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Mary Kanda Obituary

MARY KANDA Mary Kanda, a northern New Mexico resident, died on May 21 in Gloucester, Massachusetts, at the age of 61, surrounded and cared for by loving friends. Mary had lived in New Mexico for close to 35 years, having grown up in Oregon and California. She attended the San Francisco Art Institute and was a highly respected New Mexico artist, working in the areas of etched and slumped glass, ceramics, jewelry design and fabrication, and other media. Mary was devoted to many causes, perhaps most strongly to the care and protection of animals, both domestic and wild. She also had a strong passion for organic gardening. Mary is survived by her loving mother and three sisters, who live in the Pacific Northwest, and a wide group of devoted and loving friends from all points of the compass, and last but not least by her devoted canine companion, Magpie.

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Published by Santa Fe New Mexican from May 28 to May 30, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
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Sponsored by Her Loving Family.

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beadwork & mixed media by Mary

Joy Etosha

May 7, 2018

Mary is missed by family, friends, fellow artists & wild birds in need of raising.
Thanks to all of you that have left your kind remembrances & kept this guestbook online.
Mary's acquaintances were spread both by distance & time & news of her death is still new to some.
she lives on in our hearts, in the work she left behind & in the work & spirits of those she influenced. I was lucky to have her as an older sister & missed her immediately when she left home.
but she found her own home in Santa Fe. she loved the look of it & it's mix of culture & found her own loving family of friends. I'm incredibly proud of her for all she did in her life & feel blessed to have had her in mine.

Jari Knudsen Serra

March 17, 2018

Mary and I were best friends from 5th-7th grade, climbing rocks and sharing our young life philosophies. On my first time down a ski slope, I fell and hurt myself. I cried and cried. Mary skied down after me, fell and broke her leg, and never made a sound. She was tough but so loving and funny. I moved, and we eventually lost touch. I've missed her so many times since then. Feeling sad to find out now that she is gone. If anyone knows the whereabouts of her mother Karen or sisters Kay, Susan or Joy, please contact me at mobile 541-728-8667. Blessings to those who cared for her in her last days.

Eric Knudsen

March 16, 2018

I have a vivid memory of opening the door for her at Tumalo Elementary School when she was on crutches with her leg in a cast. I had such a feeling of awe that I had a friend like her.

June 18, 2016

I have a bracelet that I will cherish. What a uniquely talented woman.

Brooks Hollern

June 16, 2016

Loved you since Jr high and will forever. See you Soon!

Brooks Hollern

June 16, 2016

I am computer illiterate, so this is probably a fail. I have loved MK since Jr Hi. We connected about once a year and the bond was always immediate. I am sad, lost, and lonely

June 16, 2016

I have loved Mary deeply since junior high school.. We connected about once a year since, but the bond was always immediate. I am shocked, lost, and lonesome. She was a great artist (she's why i took three years of Art in high school!) but more than her art, she will be remembered for her heart, her soul, and her love and fascination for life its own self.

J Jones

April 28, 2016

A gifted artistic spirit. Innovative. Creative.
She created magical jewelry.
Gone too soon

December 10, 2014

Such a talented artist!
She will be missed.
Lisa Houck

Courtney Lipson

October 6, 2014

I have been thinking of Mary for months now and have just this evening found out she passed. She was my original inspiration for working in bead mosaics, and we spoke on the phone a couple times. I am so saddened to hear the world has lost an innovative spirit. My best wishes to all who were close to her.

Jo Ferdinand

June 15, 2014

Mary was not only a talented artist but a talented songbird rehabber. She had a magic touch with baby finches which are so hard to raise. I will miss you mary.

Liz Wallace

June 14, 2014

I just found out about this yesterday. I'm so saddened. I took her enameling class last year at sfcc but i had seen her work in magazines forever. She was very into Native culture n we had many good talks. I'm glad to hear she left this world surrounded by loved ones. She will be missed. My own work is better because I knew her.

Susan & Jeff Wise

June 1, 2014

Mary you were loved by many ....and we miss your presence..
So much spunk,style and creative sensitivity
Almost from the era of the Gibson Girls ....Mary Mary
Too young

I was first captivated by Mary's unerring eye and great workmanship, then by her spirit and delightfully oddball sense of humor. I miss you, Mary.

Hayne Bayless

June 1, 2014

Claudia Mills

June 1, 2014

I will always remember Mary's great smile and genuine caring and kindness. I was so honored when she wanted to trade with me. I will treasure the pin I have of hers. So sorry to lose her so early in life.

May 31, 2014

I will always miss Mary's gentle spirit and wry sense of humor. She brought so much talent to the fields she worked in, especially to the field of contemporary beadwork design. I treasure the pieces I have from her, and hope that new vistas of creativity await her in heaven.

Allison Barnett

May 30, 2014

Mary was a great artist and we represented her works at Patina since we opened in 1999. I sought her out for her unique and playful color arrangements with beads and grout! I will miss seeing Mary walk through our doors on a beautiful sun shining day in Santa Fe! Rest in peace Mary!!

May 30, 2014

May 30, 2014

Juanita Girardin Larry Fielder

May 30, 2014

The sensitivities of an artist shaped all that Mary did in her life, from her jewelry making to her animal rescue work. Her mosaic bead jewelry was a beautiful and innovative contribution to the field of contemporary jewelry. She was well known and well respected by everyone in the contemporary fine craft movement for her unique achievements and individual voice. Mary was a rare artist and strong individual. She left us remembrances of her brilliance and the world was a better place for her being here. We will miss her very much.

Valerie Fairchild

May 29, 2014

Mary was a very kind and talented person. Her work had innovation and spirit. She will be missed.

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