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About
Mary Proctor Obituary
Mary had a successful career as a telecommunications engineer from 1995 through 2012. She held a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Park University and a Master of Science in Computer Information Systems from St. Mary's University.
Mary enjoyed the opportunity to see the world via cruise ship. She was a veteran cruiser and had visited the Caribbean, Alaska, and the Mediterranean. For many years, Mary has enjoyed the great outdoors in her travel trailer or motor home.
An animal lover, Mary enjoyed the company of kitties, puppies, and maintained a large saltwater aquarium for many years. She will be remembered for her kindness and love for animals.
Mary is survived by her husband, Nathaniel Proctor, and siblings Sandra Coker, Kass Lynch, Shawn Kirkpatrick, and Kelly Kirkpatrick. She is preceded in death by her mother, Shirley Kirkpatrick, father, Gerald Kirkpatrick, and brothers Robert "Rock" Kirkpatrick and Timothy Kirkpatrick.
A service honoring Mary's life will be held at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery on March 20, 2024, at 1:15 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to a local animal care organization, as Mary had requested.
Mary Leigh Proctor will be dearly missed by all who knew her. May she rest in peace.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
Cindy B
March 15, 2024
I first met Mary about 20 years ago. She walked into day 1 of a Marketing class at St. Mary's, and quipped something humorous as she took her seat. I liked her immediately. Later, she asked the instructor why he was teaching when it was customary the first day for instructors to just pass out the syllabus and send students on their merry way. I had to get to know this person haha! During our time at St. Mary's, she always had candy to share. Chickostick and something else.
Life with Mary contained many stories of fun and caring. While visiting the Alamo, Mary approached a street preacher and began "interviewing" him. Where'd he come from, what made him preach, how long had he been doing it, and so on. And she really wanted to know. She was always curious about and genuinely interested in people. She would "interview" anyone.
While visiting NASA, sitting in the spectator's gallery outside the Control Room, a baby started crying and no one could hear the presentation. Mary raised her hand to ask the presenter if he would address the situation. She did it nicely, without anger or resentment. Everyone in that room was thinking it but only Mary had to courage to voice it. The young man's brain visibly short-circuited for a couple seconds, then he continued with his presentation as if Mary hadn't spoken but within a few minutes, the mother of the crying baby gave in to consideration for the rest of us and stepped out until she could quiet her child. Mission accomplished!
The first time she invited me to her house, she warned me not to wear dark clothing as she had several cats and dogs and I would get covered in hair haha. Over the years, she and Nathaniel would adopt many Persians, Himalayans, and the occasional regular cat and a dog here and there. I remember her telling me that cats are prima donnas who have dramas and intrigues amongst themselves all the time.
One of her best friends was also her cleaning lady and pet watcher. Mary used to complain (tongue in cheek) that her dogs loved J----- more than her because they would get so excited when she'd come over. "They never get that excited for me!" she'd say. J----- would take care of all the pets when Mary and Nathaniel would go on their trips and Mary claimed that the pets were disappointed when she and Nathaniel returned. She was joking of course; she loved J----- and appreciated how much love and attention J----- gave their pets.
Mary had a truly eclectic taste in music. The funniest was Rufus Wainwright's, "I Put My Cellphone on Vibrate for Youuuuu." She once left the Dirty Harry "Do you feel lucky" quote on my voicemail. I kept it for years but the last time I got a new phone, it didn't carry over. I was so mad.
Mary was the most open, honest and caring person I've ever known. I could write many more stories and still only scratch the surface of her kindness and compassion. And yes, she was funny as heck. She has been my best and most constant friend these last 20 years and I will miss her terribly.
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Cindy
March 12, 2024
I met Mary in Japan in November of 1978. We were roommates in the Air Forces for a bit until Nathaniel came over. I always enjoyed Mary's sense of humor. She always made me laugh. Sometimes she would say something off the wall I think just to see my reaction. Mary loved animals. I can remember her having at least 2 cats in Japan and one was named Marley. Whenever I talked to her on the phone I always asked how many animals she had. We continued our friendship in San Antonio, TX when I got stationed there. I also went down to visit once and had a great time. I went to a bunch of antique stores. I always sent a Christmas card every year because I considered her loving, kind and special friend. Her and Nathaniel came to visit me last May and I was so happy to see them. I am so glad they took the time to visit me. The visit meant a lot to me. I am deeply saddened by her passing.
Tasha Bishop
March 12, 2024
Almost every time Aunt Mary came to Illinois we would go to Avanti's together to pick food up. She was always so cool and I admired her. She liked kooky things sometimes. One time we posed for pics for her like we were in a horror flick. I have often wondered if she and Uncle Nat kept those pics. I will always remember her and cherish the memories I have of her.
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