Mary F Isaacson

1954 – 2023

The first child born to John and Anne Fiedler, Mary arrived at 6:06 AM on a cold January morning in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She was a happy child and was soon joined by three brothers. Her dream of a sister had to wait two decades until she 'sibling-adopted' Connie Brisco. Mary and Connie were lifelong adult friends and enjoyed the close bond of sisterhood.

Before the brothers arrived, the gravitational pull of family drew Mary and her parents back to the Puget Sound region. Mary attended Mirror Lake Elementary School and Lakota Junior High. She graduated from Federal Way High School and Whitworth College, majoring in education. Fifth-year courses at Seattle University completed her education and she received her teaching certificate, followed by many decades of teaching St Vincent de Paul School primary grades. Her entire career was spent at St Vincent, and she developed close relationships with parents, staff and other teachers. Mary enjoyed hearing from former students as they launched their adult lives. In addition to the St Vincent community, Mary was a 50-year member of Steel Lake Presbyterian Church and developed many friendships. She enjoyed leading bible studies and singing in the choir. Singing was a lifelong joy.

Marriage to David Isaacson resulted in the joy of Mary's life, their son Charlie. Perhaps Mary read the book Travels with Charlie; in any case, every summer Mary and her young son took road trips exploring the western states. Pacific Ocean beaches and Disneyland were popular destinations for both of them and these trips indulged Mary's 'kid at heart' personality. After Charlie grew up, Mary continued her love of travel with Connie, visiting college friends in eastern Washington and Idaho each summer.

Living in the same house for 30 years as a single mom, Mary was blessed by the kindness and help provided by many neighbors. Mary's father John came to live with Mary in 2014 and the two helped each other as he aged. They both enjoyed greeting the neighbors and being part of the community. The family thanks all of you who provided friendship, mowed the lawn and set out the trash cans. Dad died in 2018 and Mary continued to live in the house.

Mary bravely faced health challenges in her later years, especially during the last six weeks of her life. Her strong faith and the promise of the resurrection gave Mary a peace that passed all understanding. She inspired her family and caregivers. After release from the hospital, Mary entered Franciscan Hospice care. She was especially cared for and loved by her friend Anne Maina, owner of Adykam Adult Family Home. Mary's every need was attended to by Margaret, Anne, and Anne's daughter Yvonne. The family is so grateful for the excellent care and emotional support.

Mary will rest in peace at Old Tacoma Cemetery next to her parents and her beloved son Charlie. Friends and family are invited to remember Mary at a Memorial Service conducted by Steel Lake Presbyterian Church, date, time and location to be announced later.