Mary Butler Getty obituary, 1966-2022, Portland, OR

In memory of

Mary Butler Getty

1966 - 2022

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Debbie Gorenstein

February 27, 2025

Mary is always with me. I see her smiling eyes, heart felt laughter, and loving hug. What a wise woman to teach alongside me.

Hailey Gabriel

March 16, 2024

she was the best teacher i ever had, i still keep the gratitude notes and love rocks we made from her. keep your head held high

Debbie Gorenstein

February 27, 2024

I carry your joyful energy within my life, Mary. I miss you.

Debbie Gorenstein

February 14, 2023

Mary, you are within me now. I carry your laughter, insight and wisdom with me. Hope and love towards your beautiful family remaining here on Earth.

Yuri

January 23, 2023

She was a very special teacher who only thought of caring others. Her warm and radiating smile was contagious; and she made everyday better and brighter for me and I´m sure, for many other students as well. As a student of her fifth grade class, I will forever remember her. I enjoyed her fun, hands-on activities very much. Even if she may not be here physically, I know that she will remain in my heart. May she rest in peace.

Sarah

April 9, 2022

Mrs. Getty is by far one of the best teachers I've ever had. She was so supportive and encouraging, always pushing us to try our hardest. She saw potential in her students that no one else did. Mrs. Getty, you left such a positive impact on so many students lives. Thank you for all the warmth and happiness you've brought to the world.

Tom Klansnic

April 9, 2022

Mary touched my life by teaching me about the Rosarians with David Althaus at various events. was always touched by her friendship and our common love of teaching. Rest in Peace....God Bless you.

Claire Son

April 8, 2022

Mrs. Getty was one of my favorite teachers in my time at Jacob Wismer. I was her student two years ago, and she inspired me to write and share my stories. Her classroom always felt like a safe, positive space, and even when the pandemic hit, her online lessons were no less engaging. Mrs. Getty, you will always be remembered fondly by many, many of your students. Deepest condolences to her family.

Mary Taylor

March 27, 2022

I met Mary when our kids were in pre-school together; she always made me laugh so hard. I love the memories of hanging out with her having a drink, or when we went to the Crystal Ballroom dancing! She was full of life and so caring. She called me Sister Mary Agnes which always made me bust out laughing. She asked me to mentor her kids in high school through Sunset's mentorship program and it was my honor to help them with college and career planning. My thoughts and prayers are with the kids. We're here for you.

Angelika Olsen and Family

March 21, 2022

Like many of you, I met Mary over 20 years ago when we were both young moms. Despite busy lives we stayed connected even after we moved away to Bend.
I have a sweet little story about Mary. Long ago, must have been about 2002, she shared with me that she was volunteering at The Ronald McDonald House and that she had been tasked with the folding and stacking of the fitted sheets. She took the responsibility seriously, concerned about doing it well, she researched proper techniques and took her direction from the current day expert, Martha Stewart. Mary shared with me the what she had learned, even demonstrating it for me. I took note as it seemed valuable information. She had a way of making even the most mundane thing, like sheet folding, meaningful.

Since that day with Mary, I have washed and folded many, many fitted sheets, and every single time, it has brought me a smile as I recall my friend Mary. I know that in the years ahead, I will continue to think of Mary often. I will miss her.

I am terribly saddened that our bright light, a person that brought so much to so many, was stolen from us and her family. I will never understand it and hope that in some way, her sacrifice can inspire all of us to be closer, better and more whole.

In honor of Mary's memory, our family is donating to the Ronald McDonald House.

Joan McFadden

March 20, 2022

Every principal should be so fortunate to have had a teacher like Mary Getty on their staff. As the principal of Jacob Wismer from 2008-2021, I witnessed first hand how much Mary influenced the lives of her students. Walking into her classroom was always inspiring. She knew her students so well. She knew how to motivate each one because she made such an effort to get to know them. She knew their interests. She knew their aspirations and dreams. She knew where they excelled. And she knew where they might need a little more help. I always thought that I would love to have had Mary for my own children´s teacher. They would have loved her as much as I loved her. Her memory will live on not only through her students but through everyone who knew her.

Single Memorial Tree

Stacey, Jake, Joseph, Jason

Planted Trees

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Rohan Sessions

Planted Trees

Haritha

March 17, 2022

A cherished teacher and a wonderful human. She´s left a lasting impression on our family as a 5th grade teacher to put younger child. She will forever live in our hearts. Deepest sympathies to her children.

Shannon Lynch

March 17, 2022

I was fortunate to meet Mary when our children were preschool age. She taught me the ins and outs of the Cedar Hills indoor play gym and THPRD classes. Always the teacher and guide to those around her. Although our busy lives took us in different directions, it was as if no time had passed when we would cross paths. Her bright smile was always a joy to see and a reminder of a true friend. My deepest sympathy to her children and family for the loss of such a wonderful person.
Shannon

Joan Strong

March 16, 2022

What a wonderful ray of sunshine you were, Mary! A smile that lit up a room with a personality that did the same. You were so many things to so many people, but if I had to describe you in one word it would be unforgettable! Your light still shines brightly just from a different place! Shine on, sweet friend!

Janice & Dave Flanagan

March 14, 2022

Our thoughts & prayers to the children, & family. Mary was a good friend, very special, more like family. We enjoyed the all times together, & watching the children grow. You will be truly missed.

Cari Shaw

March 9, 2022

I worked with Mary at Jacob Wismer Elementary for a few years. Mary was an incredible teacher and friend. My deepest condolences to her family, she is missed.

Suzanne W. Hadley

March 8, 2022

Mary was such a loving, beloved woman. I met her through her tender end-of-life care for her mom. Mary clearly was an angel. May she rest in peace and rise in glory! Amen.

Olivia Mancia

March 8, 2022

11 years ago she pushed my parents to get me screened for ADD. Found out about my anxiety, depression & panic disorder. If I hadn´t gotten that diagnosis I´m not sure I´d be here today. When I would go into a panic attack, she would treat me like her own child trying to help me. Cant imagine what the family is going through

Emily Mancia

March 8, 2022

Mary Getty taught both of my daughters at Jacob Wismer. Our older daughter when she was the long-term sub for Mrs. Bailey, who was out on maternity leave, and also for our younger daughter for the last of the Looping years, of 4th and 5th grades. She had a particularly large impact on my younger daughter, Olivia. Olivia was struggling to focus in class, and Mrs. Getty took notice. She went into action to do something to help her. With the help of a special volunteer/friend of hers, she suggested we seek the right kind of help for our daughter. That set off a series of assistance for Olivia that enabled her to survive the rest of her school years. I will be forever grateful to her for this treasured, kind, and incredible help she gave to us! If it weren´t for her, I honestly don´t know what would have happened with our sweet daughter, who happened to share her middle name with Mary´s daughter, Caroline. Thank you, Mary, for being the amazing teacher and friend you were! Until we meet again, Goodbye, Mrs. Getty. Otherwise known as Mrs. Sunshine.

Emily Mancia

Holly Morgan

March 8, 2022

Your presence is missed more than words can capture. You made an incredible impact on the lives you touched. I will never forget you-your smile, your laughter, your welcoming spirit, your positive energy. I will hold my
memories with you close to my heart.

John and Kathy Bley

March 7, 2022

Mary, from the first time we met you at the AZD house at the UW, we knew you were such a special lady. Your smile and laughter filled the whole room. Your parents were so wonderful and your wedding was beautiful. Our hearts are heavy with your early passing and we only whish we could have spent more time with you. Godspeed Sweet heart. All our love, Kathy and John

Susan Grillo

March 6, 2022

Sincere condolences. My cousin Cynny told me this sad news today and although I have never met you, my heart goes out to all the family and friends who loved Mary dearly. May many memories of good times together help to bring you peace and comfort during this difficult time. Love, Susan

Debbie Gorenstein

March 6, 2022

Mary student taught in my Riverdale classroom. She brought love, light, enthusiasm and laughter to the children. My heart goes out to her loving family. Mary touched my life.

Mike Bower

March 6, 2022

You will be missed Mary. RIP. Prayers of comfort and healing to the Family.

Angie Mitlehner

March 5, 2022

It was a gift to know Mary as a fellow book club member. She was fun-loving and kind, and I always loved listening to stories of her classroom, her family and her childhood. Wishing peace to all of her loved ones.

Cole

March 5, 2022

Mrs. Getty, alghough I will never be able to understand how someone can manage to do all of that in 55 years, your infinite kindness is inspiring. It´s been over a decade since I was in your classroom, but I can still feel the positivity that radiated through our classroom. Laughter was frequent, brought on by yours which was contagious. It is rare to meet someone who can spread love and positivity so easily. Your impact remains large, but the loss of your physical presence is hard to grasp. Thank you for filling our community with joy, Mrs. Getty.

Christina Maxwell

March 4, 2022

Mary, I write this as you are watching over all whose lives you touched from Heaven. My daughters are fortunate that you made a difference in their lives as their teacher, and I soaked up so much happiness and light from volunteering in your classroom. Though I will never understand why God called you back so soon, I rest assured that your memory and light will continue to shine down here on Earth and in the hearts of all whose paths crossed yours. You are greatly missed and mourned. Rest in peace, Mrs. Getty.

Legacy Remembers

Posted events

March 4, 2022

Mar

19

Memorial service

11:00 a.m.

St. Pius X Catholic Church

also live-streamed at: Stpius.org, Portland, OR

Mar

19

Memorial service

11:00 a.m.

St. Pius X Catholic Church

1280 NW Saltzman Rd, Portland, OR

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