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Mary Wiley-Harris Obituary

Mary, 86, of Orlando, passed away peacefully at home in September. An ER nurse, but best known as the "MADD Mom" for her efforts to reduce drunk driving fatalities. After her 20 year old daughter, Alice, was killed by a drunk driver in 1980, she started the first Florida chapter of Mother's Against Drunk Driving. MADD increased awareness, comforted families, and helped to enact tougher drunk driving laws reducing the fatality rate by half.

The Orlando Sentinel named Mary "Floridian of the Year" in 1984, and MADD's activism earned Walt Disney World's "Top Community Service Award."

Her family and friends honored her privately, miss her warmth, generosity, and gracious spirit. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to MADD or Hospice. This MADD Mom has made a big difference!

Please Don't Drink & Drive!

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Orlando Sentinel from Nov. 16 to Nov. 17, 2019.

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4 Entries

Carson Loveless

September 25, 2024

Condolences to her family

November 18, 2019

Mary became an inspiration to me after our nineteen year old son was killed by a drunk driver on Thanksgiving evening, 1984. She offered support and comfort. My husband and I volunteered for MADD and worked with her for many years. I have never known anyone more devoted to her cause. Thank you, Mary, for being such a loving mother and for creating this wonderful cause.

Melanie King

November 18, 2019

Although I didn't know her, I remember her for being a huge impact on MADD. May she Rest In Peace and bless her for the awareness of drunk driving. I was involved in SADD in high school from 85 to 88.

Thomas Stephens

November 17, 2019

Mary was our beloved neighbor for 41 years. We consider her a part of our family. She will be dearly missed.

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