Mary Emad

Mary Nurney Ray Glasgow Emad, 78, passed away on Sunday, April 21, 2013, in Charlottesville, Virginia. She was born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, the daughter of Nurney Sophie Millar and Raymond D. Glasgow. In 1952, Mary graduated from McKinley High School in Winchester, Indiana, and then attended Butler University, graduating in 1956 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Education. For several years, Mary was a member of Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin Fellowship community, an experience that enriched her intellectual and creative spirit. Mary also worked for almost 20 years at the University of Maryland in administrative positions in the microbiology and performing arts departments. Later in life, Mary pursued her true passions--reading and children's literature--by earning a Master of Library Science degree from the University of Maryland in 1992. She worked as a librarian in the Prince Georges County public library system until her retirement, and especially enjoyed working on the bookmobile and in the children's section. Mary is survived by her two children, Lena Emad Braatz and Fawzi Philip Emad Jr.; her children's father, Fawzi Philip Emad Sr.; two grandchildren, Elise and David Braatz; and her son-in-law, James Braatz. She is also survived by her nine younger brothers and sisters, Rose Manning, Carole Wittman, Tony Laker, Art Laker, John Laker, Jim Laker, Vince Glasgow, David Glasgow, and Christine Curry; and her stepmother, Anne Glasgow. Mary taught several of her siblings to read, and was a talented storyteller. She could invent an exciting tale to entertain her children or grandchildren at the drop of a hat. Mary will be remembered for her unique and independent spirit, for sharing her love of books and reading, for her love of chocolate, and for quoting her favorite Shakespeare line, "to thine own self be true." A private memorial will be held at a later date. Donations in Mary's memory may be made to First Book (www.firstbook.org), an organization that provides new books to needy children.


This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.