also leaves 5 great-grandchildren (Juli, Ian, Ava, Alex, and Noah), and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. A visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00pm Thursday, December 5th at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. On Friday, December 6th, a brief graveside service will be held at 11:30am at Clinton Cemetery, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 3:00pm at the Lawrence First Presbyterian Church with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lions Club of Lawrence Foundation in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. On the memo line, please write "Mary Gordon Fund." Donations to this fund will be used for charitable purposes to continue Mary Gordon's legacy of community support.
Condolences may be sent at rumsey-yost.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I helped Mary at the grocery store the day before she was to leave to Colorado and she had told me about the pie that she was looking forward to. I will miss seeing her smiling face and wonderful conversation.
Kylee Manahan
December 9, 2019
She was persistent and upbeat ~ always an inspiration and always active. My condolences to family and friends.
Sean Williams
December 9, 2019
I will miss Mary, for she was special to me.
Lori Clark
December 8, 2019
I was saddened to read of the loss of this special lady. When she became your child's teacher, she became yours as well, a light for any child and parent to follow. As a teacher and a person, she will be missed. Rest in peace, Mary Gordon. My wish is that God has provided for you all the things you found pleasure in. Condolences to the family for your loss.
Sharon Aikins
December 7, 2019
Mary had such a big heart. I enjoyed getting to know her through the Lions Club. My condolences to her family.
Stephanie Wilson
December 6, 2019
My heart is sadden by the loss of Mary. She always had a beautiful smile on her face for everyone. She was a wonderful volunteer at LMH Health, and she will be missed by all her fellow volunteers. God Bless you all.
Jan Pollard
December 6, 2019
Whenever I ran into Mary it was such a pleasure. I met her when I taught special ed and continued to see her throughout different occasions. She will be missed.
Janine Monaghan
December 6, 2019
Mary was such a wonderful person. She was a light in every room and we are all better for knowing her. Prayers for her family and friends.
Midge Grinstead
December 5, 2019
I am so sad to hear of Mary's passing. She was in all ways a wonderful person and will be sorely missed; we have certainly lost a light in our world...in our community. Prayers and condolences for the family.
Kim Murphree
December 5, 2019
I was saddened to see this news. So sorry for your sudden loss. My father, Alan Fisher, worked with Mary in restoring the name of Liberty Memorial Central Middle School. Dad spoke highly of her.
Kent Fisher
December 5, 2019
Lori and Wayne - I am so sorry about Mary. I just heard. She was a great lady and I always enjoyed visiting with her whether at the hospital when she volunteered or if I saw her at the store.
Liz Botkin
December 5, 2019
A teacher... everyone who knew her could look up to her and learn from her positive heart. She will be missed by many friends.
Mary Hacker
December 4, 2019
Mary was one of the teachers that I will always remember for her love, compassion and care for her students. What a gem she was. I feel for her family and friends, because she will be sadly missed.
Marcia Riley
December 4, 2019
My condolences to Lori, Wayne and all the family.
Mary was a bright light at the information desk at LMH.
She baked one (many) delicious cookies she used to bribe me with to be her best friend compared to her other friend named Mary Gordon. She was always a delight to be around and I felt privileged to know her and be adopted by her. With all her good deeds , I 'm sure she was warmly welcomed up in heaven.
Peace to all her family. Lawrence is better because of her.
Robert Trepinski
December 3, 2019
MARY WAS A WONDERFUL TEACHER AND FRIEND. SHE WILL TRUELY BE MISSED . GOD BLESS.
BOB SEBREE
December 3, 2019
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Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS 66044
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Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS 66044
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