Mary Pyper

Shortly after the new year arrived, on January 2, 2026, our loving, thoughtful, beautiful mother, Mary Newman Pyper drew her final breath. Before she was our mother she was the beloved youngest child of Frank Edward Sr. and Anna Lucile Wright Newman. Mary was born on March 10, 1930, at their home in Ogden, Utah. She was welcomed by her doting older brothers, Frank Edward, Jr. and Parley Wright Newman and by her sister and lifelong confidant Analu Newman.

While growing up she loved playing with the neighborhood children and has always enjoyed socializing. She was well-liked for her warm, charming, sparkling personality and sharp wit.

Her seventh grade Latin teacher introduced her to the Saturday morning Metropolitan Opera Broadcasts to which she listened the rest of her life. Mary had a beautiful, strong soprano voice and loved singing in school, community and church choirs. She often traveled to various congregations to perform solos. Even at the end of her life, she would regale the residents of her care home with beautiful songs.

At Ogden High she was a member of the Carpe Diem social club and while attending the University of Utah she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. After completing her degree with top grades in elementary education, she graduated in 1952 and was recruited to teach 4th grade in San Leandro, California. After teaching for one year she returned to Salt Lake City and at a friend's wedding on September 5, 1953, she met Robert Paxman Pyper. After their first date the following Monday, they continued dating and were married in the Salt Lake Temple two and a half months later on November 25, 1953.

Bob and Mary moved to four cities in their first six years of marriage and their family grew with each move. Mary Denise was born in Boise, Idaho, and Robert Gerald was born in Pocatello, Idaho. When they returned to Salt Lake City, Craig Newman joined the family, and then Ann Louise became their first California girl born in San Mateo. Four years later their family was completed with the birth of Judith Lynn in Burlingame, California. After living in San Mateo for nine years, they moved to Pleasanton, California, where they lived for 49 years.

Mary was diligent in all her endeavors. She and Bob dedicated their lives to supporting their children in their sporting practices and games, music lessons and performances, and teaching their children to work hard and clean well. Mary also was a librarian at Harvest Park Middle School for twenty years. Mary loved serving in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including as Primary and Young Women's president. Her favorite calling was teaching singing to the children. Mary also loved serving at the Oakland Temple for many years.

Grandma Mary was a doting, playful, loving, helpful grandmother. She continued to support her children by being so available with her time and abundant energy to visit and help them as they reared their children. In return her grandchildren cherished and adored her.

Mary was predeceased by her husband, parents, and all of her siblings. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Denise and George Houghton, Robert and Susan Pyper, Craig and Valerie Pyper, Ann and Brad Botteron, and Judy and Roger Malmrose. She will be missed by her 16 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 11:00 am at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 E 1300 South, Salt Lake City, UT. A viewing will be held prior to the service beginning at 10 am. Interment at Sunset Lawn will be immediately following the service.