Mary Showalter

Mary was born on February 16 in West Palm Beach, Florida, to Edward and Dolores Alexander. In the 1960s, the family moved to the San Francisco Bay Area, where Mary attended local schools and later became certified as a Pharmacy Technician.

In the early 1980s, she met her future husband, Steve, in an unexpected and memorable way, a blue jay flew into her apartment, and Steve, the neighbor next door, came by to help. That simple act became the start of a 40 year marriage.

After marrying, they moved to Texas, where Mary's passion for real estate took root. Their son, Alex, was born there. A later move to Oregon proved too rainy for her taste, so the family eventually settled in Tucson, Arizona, the place she would call home for the rest of her life.

Mary built a long and successful career in real estate, helping countless families find their homes and building lasting friendships along the way. She worked at Long Realty from 1997 until her retirement in 2020. At home, she filled every season with warmth and celebration, decorating for every holiday and preparing meals that brought loved ones together.

In her later years, Mary faced the challenges of dementia and Alzheimer's disease, which worsened after hip surgery in 2020. In May 2025, she entered memory care at Tucson Place at Ventana Canyon, and later hospice care in September. She passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 9, 2025.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Dolores Alexander. She is survived by her husband, Steve, son, Alex, "grand-puppy," Rocky, sister, Donna Baez, and brother-in-law, Victor, niece and nephew, Melissa and Sean.

The family wishes to express deep gratitude to everyone who offered kindness and support through Mary's illness, especially the caregivers and staff at Tucson Place at Ventana Canyon (with special thanks to Martell), the Tucson Medical Center Hospice team, as well as Angelina, Kellie, Sybil and all who shared their experiences with dementia and compassion along the way.

In keeping with Mary's wishes, no formal services will be held, and she chose cremation. Those who wish to honor her memory are invited to make a donation to a charitable organization or cause of their choice.

Mary will be remembered for her warmth, and dedication to family and home for the way she turned simple houses into homes for her clients and friends.