Mary Estelle Mellady

1942 - 2014

Mary Estelle (Anderson) Mellady was born on October 8, 1942, and passed away peacefully on September 30, 2014, surrounded by her family. She graduated from Montabello High School and attended East Los Angeles Junior College. She met her future husband, Dave, in 1965 and they married the following year. Originally from Southern California, they moved to Tucson in 1979. Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Cecilia and Graham Anderson; her brother, Robert Anderson and her sister, Louise Zeko. She is survived by her husband, Dave; their six children, Patrick (Jeanette), Kathleen Buchanan (Mark), Tim (Shawna), Dan, Michael (Lisa) and Robert; her two brothers, Tom and Pat Anderson from CA and numerous nieces and nephews. Mary was very active in the Catholic Church and was a skilled rosary maker. Mary treasured her many life-long friends. She was a superb cook, a gracious hostess and welcomed everyone to her home. Mary had a lovely voice and could often be found singing along with her player piano. The greatest joy of her life was her family, spending time with her children, 25 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Mary especially loved holidays, they were filled with multiple generations of family, love, laughter, food, music and memories. The family would like to thank all of those showing support as Mary courageously faced declining health over the past few years. The outpouring of love, friendship and kind gestures shown from family, friends and her medical team have been overwhelming and appreciated. Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 5, 2014 at ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Avalon Chapel, 8090 N. Northern Ave., between 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 5150 N. Valley View Rd., at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, October 6, 2014. A private interment will be held at a later date for immediate family in Sierra Vista, AZ.